The New York Times is officially expanding its digital puzzle empire into primetime television. On Monday, the publisher announced that the viral mobile sensation, Wordle, will be adapted into a televised game show airing on NBC.
A Star-Studded Production
“Today” show anchor Savannah Guthrie is set to host the program, with The New York Times and “The Tonight Show” host Jimmy Fallon serving as key production partners. During Monday’s 8:00 a.m. broadcast of the “Today” show, Guthrie and Fallon shared that the concept has been in active development for the past two and a half years.
From Mobile Puzzles to Primetime
Scheduled to premiere on NBC next year, the television adaptation is being marketed as a “fast-paced” experience designed for family viewing. This marks a distinct shift in tone from the original mobile game, which typically requires players to spend extended periods of quiet reflection as they deduce the correct word.
This venture represents a strategic milestone for The New York Times, marking its first-ever collaboration with a television broadcaster for an entertainment-focused program. The move highlights the company’s aggressive pivot toward building a sustainable digital subscription ecosystem as traditional print revenue streams continue to face downward pressure.
The Evolution of a Viral Phenomenon
Wordle originated as a grassroots online puzzle created by Brooklyn-based software engineer Josh Wardle in October 2021. Following its explosive popularity, The New York Times acquired the property in January 2022, a strategic move that immediately funneled tens of millions of new users into the publisher’s digital ecosystem. The growth has been substantial: according to NYT Games, users completed over 11 billion puzzles across its platform last year, a significant jump from the 8 billion puzzles recorded in 2023.
Casting Now Open
NBC is moving quickly to prepare for the series, with production on initial episodes slated to begin this summer. The network is currently accepting applications for contestants who wish to compete on the show.
About the Author
