5 Shocking Changes And New Friends That Define The 'Today Show With Jenna And Friends' Era

The landscape of America's favorite feel-good morning television has undergone a monumental shift, and the "Today Show with Jenna and Friends" is at the epicenter of the change. As of this current date, December 15, 2025, the show—the beloved fourth hour of the iconic Today Show—is navigating a new era defined by a major co-host departure and the exciting introduction of a permanent "friend" to the desk. This transition has captivated audiences, who are eager to understand the new dynamics, the revolving door of celebrity guest co-hosts, and the future direction of the inspiring, heartfelt talk show.

The program, officially titled Today with Jenna & Friends, emerged following a significant shake-up at NBC. It represents a fresh, evolving format designed to keep the show's signature warmth while embracing a rotating cast of powerful, engaging personalities. This article dives deep into the five most critical updates and behind-the-scenes details that are shaping this new chapter of the show, from the emotional farewells to the official, long-awaited co-host announcement.

Jenna Bush Hager: Biography, Career, and The New Era Host

Jenna Bush Hager, the anchor of the newly branded show, brings a unique blend of political legacy, journalistic integrity, and relatable motherhood to the screen. Her journey from the White House to Studio 1A is a story of successful reinvention and genuine connection with the audience.

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• Full Name: Jenna Welch Bush Hager
• Date of Birth: November 25, 1981
• Place of Birth: Dallas, Texas
• Parents: George W. Bush (43rd U.S. President) and Laura Bush (Former First Lady)
• Twin Sister: Barbara Pierce Bush
• Education: University of Texas at Austin (English)
• Career Highlights: Former teacher, author, editor-at-large for Southern Living magazine, and NBC News correspondent.
• Today Show History: Joined Today in 2009; became the co-host of the fourth hour (then Today with Hoda & Jenna) in April 2019, succeeding Kathie Lee Gifford.
• Signature Segment: "Read with Jenna" Book Club, which has become a major force in the publishing world.
• Current Role: Host of Today with Jenna & Friends (now Jenna & Sheinelle).

Her transition to the lead host following the departure of her longtime co-host marks the most significant professional shift in her television career, solidifying her as a central figure in NBC's daytime programming lineup. Her ability to pivot and maintain the show's signature warmth has been praised by both fans and critics alike.

The Permanent Co-Host Reveal: Sheinelle Jones Steps Up

The biggest news surrounding the Today with Jenna & Friends format in late 2025 was the official announcement of a permanent co-host. After months of speculation and a revolving door of talented guest hosts, NBC confirmed that Sheinelle Jones would be joining Jenna Bush Hager full-time in the fourth hour.

This announcement, made in December 2025, was met with widespread celebration from fans and fellow Today Show colleagues. Jones, a familiar face as a co-anchor of the Today Show’s 3rd Hour, already has a deep, established chemistry with Hager. Her natural warmth, journalistic experience, and infectious laugh make her a perfect fit for the segment's focus on feel-good stories and authentic conversation. The move is expected to stabilize the show's lineup and potentially lead to a new name, such as Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, in the coming months.

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The decision to formalize Jones’ role came after a period where she frequently appeared as one of the rotating "friends," proving her ability to connect with the host and the audience on a personal level. This strategic move ensures the fourth hour retains a familiar, beloved face from the Today Show family while injecting new energy into the format.

The End of an Era: Hoda Kotb's Emotional Departure in 2025

The primary catalyst for the new Jenna and Friends era was the planned departure of Hoda Kotb from the fourth hour, scheduled for early January 2025. Hoda's exit was an emotional moment for both Jenna and the millions of viewers who had tuned in daily for the duo's infectious energy and "heartfelt connection." The partnership between Hoda and Jenna had become synonymous with morning talk show success, known for its candid discussions on life, family, and friendship.

While Kotb is not leaving the Today Show entirely—she continues her role as co-anchor of the main two hours—her decision to step back from the fourth hour created a massive void. This change led to the temporary rebranding as Today with Jenna & Friends, a format designed to test chemistry with various guest co-hosts before settling on a permanent partner.

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The transition highlights NBC's strategy to maintain the show's unique spirit, which thrives on genuine, unscripted moments. The emotional goodbyes and the subsequent search for a new co-host became a major storyline for the show throughout late 2024 and 2025, keeping viewer engagement high and demonstrating the deep professional and personal bond between the two hosts.

The Rotating Cast of 'Friends': Who Stepped In?

The "Friends" concept was a brilliant interim solution that allowed the show to maintain its high-energy, conversational style while the network searched for a permanent replacement. This rotating cast of guest co-hosts brought a diverse range of perspectives and celebrity power to the 10 a.m. slot.

Notable "Friends" who have graced the Today with Jenna & Friends desk include:

• Brooke Shields: The actress and model brought her signature wit and elegance, even experiencing a viral moment when she had a chair mishap live on air.
• Willie Geist: A fellow NBC colleague, Geist provided a familiar, comforting presence and a different dynamic as a male co-host.
• Craig Melvin: Another Today Show anchor, Melvin’s appearances were particularly notable as he was also announced to be replacing Hoda Kotb alongside Savannah Guthrie on the main Today program, starting January 13, 2025.
• Maria Shriver: Her appearances brought a depth of experience in journalism and public life.
• Meredith Vieira: A former Today Show host, her return was a nostalgic treat for longtime viewers.

This format, while temporary, successfully kept the show fresh and unpredictable. It allowed the production team to gauge audience reaction to different personalities, a crucial step in the process that ultimately led to the selection of Sheinelle Jones.

The Future of the Fourth Hour: Stability and Topical Authority

With Sheinelle Jones officially stepping into the permanent co-host role, the Today Show's fourth hour is poised for renewed stability after a period of significant change. The show has always excelled at delivering "impactful stories" and inspiring content, a tradition that will undoubtedly continue with the new duo.

The focus moving forward will likely be on deepening the show's topical authority in key areas, including:

• The "Read with Jenna" Book Club: This remains a powerhouse segment, driving book sales and cultural conversation, and will continue to be a cornerstone of the program.
• Authentic Life Discussions: Both Hager and Jones are known for their candidness about motherhood, marriage, and self-acceptance, creating a safe space for viewers to connect with their personal journeys.
• Celebrity and Lifestyle: Continued appearances by big stars and segments focusing on fashion, beauty (like the popular "Makeup by Mario" segment), and travel will keep the show relevant to a broad daytime audience.

The transition from Hoda & Jenna to Jenna & Friends and now, essentially, to Jenna & Sheinelle, is a testament to the enduring appeal of genuine connection in morning television. The show continues to air weekdays at 10 a.m. ET on NBC, promising more feel-good moments and big-star interviews in its exciting new chapter.