NBC greenlights primetime Wordle game show adaptation for 2027 premiere

NBC has officially greenlit a primetime television adaptation of The New York Times' daily puzzle, Wordle, with the series scheduled to premiere in 2027. The announcement marks a significant expansion of the digital sensation into traditional broadcast entertainment, bringing the popular five-letter word game to a high-energy, collaborative viewing experience.

Savannah Guthrie will host the new series, which aims to translate the core elements of the online game into a broadcast format that emphasises teamwork and community engagement. The show will feature teams of three players competing to solve word puzzles within a fast-paced environment designed to mirror the way the online community engages with the daily challenge.

Production of the show is a collaboration between Universal Television Alternative Studio, The New York Times, and Jimmy Fallon's production company, Electric Hot Dog. Universal Television Alternative Studio is responsible for developing alternative and digital-first content for NBC, while Electric Hot Dog brings a history of producing game shows and variety content for the network.

Casting applications for player teams are currently open, with a submission deadline set for 8 PM ET on 29 May. The show format involves teams solving five-letter word puzzles in a high-energy, collaborative environment, inviting viewers to throw their hat in the ring to become part of the competition.

While reports from last year indicated that Electric Hot Dog was assisting NBC with the Wordle show pilot, this announcement confirms the full greenlight for the series. The concept aims to bring the community's habit of solving together, sharing wins, and debating strategies to life in a new arena, though specific details regarding prize structures remain unconfirmed in the primary source text.