The New York Times is poised to elevate the Wordle phenomenon by transforming the popular mobile word game into a televised game show, set to debut on NBC next year. This announcement was made on Monday by Savannah Guthrie, anchor of the "Today" show, who will host the new program alongside production partners from The Times and Jimmy Fallon, host of "The Tonight Show." The duo revealed that the show has been in development for two and a half years during the morning broadcast.
This upcoming game show is characterized as "fast-paced" and a "great family game," which marks a shift from the contemplative nature of the mobile version where players often spend time strategizing their next move. The collaboration between The Times and a television network for this entertainment venture signifies a new direction for the media company, as it seeks to enhance its digital subscription model amidst declining print revenues.
Wordle, created by Brooklyn software engineer Josh Wardle, gained immense popularity after its launch in October 2021. The New York Times acquired the game in January 2022, contributing to a surge in its user base, with "tens of millions" flocking to the platform. As of last year, NYT Games reported that users engaged with over 11 billion puzzles across all its games, a significant increase from 8 billion in 2023.
Filming for the new show is set to commence this summer, with NBC actively seeking contestants to participate in this exciting new format.
This innovative leap into television not only showcases the enduring appeal of Wordle but also reflects a broader trend in media, where interactive and engaging content continues to captivate audiences. As this development unfolds, it could redefine how traditional games are consumed and enjoyed, potentially paving the way for more interactive family entertainment in the future.
