Carson Daly is ready to see who will take over the fourth hour’s hosting chair on Today, but he’s in no rush to name a frontrunner. The longtime Today feature anchor says the show seems determined to keep a rotating lineup for the hour that has evolved from Today With Hoda & Jenna to Today With Jenna & Friends.
Daly, 52, shared that the network appears to want to keep the mix fresh and unpredictable. He has favorite guest cohosts, but he also likes the idea of a rotating cast. He recalled enjoying past appearances by Dwyane Wade and Erin Andrews and noted that Scarlett Johansson—a frequent fan favorite and described by Variety as one of the highest-grossing actors of all time—would be a dream guest, even if her price tag makes it impractical. “We can’t afford her, but she loves doing it,” he joked.
As for who could fill the seat, Daly suggested that Jenna Bush Hager has already demonstrated she can share the spotlight with a wide range of guests. The show has welcomed a variety of well-known names in the past, including Taraji P. Henson, Keke Palmer, Amy Poehler and, of course, a rotating slate of cohosts who keep the segment lively. The idea of a rotating host aligns with the sentiment Hoda Kotb shared when she announced her departure: the goal is to keep the energy high and the conversations engaging, with Daly noting that the right cohost simply needs to bring their own spark and a good sense of humor.
Kotb’s exit from the morning program has given Bush Hager and the team room to experiment, and Daly has embraced that approach. He quipped that whoever lands in the fourth-hour chair will have the easiest job in the world simply by being able to sit next to Bush Hager, whose charisma and energy elevate the segment. The emphasis, Daly added, is on keeping things light, fun and authentic.
Outside of the Today universe, Daly showed support for his friend Jeff Ross, the roast comedian launching a new one-man Broadway show. Ross, known as the “Roastmaster General,” uses jokes, memories, and candid storytelling to map his life and fight through personal challenges, including cancer. Daly underscored the importance of humor as a coping tool and said the show is a testament to resilience and friendship in hard times.
Overall, the current approach to Today’s fourth hour reflects a broader push in morning television to mix personalities, leverage humor, and keep conversations fresh while spotlighting a rotating roster of guest hosts. The format continues to hinge on chemistry, spontaneity, and a shared commitment to delivering upbeat, relatable morning moments.