Jimmy Fallon is the rolling dice, or more accurately, the letters, on a brand-new Wordle TV show. NBC has ordered a pilot, teaming Fallon’s Electric Hot Dog production company with Universal Television Alternative Studio and The New York Times, which owns the wildly popular puzzle game.
The pilot is being filmed in the United Kingdom with The Today Show co-anchor, Savannah Guthrie, set to host. It’s a bold attempt to turn a quiet daily ritual into primetime entertainment. And if anyone can make five letters feel like high drama and hilarity, it’s Fallon.
Wordle first became an internet obsession in late 2021, with millions of players guessing the day’s secret word in six tries or less. Its charm lay in its simplicity: one puzzle daily, no flashy graphics, just the satisfaction of brains beating boxes.
Lessons from Turning Games into Shows
This isn’t the first time NBC has gambled on game-inspired programming. Just days ago, Netflix revealed its own plan for a Clue reality competition series, complete with classic characters, mansion mysteries, and challenges ripped from the board. Both network projects underscore a bigger television trend: turning familiar, nostalgic games into entertainment spectacles.
The appeal is obvious. People already know the rules, already feel connected, and already have opinions about how they play. However, the Wordle TV show faces a creative hurdle. How do you keep it thrilling for viewers at home when the core experience was designed for solo play? Too faithful to the original, and the pacing may drag. Too far removed, and fans may feel they’re watching Wordle at all.
Why Film the Wordle TV Show Pilot in the U.K.?
Although Jimmy Fallon and NBC are steering the project, the Wordle TV show pilot is being shot in the United Kingdom. The choice is more than a logistical quirk or coincidence.
The U.K. has a tradition of word and quiz shows like Countdown and Lingo, making it the perfect testing ground for puzzle-based television. It’s also a reminder of Wordle’s global reach: the game wasn’t an American-only fad.
Players around the world built Wordle into their morning routines, swapping results in chats and proudly sharing streaks. Testing the pilot across the pond could provide clues about how broad the appeal might be if the show goes to series.
Savannah Guthrie’s Hosting Role
NBC didn’t stray far when picking a host. Savannah Guthrie, already a household name through The Today Show, has been tapped to guide contestants through the letter-filled chaos. It’s a strategic move. Her warmth and authority balance Fallon’s brand of cheeky humor behind the scenes. By blending trusted broadcast energy with Fallon’s playful production style, NBC hopes to attract families as much as puzzle nerds.
Building Suspense with Letters
One of the most intriguing aspects of the Wordle TV show will be how producers create tension. In the game, you’ve got six guesses and a keyboard that lights up in green and yellow. That’s addictive when you’re the one solving, but it risks flatlining on TV. To fix this, the adaptation may lean on competition rounds, buzzer battles, and timed word reveals to keep momentum and engagement up.
The Times’ Puzzle Power Play
If the Wordle TV show succeeds, it could open the door to other puzzle properties jumping to the small screen. Imagine a Spelling Bee showdown, or a Crossword Challenge where teams race to fill in grids in real time.
When The New York Times scooped up Wordle in 2022, it was an investment in both a viral puzzle and cultural touchstone. The paper has since tapped into turning its puzzles into brand-builders, and television is the next frontier. With Fallon producing, Guthrie hosting, and the Times backing the format, it has star power and ambition to grab attention.