When Savannah Guthrie made her emotional return to Today in April 2026, viewers were quick to celebrate. After stepping away from the spotlight due to her mother’s shocking disappearance, Guthrie’s comeback was met with warmth, support — and a surprising wave of criticism aimed at Hoda Kotb.
Savannah’s Comeback Steals the Spotlight
Back on the anchor desk after two months away, Guthrie didn’t hide her emotions. Dressed brightly and ready to work, she told viewers it felt good to be “home” again — a sentiment echoed by co-host Craig Melvin.
Fans flooded social media with praise, applauding her strength for returning amid such a painful and unresolved personal situation. Her presence instantly brought back the familiar energy many viewers associate with the show.
But while Guthrie’s return was uplifting, it also had an unintended side effect: it reignited harsh opinions about Kotb.
Backlash Against Hoda Kotb
During Guthrie’s absence, Kotb stepped in to help keep the show running. However, not everyone appreciated her time in the spotlight.
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As Guthrie reclaimed her seat, some online commenters used the moment to take jabs at Kotb — questioning her popularity and even mocking her role both on and off the screen. A few critics suggested she had overstepped or enjoyed the spotlight a little too much, while others made personal digs that had little to do with her actual performance.
The tone wasn’t exactly subtle. For some viewers, Guthrie’s return felt like a “reset,” and Kotb became an easy target in the process.
A Friendship That Tells a Different Story
Despite the online noise, the reality between the two anchors paints a completely different picture.
Kotb was one of Guthrie’s biggest supporters during her return. She shared heartfelt posts on social media, cheering her on and reminding fans of their strong bond. The two have co-anchored Today since 2018 and have repeatedly spoken about their close friendship.
Guthrie once described Kotb as her “soul sister,” while Kotb has openly admired Guthrie’s talent and humility. Their chemistry on-screen has long been one of the show’s biggest strengths — regardless of outside speculation.
Holding Down the Fort
It’s also worth noting that Kotb didn’t just “fill in” — she helped maintain stability during a difficult period for the show. Stepping into a high-profile role under emotional circumstances isn’t easy, and her colleagues acknowledged that effort.
Even Craig Melvin publicly thanked her for keeping things running smoothly while Guthrie was away.
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The Bigger Picture
The backlash toward Hoda Kotb says more about online culture than it does about her actual popularity. In moments like this, public opinion can swing quickly — especially when audiences are emotionally invested in a returning figure like Savannah Guthrie.
In reality, both women continue to play important roles on Today. Guthrie’s return may have shifted attention, but it doesn’t erase Kotb’s contributions — even if some viewers seem quick to forget them.
Final Take
Guthrie’s comeback was always going to be a major moment. But the unexpected criticism of Kotb highlights how quickly narratives can change in the public eye.
Behind the scenes, though, the story is far less dramatic: two longtime colleagues, still supportive of each other, continuing to anchor one of America’s most-watched morning shows.
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