The launch of Today with Jenna & Friends has brought major changes to the Today show’s fourth-hour format, but not everyone is thrilled with the new direction. 

With Hoda Kotb’s recent departure from co-hosting the segment, Jenna Bush Hager has taken center stage alongside a rotating lineup of celebrity guest hosts.

However, some viewers have voiced their frustration with Jenna’s hosting style, calling for a permanent change to the show.

From Hoda & Jenna to Jenna & Friends

For years, Today’s fourth hour was co-hosted by Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford, offering a lighthearted and entertaining blend of news, lifestyle topics, and personal anecdotes.

When Gifford left in 2019, Jenna Bush Hager stepped in, and the show was rebranded as Today with Hoda & Jenna.

Earlier this month, however, Jenna announced a major shift following Hoda’s exit from the program. Instead of introducing a permanent new co-host, the segment was reimagined as Jenna & Friends, featuring a different celebrity guest host each week.

During the first few weeks of the new format, Jenna welcomed several well-known co-hosts, including Taraji P. Henson, Eva Longoria, and Keke Palmer. This past week, Hollywood actress Scarlett Johansson took over as the show’s guest co-host, sparking a strong reaction from fans.

Mixed Reactions from Viewers

Despite the excitement surrounding the new format, not all fans have embraced Jenna’s solo hosting role. Some viewers have taken to social media to criticize her energy and delivery, with a handful describing her as “obnoxious” and suggesting that the show would benefit from a more balanced dynamic.

A number of fans have called for a permanent co-host to join Jenna, arguing that a steady partnership, similar to what she had with Hoda Kotb, would bring more cohesion to the show. Many longtime viewers believe that having a new guest host each week disrupts the chemistry and makes the show feel inconsistent.

One viewer commented, “Jenna is just too much on her own. The energy is overwhelming, and it’s clear the show needs another steady presence.” Another wrote, “Scarlett Johansson was great, but Jenna is exhausting to watch. Can we please get a permanent co-host?”

However, others have embraced the fresh format and enjoy seeing different celebrities join Jenna each week. Fans of the actress particularly loved Johansson’s presence, noting that she brought a calm and engaging energy to the show.

Scarlett Johansson Reflects on Her Time as Guest Co-Host

Despite the viewer divide, Scarlett Johansson seemed to enjoy her weeklong stint on Jenna & Friends. The actress, who is best known for her roles in Black Widow and Marriage Story, stepped into the morning show world with ease, engaging in lighthearted banter and heartfelt discussions with Jenna.

Johansson even reflected on her experience co-hosting, admitting that stepping into the role was a fun but different challenge. “It’s such a fast-paced environment, and Jenna is full of energy, which makes it so much fun,” she shared. “I have so much respect for the people who do this every day.”

Jenna also expressed her appreciation for Scarlett, praising her as a natural fit for the morning show format. “Scarlett was amazing. She brought such a fresh energy to the show, and I loved every moment of working with her,” Jenna said.

What’s Next for Jenna & Friends?

Despite the criticism, NBC appears committed to the Jenna & Friends format for now. Jenna herself has embraced the change, enjoying the opportunity to interact with a variety of co-hosts from different industries. However, whether the network will stick with rotating guest hosts or eventually name a permanent co-host remains to be seen.

With strong opinions on both sides, the future of the show is still uncertain. Some viewers are calling for a return to a more structured format, while others appreciate the unpredictability of the rotating guest lineup. As Jenna & Friends continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see whether the network listens to viewer feedback and makes further adjustments.

For now, Jenna remains at the helm, bringing her signature energy and enthusiasm to the fourth hour of Today. Whether fans love it or find it overwhelming, one thing is certain—Jenna is keeping morning television lively.