Savannah Guthrie‘s return to Today on Monday is expected to bring in a massive amount of viewers for the beloved morning show.
The much-adored host, 54, whose mother, Nancy Guthrie, was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home in February, will return to the NBC anchor chair on Monday, April 6. In a revealing new spread in Variety, experts predict that Guthrie’s return to the studio will draw big crowds.
“Monday’s Today may be one of the most-watched morning-news telecasts in recent memory,” the piece predicts.
🎬 SIGN UP for Parade’s Daily newsletter to get the latest pop culture news & celebrity interviews delivered right to your inbox 🎬
What Has Savannah Guthrie Said About Returning?
During a sit-down interview with her close friend and colleague, Hoda Kotb, Guthrie shared that she was apprehensive, but hopeful, about returning.
“I don’t know if I can do it,” Guthrie said last week to Kotb. “I don’t know if I’ll belong anymore, but I would like to try. I would like to try.”
Guthrie also shared additional information that previously hadn’t been shared with the public, including the fact that back doors to Nancy’s house were found open and that two ransom notes the family received are believed to have been real, the piece shared.
To view Gutherie’s discussion with Kotb, click below:
View this post on Instagram
Insiders told Variety that producers are prepared to “play it by ear,” trying to work segments around their suitability to Guthrie. That means potentially avoiding anything too dark or too light during show segments.
Advertisers are Eager for Guthrie’s Return
The piece continued by noting that advertisers are eager for Guthrie to come back to the show. Since sponsors are wary of political commentary, Today is viewed as a “valuable, trusted environment” that doesn’t take sides. Guthrie has the rare capability to do lighter segments with celebrities and athletes, as well as more complex topics that include legal issues and hard-hitting news, including an interview with President Donald Trump. Thus far, advertisers have been sympathetic to Guthrie’s experience as she navigates an impossible situation.
“I have not had one client pull or walk away,” the buyer told Variety.
Related: Savannah Guthrie Announces ‘Today’ Return Date After Mom Nancy’s Abduction
