The New York Times is officially expanding its viral word puzzle beyond the smartphone screen. The media giant announced on Monday that it is partnering with NBC to transform Wordle into a televised game show, with plans for the program to debut next year.
A Star-Studded Production Partnership
The announcement, made during Monday’s 8:00 a.m. broadcast of the “Today” show, confirmed that anchor Savannah Guthrie will serve as the host. The production will be a collaborative effort between The New York Times and the team behind “The Tonight Show,” led by Jimmy Fallon. According to the hosts, the project has been in active development for the past two and a half years.
Transitioning From Mobile to Primetime
While the original digital game is known for its contemplative, slow-paced nature, the upcoming television adaptation promises a different experience. Producers describe the show as “fast-paced” and tailored as a “great family game,” aiming to capture a broader audience than the standard daily mobile puzzle.
This initiative marks a significant milestone for The New York Times, representing its first-ever collaboration with a television broadcaster for an entertainment-focused program. The move is a strategic pivot as the company continues to diversify its digital subscription model amidst the ongoing decline of traditional print revenue.
The Evolution of a Viral Phenomenon
Wordle originated in October 2021 as an independent project by Brooklyn-based software engineer Josh Wardle. Following its rapid rise in popularity, The New York Times acquired the game in January 2022, a move that successfully funneled tens of millions of new users into the company’s gaming ecosystem.
The engagement metrics remain impressive. According to NYT Games, users completed more than 11 billion puzzles across its platform last year, a sharp increase from the 8 billion puzzles recorded in 2023.
Casting Now Open
Production for the game show is scheduled to begin this summer. NBC is currently actively searching for participants, and those interested in competing can apply through the official casting portal.