The New York Times is betting that the cultural momentum behind Wordle has more room to grow. On Monday, the company announced it is partnering with NBC to turn the popular daily word puzzle into a televised game show, set to air next year.
A New Format for a Digital Phenomenon
The show, which has been in development for two and a half years, will be hosted by Savannah Guthrie, co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. Jimmy Fallon, host of “The Tonight Show,” will serve as a production partner alongside the Times. Guthrie and Fallon revealed the news during the 8:00 AM broadcast of the “Today” show on Monday.
The network is describing the program as a “fast-paced” and “great family game,” a notable departure from the original mobile game, which rewards careful, deliberate thinking over speed. NBC will begin filming episodes this summer and is currently accepting contestant applications.
A Strategic Pivot for The New York Times
This marks the first time the Times has collaborated with a television broadcaster on an entertainment-based program. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to build a sustainable digital subscription business as print revenue continues to decline. Wordle was acquired by the Times in January 2022 from its creator, Brooklyn-based software engineer Josh Wardle, who first released the game in October 2021. The acquisition brought “tens of millions” of new users to the Times’ growing games portfolio.
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According to the company, users played more than 11 billion puzzles across all NYT Games titles last year, up from 8 billion in 2023. The games division has become a significant driver of subscriber engagement and retention, making the leap to television a logical next step.
What This Means for the Industry
The transition from mobile game to television game show is relatively rare, but not historic. The move signals that the Times sees Wordle as a lasting franchise rather than a fleeting trend. For NBC, the show offers a ready-made audience and a proven format with built-in name recognition. For viewers, the key question will be whether the pressure of a timed, televised format can capture the same appeal as the solitary, meditative puzzle that millions play each day.
Conclusion
The Wordle TV game show represents a significant crossover between digital media and traditional broadcasting. With a respected news anchor at the helm and production support from a late-night comedy powerhouse, the show has strong credentials. Whether it can translate the quiet satisfaction of a daily word puzzle into compelling television remains to be seen, but the partnership reflects a growing trend of digital properties seeking new life on screen.
FAQs
Q1: When will the Wordle TV show premiere?
The show is scheduled to begin airing on NBC next year. Specific premiere dates have not yet been announced.
Q2: How will the TV show differ from the mobile game?
The show is described as “fast-paced” and family-friendly, unlike the mobile game which encourages thoughtful, unhurried play. Contestants will likely face time pressure in a studio setting.
Q3: Who is producing the Wordle game show?
The show is produced in partnership between The New York Times and Jimmy Fallon’s production company. Savannah Guthrie will host. NBC will broadcast the series.
