Sheinelle Jones’ move as the fourth‑hour co-host of the TODAY show has reportedly sparked a lot of reaction behind the scenes. NBC’s announcement that she will join Jenna Bush Hager permanently, with the newly titled “Today with Jenna & Sheinelle” debuting January 12, 2026, was merely a plan that insiders claim was in place long before the public heard it. However, insiders add that several celebrity guest hosts believed they were in serious contention when they were not.
Celebrity hosts were ‘convinced they had a real shot,’ amid Sheinelle Jones’ new position, per source
Rob Shuter’s #ShuterScoop exclusively reported that Andy Cohen, Brooke Shields, Tyra Banks, and others felt the network gave them hope they might land the role of the TODAY show co-host instead of Sheinelle Jones. One insider told Shuter, “We were all convinced we had a real shot — turns out we were just keeping the seat warm.” Another added, “It felt like NBC wanted us to think it was an open race. But it was Sheinelle from day one.”
However, Shuter noted that the network’s choice is in tune with Jones’ long history with the show. She joined the TODAY family in 2014 and has held several major positions, including co‑hosting the third hour and co‑anchoring Weekend Today.
Additionally, her promotion came after a painful year for her personally, and her return in September marked an emotional step forward. Now, stepping into this new role brings another.
Despite the frustration among celebrity hopefuls, fans reacted warmly to Jones’ arrival. One wrote, “Kudos to the Today show for giving her time with her family and this opportunity that waited for her when she was ready.” Another said, “This makes us so happy!”
Besides, insiders claimed NBC always wanted someone already rooted in the show’s culture and rhythm. With Jones stepping away from her duties on the 9 a.m. hour to take on this new chapter as a co-host, the network is preparing a new but familiar version of the fourth hour.
Originally reported by Ishika Mishra on Reality Tea
