Scarlett Johansson made waves during her hosting debut on the Today show, joining Jenna Bush Hager for the fourth hour of the program. 
As part of Today with Jenna & Friends, the acclaimed actress co-hosted the show starting January 21, bringing her signature charm and wit to the small screen.
Fans quickly flooded social media with praise for her performance, with many noting the undeniable chemistry between Scarlett and Jenna.
Scarlett’s debut episode kicked off with a fun game that allowed her and Jenna to get to know each other better.
The pair later welcomed special guest Nicole Scherzinger, former lead singer of the Pussycat Dolls, for an engaging interview.
Viewers were quick to shower Scarlett with admiration, describing her as a natural at hosting. Comments flooded the show’s official Instagram page, with one fan noting, “Scarlett got the assignment!!! Best show ever!!!” Another praised the dynamic duo, writing, “This has got to be the best show without Hoda [Kotb]. You and Scarlett Johansson have amazing chemistry.”
One viewer even joked, “Scarlett was so good!!! She did upstage Jenna though,” reflecting the strong impression she left on the audience.
Fans Call for Scarlett as Permanent Co-Host
Many fans expressed their desire to see Scarlett take on a more permanent role alongside Jenna. “Love you guys together!! You balance each other so well, she is a great cohost!” one commenter wrote, while another added, “I vote for Scarlett as the new cohost.”
A viewer echoed the sentiment, saying, “Fabulous duo… great chemistry.” As fans continued to heap praise on Scarlett’s performance, some went as far as suggesting that she should become Jenna’s full-time co-host.
While the public reaction was largely positive, Scarlett has faced some criticism, with rumors circulating that her decision to guest host stemmed from financial struggles. However, a source close to Scarlett dismissed these claims as “ridiculous.”
Speaking exclusively to DailyMail.com, the insider revealed that Scarlett was excited to try her hand at hosting, describing the opportunity as “a lot of fun.”
The source explained that Scarlett’s husband, comedian and Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost, often reviews news stories to prepare for his Weekend Update segment. This sparked her interest in experiencing the other side of news reporting.
“She thought it would be fun to be on the other side of it all since she’s usually the one in the news or being interviewed,” the source shared. “She wanted a new perspective and jumped at the chance when she was asked to do it.”
The insider also brushed off claims that Scarlett viewed the hosting role as beneath her. “The Today show is an institution,” they said. “If people think this is the worst thing she has ever done, then she feels like she’s in great shape.”
Exciting New Format
Today with Jenna & Friends premiered on January 13, launching a search for Jenna’s permanent co-host following Hoda Kotb’s departure.
The show has featured a rotating lineup of guest hosts, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. Scarlett Johansson’s turn as co-host is set to run through January 24.
The Today show’s producers are embracing this new format, inviting big names to join Jenna for what they’re calling “event television.”
According to the insider, the network plans to continue this approach until a permanent co-host is selected.
Fans Celebrate a New Era
Scarlett Johansson’s Today show debut has undoubtedly struck a chord with viewers, who are already calling for her return. Her poise, humor, and on-screen chemistry with Jenna Bush Hager have made her a standout addition to the lineup of celebrity guest hosts.
As Scarlett continues her hosting stint, fans will undoubtedly be watching closely, hopeful that the star might make her role a permanent one.
For now, though, Scarlett’s hosting debut has left an indelible mark, proving that her talents extend far beyond the silver screen.
