matt rogers

singluar Friday, October 17, 2025

“The Fans Have Spoken: Why Matt Rogers Is Becoming Jenna Bush Hager’s Leading Contender on Today

When daytime television fans talk, media executives listen. Recently, Jenna Bush Hager revealed a compelling behind‑the‑scenes tidbit: many Today with Jenna & Friends viewers are campaigning for comedian and podcast host Matt Rogers to become her permanent cohost.

This kind of fan-driven momentum is rare in network television. But in this case, it seems to be more than just casual chatter — there’s an underlying chemistry, timing, and narrative that make Rogers an irresistible option for the Today franchise.

The Moment That Sparked the Buzz

During the October 15, 2025, episode, Jenna mentioned how at an event celebrating her new publishing imprint’s first book, she encountered numerous mothers and daughters who gushed about Rogers. “Matt Rogers is their favorite,” she relayed on air. One mother even told Jenna, “We call each other during the show — and when your guest host is Matt, I always say, ‘Turn it up.’”

Jenna leaned into it: “Bring all your moms to fall in love with Matt,” she quipped. Rogers responded with humor, “Hey, moms!” and described his longtime affinity for connecting with adults (especially mothers) — joking that in high school, he'd be sent to chat with his friends’ moms while his friends sneaked off to mix drinks.

Their on‑air rapport, quick wit, and genuine laughs haven’t gone unnoticed by fans. Social media comments have been full of pleas: “@mattrogerstho for permanent host!!!!”; “When he’s on I watch the entire hour … their chemistry is perfect!”

Jenna’s acknowledgment of this grassroots support only amplified it — transforming viewers’ wishful speculation into a storyline that news outlets are now covering as a legitimate possibility.

What Matt Rogers Brings to the Table

To understand why Rogers is resonating, it's helpful to look beyond the fan outcry and at what he brings as a talent and personality.

1. A Voice for Pop Culture + Humor

Rogers is best known for Las Culturistas, the podcast he cohosts with Bowen Yang, where sharp cultural commentary and comedic flair dominate. That sensibility gives him an edge in navigating pop culture segments, trending topics, and lighthearted banter — all elements that fit well within Today’s fourth‑hour format.

2. Chemistry with Jenna

Television is largely about chemistry. For years, Jenna’s partnership with Hoda Kotb was cherished because of the warmth, balance, and genuine friendship they projected. Since Kotb’s departure (January 2025), Jenna has invited a rotating roster of guest cohosts, giving both her and the audience time to see who might gel best.

Rogers’ recurring guest stints have shown a natural, playful rhythm: he listens, supports, teases, and occasionally takes the mic — but never overshadows. That’s a delicate balance, and viewers are noticing. One fan commented, “OBSESSED with this duo … NBC needs to ‘give him the job’.”

3. A Bridge to Younger Audiences

Because Rogers already has a fan base (especially among podcast listeners and pop culture enthusiasts), his presence could help Today with Jenna & Friends reach broader, younger demographics. Viewers who might not normally tune in to daytime TV may tune in just to see what he’s up to.

4. Flexibility & Freshness

As a guest host, Rogers brings freshness. He has fewer legacy expectations or formal constraints than a permanent cohost might. He can experiment, improvise, and lean into more playful energy — a quality many fans say energizes segments. That said, transitioning to a full‑time role would require adapting to daily demands, structure, and consistency.

Challenges & Considerations

Of course, becoming a permanent Today cohost isn’t simple. For Rogers, some potential hurdles and considerations include:

1. Long‑term commitment vs. Freelance Flexibility
Media figures like Rogers often juggle many projects — acting roles, podcasts, appearances, etc. A full‑time hosting gig demands daily presence, promotional obligations, and a certain level of constraint on outside opportunities. Some fans already speculate whether Rogers even wants the job.

2. Maintaining Tone & Format
Today viewers value a balance: uplifting stories, emotional resonance, news, lifestyle segments, interviews. Rogers will need to navigate (or already can navigate) segments that require seriousness — not just humor. And because Jenna’s brand skews toward warm friendliness, a cohost needs to complement, not clash.

3. Internal Decisions & Network Strategy
Ultimately, NBC must consider ratings, brand alignment, advertiser preferences, and the broader Today ecosystem (which includes multiple hours, hosts, and personalities). Even if fans demand Rogers, the network must ensure a host fits all strategic parameters.

Why This Moment Feels Right

Timing is everything. Several contextual factors make this the right moment for Rogers to ascend:

Kotb’s Exit Leaves a Gap
When Hoda Kotb exited, the Today franchise lost a key anchor point. Jenna’s show — rebranded as Today with Jenna & Friends — has accommodated guest hosts since then. But fans and critics alike have been waiting for the “next permanent face.”
Audience Engagement Has Risen
Fan engagement around Rogers feels unusually passionate and organized. This isn’t just casual fandom; it feels like a movement. In today’s social media era, networks take notice when audiences mobilize around talent.
Jenna Has Shown Openness
Jenna hasn’t hidden her awareness of the buzz — she mentions fans saying “Matt is their favorite” and teams up in fun banter around it on live TV. That kind of openness signals she’s not only receptive, but possibly supportive of the idea.
Broad Appeal
Rogers has enough gravitas (via past acting roles and cultural commentary) to handle serious segments, but he also brings humor and relatability. That kind of flexibility is rare, and it hedges the risk of going too niche.

What Fans, Media, and Jenna Should Watch For

If this story continues to develop, here are key indicators to watch:

Network Announcement or Leaks
Often, insiders hint or leak final candidates. If NBC begins promoting Rogers more heavily, or internal sources drop names, that’s a strong signal.
Ratings Bump on Guest Weeks
If the week(s) Rogers cohosts lead to noticeable ratings increases, that becomes quantitative ammo in his favor.
Longer Guest Stints or Repeats
If Rogers keeps being invited back (e.g., more weeks, recurring appearances), that may suggest testing phase toward permanency. Already he’s had multiple guest stints earlier this year (May, August, October) .
Jenna’s Comments in Interviews
If in future interviews Jenna speaks more directly about the ideal cohost — listing traits, saying she “needs someone like Matt” — that’s suggestive of her preference or inclination.
Audience Campaigns & Social Pressure
When a network senses that a vocal portion of the audience strongly favors one person, it can’t ignore that energy entirely.

Final Thoughts: The Right Fit, the Right Time

In a landscape where morning shows often feel formulaic, Jenna and Matt are injecting personality, authenticity, and fun. The fact that fans are clamoring for Rogers is testament to the chemistry already on display — and to the craving for hosts who feel real, grounded, and warm.

It’s not guaranteed Rogers becomes the permanent cohost. He may decline, or NBC might favor a more established news anchor. But even if he doesn’t take the job, this moment reflects a shift: audience voices now drive more of the conversation around who gets to sit at the Today table.

If NBC and Jenna choose wisely, they might just give the people what they already want. And if that ends up being Matt — well, the fans may just end up getting their wish.