NYT’s Wordle Gets a TV Makeover: New Game Show Coming to NBC
The New York Times is turning its hit mobile word game, Wordle, into a televised game show on NBC. Hosted by Savannah Guthrie and produced with Jimmy Fallon, the fast-paced show aims to bring the fun of Wordle to families nationwide.
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The New York Times is taking the popular word game, Wordle, to the next level—literally! On Monday, it was announced that the beloved mobile puzzle will be transformed into a televised game show airing on NBC. Savannah Guthrie of the “Today” show will helm the affair, while Jimmy Fallon, known for his production skills and wit, will serve as a production partner.
During today's 8:00 AM broadcast, Guthrie and Fallon shared that this project has been in development for over two and a half years. The show is set to debut on NBC next year, with filming beginning this summer. Contestants are currently being sought after, adding an exciting new dimension to the game.
From Mobile to TV
Wordle's journey began as a simple online puzzle in October 2021 when software engineer Josh Wardle released it. The game quickly gained traction and, in January 2022, The New York Times acquired it for its expanding games business. Almost immediately, this acquisition brought tens of millions of new users to the NYT platform.
As of last year, according to NYT Games, more than 11 billion puzzles were played across all their games over the course of the year, marking a significant increase from 8 billion in 2023. This growth underscores the game's popularity and its potential as a new form of entertainment.
A New Chapter for The Times
This move represents another strategic pivot for The New York Times, aiming to capitalize on digital subscription growth while print revenues continue to decline. By collaborating with NBC, the media company is expanding into a different realm of entertainment, potentially appealing to a wider audience.
