NBC greenlights primetime Wordle game show for 2027 debut
Production is scheduled to commence later this year, marking a major expansion for the digital sensation into broadcast entertainment.
NBC has officially greenlit a primetime game show adaptation of The New York Times' Wordle puzzle, marking a significant expansion for the digital sensation into traditional broadcast entertainment. The series will be produced through a collaboration between Jimmy Fallon's Electric Hot Dog, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and The New York Times, with production scheduled to commence later this year.
Savannah Guthrie, co-host of the Today Show, has been confirmed as the host of the series. The production team noted her enthusiasm for the game, citing her skill and deep familiarity with the puzzle format as key factors in her selection. This partnership builds on The New York Times' history with the property, which was created by Josh Wardle, debuted online in 2021, and acquired by the newspaper in 2022.
The show will feature squads of competitive players solving five-letter word puzzles for a cash prize. The format emphasises a teamwork element, designed to mirror the way the online community engages with the daily challenge. According to a press release from The New York Times, the concept aims to bring the community's habit of solving together, sharing wins, and debating strategies to life in a high-stakes arena.
The New York Times stated it carefully considered its production partners for the project. Electric Hot Dog was selected for its established track record in game shows, having previously produced Password and That's My Jam. The studio also brings a game-centric focus to The Tonight Show through segments such as Lip Sync Battle and Box of Lies, suggesting a strong capability to translate digital engagement into live television.
Prior to this television adaptation, Wordle has already expanded into an official Hasbro board game, a VR app, and numerous unofficial variants. Despite the excitement surrounding the announcement, the specific title of the television series has not yet been disclosed by the producers.
Production is set to begin later this year, with the show scheduled to debut on NBC in 2027. While the exact mechanics of the teamwork element and the structure of the cash prize remain unconfirmed, the project represents a major step forward for the franchise.
