The viral word game Wordle, now under The New York Times umbrella, will soon appear on television. NBC has approved a nighttime competition program inspired by Wordle, which will be developed by Jimmy Fallon's Electric Hot Dog production company, Universal Television Alternative Studio, and The New York Times. Organizers describe the program as innovative and quick-moving, with longtime Wordle enthusiast and Today program co-anchor Savannah Guthrie serving as host.
Similar to its digital counterpart, the television adaptation will center on deciphering five-letter words, while adding a collaborative twist. The New York Times explained in an announcement that the format draws from the puzzle's community interactions, such as collective problem-solving, celebrating successes, discussing tactics, and supporting participants. This interactive approach will be showcased as top dedicated and fierce competitors join forces in groups to compete against rivals in the Wordle competition space, vying for a substantial monetary reward.
The New York Times mentioned that it thoughtfully selected its collaborators. It highlighted that Jimmy Fallon's outfit is behind programs like Password and That's My Jam, and it infuses gaming into The Tonight Show through segments including Lip Sync Battle and Box of Lies. As for Savannah Guthrie, The New York Times' Caitlin Roper noted that she is a big fan of Wordle and excels at the game.
Josh Wardle developed Wordle, which launched in 2021 and was acquired by The New York Times the following year. The puzzle has spawned an authorized board game from Hasbro, a virtual reality application, and various unauthorized adaptations. Filming for the TV version is scheduled to begin later this year, with a premiere planned for 2027.