Just over a month has passed since Hoda Kotb said goodbye to The Today Show and entered retirement. 

However, despite stepping away from her longtime role, she has remained active, collaborating with Joanna Gaines on a new Today follow-up project. 

Meanwhile, Today appears to be thriving post-Kotb, with Craig Melvin stepping in as co-anchor and ratings seeing a noticeable uptick.

With the show drawing in more viewers, many are left wondering how Kotb feels about the situation. 

After dedicating nearly two decades to Today, reports suggest that the ratings surge following her departure has been difficult for her to process.

How Today Is Performing Without Hoda Kotb

Since Kotb’s departure, Today has seen a rise in viewership. Nielsen data from the week of January 13—the first full week without Kotb—indicated that the show pulled in 2.8 million total viewers, surpassing Good Morning America in the key 25-54 demographic with 698,000 viewers.

While this improvement may seem like a positive shift for Today, sources claim it has been an emotional adjustment for Kotb. She reportedly believed that the overwhelming support she received upon leaving reflected the vital role she played in the show’s success. However, with Today now performing slightly better without her, there are rumors that she has questioned whether she was part of the reason the show had previously lagged behind its competitors.

It’s important to note that this speculation remains unconfirmed. Several factors could have contributed to the increased ratings, including audience curiosity about how the program would function without one of its most recognizable faces. Craig Melvin is a familiar figure on Today, but viewers may have tuned in to witness how he would settle into his new co-anchor role.

Hoda Kotb’s New Routine and Life After Today

One of the main reasons Kotb decided to step away from the show was to spend more time with her daughters. Reports suggest that life at home has been a major adjustment for her, but she is embracing her new reality. Insiders claim that Kotb is now living a more relaxed lifestyle, no longer dressing up for high-profile meetings in New York City but instead enjoying the simple joys of parenthood—running errands in comfortable clothes and focusing on her children’s daily activities.

While she may not be on Today every morning, Kotb remains engaged in television projects. Her upcoming collaboration with Joanna Gaines indicates that she is still finding ways to stay connected to her audience, even outside of her former role on the NBC morning show.

Could Kotb Make a Today Comeback?

Although Kotb has officially stepped down from Today, it wouldn’t be surprising if she made occasional guest appearances. Given her longstanding bond with Jenna Bush Hager, there is speculation that she might stop by Today with Jenna & Friends in the future. This would not only provide fans with a nostalgic reunion but also allow Kotb to maintain a presence on the show without the full-time commitment.

Today has experienced anchor departures before, and the show has always adapted to these changes. While the current transition may still feel fresh, it is likely that both the cast and audience will gradually adjust to this new chapter.

Looking Ahead

As Kotb navigates this next phase of her life, it remains to be seen how she will balance family time with future professional endeavors. Though reports suggest she has mixed emotions about Today’s post-exit success, her legacy on the show is undeniable.

Meanwhile, Today continues to move forward with strong ratings and a refreshed energy. With Craig Melvin stepping up as co-anchor, the show is shaping a new identity while still maintaining the warmth and reliability that audiences have come to expect.

For now, both Kotb and Today are entering a period of transformation. Whether or not she returns to the morning show in some capacity, her impact on Today remains significant, and fans will surely be eager to follow her next steps.

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