Jenna Bush Hager has never been one to shy away from playing cupid
whether it was for her former co-host Hoda Kotb or now for her latest guest, Saturday Night Live’s Ego Nwodim.
While Kotb may have retired from Today With Jenna & Friends, Bush Hager is still in full matchmaking mode, vowing to find the perfect date for Nwodim.
Jenna Bush Hager Takes On a New Matchmaking Challenge
Throughout Kotb’s time on Today, Bush Hager made it clear she was heavily invested in her love life.
Now, with Nwodim guest-hosting for the week, she’s set her sights on helping the SNL comedian find romance.
During Thursday’s (Feb. 6) episode, Bush Hager playfully brought up the idea of setting Nwodim up with someone. “Okay, I hope it happens. Off camera, you’re gonna find someone for me,” Nwodim responded, seemingly amused by the idea.
But Bush Hager wasn’t content with keeping things private—she had a bigger plan in mind. In an unexpected move, she turned to the camera and directly addressed the audience, enlisting their help in the search. “And you guys, viewers, if you have somebody, send it in!” she announced.
Nwodim, caught off guard, laughed at Bush Hager’s bold approach. “I don’t know,” she said, hesitating for a moment before adding, “I mean, send them to Jenna. Jenna, you’re gonna have to do the vetting.”
Jenna Promises a Thorough Vetting Process
Bush Hager reassured Nwodim that she would take the matchmaking process seriously. “[I’ll] make sure they don’t have a record or anything. And then we’ll put them together,” she joked.
The exchange added yet another memorable moment to Nwodim’s week-long stint on Today With Jenna & Friends. However, her time on the show is coming to an end, with more SNL stars set to take over in the following week.
More SNL Stars Set to Guest Host Next Week
As Saturday Night Live gears up for its 50th-anniversary celebration, Today With Jenna & Friends is bringing in even more familiar faces from the iconic sketch comedy show.
Starting next week, the guest lineup will include SNL legends Amy Poehler, Ana Gasteyer, and Cheri Oteri, as well as current cast members Mikey Day and Chloe Fineman.
While Bush Hager expressed her excitement for the upcoming guests, she made it clear that Nwodim would be missed. “We don’t want you to leave, but we had so much fun hanging with an SNL star,” she told her co-host.
Who Will Permanently Replace Hoda Kotb?
As Bush Hager continues welcoming guest hosts, the big question remains: Who will permanently fill Kotb’s seat?
One name that has gained considerable attention is Scarlett Johansson. The Hollywood star has proven to be a hit with audiences and even received Kotb’s stamp of approval.
Johansson herself has expressed enthusiasm for the role, calling her time on Today her “favorite job” she’s “ever had.” She even hinted that she may return as a guest host again in March.
Whether Johansson or another high-profile celebrity steps in as a permanent co-host remains to be seen. For now, Bush Hager is enjoying her rotating roster of co-hosts—and, of course, her ongoing efforts to play matchmaker.
As for Nwodim, time will tell if Bush Hager’s call to action brings in a potential suitor. But if history is any indication, Bush Hager isn’t one to give up easily when it comes to matters of the heart.
