After nearly a year of rotating guest hosts, the Today show has finally confirmed its next major move. Sheinelle Jones will officially join Jenna Bush Hager as the permanent co-host of the fourth hour, bringing stability, familiarity, and a renewed sense of warmth to the beloved morning show. The new era, titled Today with Jenna & Sheinelle, begins in January 2026. From the exact start date to why this pairing matters, here’s everything viewers need to know.
A New Chapter for the Today Show
The Today show has always evolved with its audience. Over the decades, anchor changes and format tweaks have helped it remain one of the most trusted and recognizable programs in morning television.
The fourth hour, in particular, has become its own space within the larger Today universe. Known for lighter conversations, celebrity interviews, and lifestyle content, this hour leans heavily on chemistry between its hosts.
With Sheinelle Jones stepping into a permanent role alongside Jenna Bush Hager, NBC is signaling that the show is ready to settle into its next long-term phase.
When Does Sheinelle Jones Officially Start?
Sheinelle Jones will officially begin her role as Jenna Bush Hager’s permanent co-host on Monday, January 12, 2026, airing live at 10 a.m. Eastern Time.
That date marks the official launch of the newly named Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. From that point forward, viewers can expect consistency in hosting after months of guest co-hosts filling the seat.
For fans who enjoy routine and familiarity in their morning viewing, this start date represents a return to structure.
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Why the Fourth Hour Needed a Permanent Co-Host
When Hoda Kotb stepped away from the fourth hour, the show entered a transitional period. Today with Jenna & Friends featured a rotating lineup of guest hosts, ranging from celebrities to fellow NBC personalities.
While the format brought variety, it also left some viewers craving a stronger sense of continuity. Morning television thrives on relationships — not just between hosts and guests, but between hosts and viewers.
By choosing a permanent co-host, NBC is restoring that long-term connection that helps morning shows feel like part of a daily routine rather than a temporary experiment.
Who Is Sheinelle Jones?
Sheinelle Jones is far from a newcomer to Today. She joined the NBC family in 2014 and has appeared in various roles across the show, from news segments to co-anchoring duties.
Known for her warmth, empathy, and natural storytelling style, Jones has built trust with viewers over more than a decade. Her presence feels familiar, which makes the transition smoother for longtime fans of the show.
Beyond her professional résumé, Sheinelle’s personal journey has resonated deeply with audiences, adding authenticity and emotional depth to her on-air presence.
Sheinelle Jones’ Journey Back to the Spotlight
In late 2024, Sheinelle Jones stepped away from the Today show to focus on her family during an incredibly difficult time. Her husband was battling a serious illness, and she prioritized being present for her loved ones.
When she returned in 2025, viewers welcomed her back with overwhelming support. That return wasn’t just a professional moment — it was a human one. Many fans felt emotionally invested in seeing her regain joy and purpose on screen.
Her promotion to permanent co-host feels like a natural continuation of that comeback rather than a sudden career shift.
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Jenna Bush Hager’s Role in the Transition
Jenna Bush Hager has been the anchor of the fourth hour since 2019, and her voice has helped define its tone: thoughtful, approachable, and emotionally open.
After hosting with rotating co-hosts for nearly a year, Jenna has spoken openly about wanting consistency and a genuine partnership. Choosing Sheinelle Jones reflects that desire.
The two share a similar on-air sensibility — conversational rather than performative — which helps the show feel less scripted and more like a real conversation viewers are invited into.
Why This Pairing Works
The success of morning television often comes down to chemistry, and that’s where Today with Jenna & Sheinelle has a clear advantage.
Both hosts bring:
- Warm, relatable communication styles
- Comfort discussing personal topics without oversharing
- Strong interviewing skills
- A calm, reassuring presence
Rather than competing for attention, their dynamic feels collaborative. That balance is especially important in a show built around everyday conversations rather than hard news.
What Will Change With Today with Jenna & Sheinelle
While the core format of the fourth hour will remain familiar, viewers can expect subtle shifts now that a permanent co-host is in place.
Likely changes include:
- More recurring segments tailored to both hosts
- Deeper, ongoing conversations rather than one-off discussions
- Stronger continuity from week to week
- A more defined show identity
The rotating guest format allowed experimentation. The new structure allows growth.
What Stays the Same for Viewers
Despite the name change and hosting update, much of what fans enjoy about the fourth hour will remain intact.
That includes:
- Celebrity interviews
- Book and lifestyle discussions
- Lighthearted moments mixed with meaningful conversations
- A focus on community and connection
The goal isn’t to reinvent the show — it’s to refine it.
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How Fans Are Reacting
Early reactions from viewers have been overwhelmingly positive. Many fans have expressed relief that the fourth hour now has a permanent co-host again.
Social media responses suggest that viewers appreciate:
- The familiarity of Sheinelle Jones
- The calm energy she brings to the screen
- Her existing rapport with Jenna
For audiences who value stability in their morning routines, this announcement feels reassuring rather than disruptive.
Why This Move Makes Sense for NBC
From a network perspective, this decision is strategic.
Sheinelle Jones:
- Is already trusted by the Today audience
- Requires no introduction or rebranding
- Fits seamlessly into the show’s existing culture
Rather than bringing in an outsider, NBC chose someone who already understands the rhythm, expectations, and emotional tone of morning television.
It’s a low-risk move with high potential reward.
How This Fits Into the Bigger Today Show Picture
The Today show has managed to remain relevant by evolving gradually rather than drastically. Hosting changes are part of that process.
Adding Sheinelle Jones as permanent co-host strengthens the fourth hour without disrupting the broader structure of the show. It reinforces the idea that Today values continuity, loyalty, and long-term relationships — both on screen and with its audience.
What Viewers Should Watch for on Day One
When Today with Jenna & Sheinelle premieres on January 12, 2026, viewers can expect a celebratory but comfortable debut.
There may be:
- On-air acknowledgment of the new chapter
- Reflections on the show’s evolution
- Lighthearted moments marking the transition
Rather than a flashy relaunch, the tone is expected to be warm and welcoming — in line with the show’s identity.
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FAQs
When does Sheinelle Jones officially start on Today?
She begins as permanent co-host on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. ET.
What is the new name of the fourth hour?
The show will be called Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
Who did Sheinelle Jones replace?
She fills the permanent co-host role following a year of rotating guest hosts after Hoda Kotb stepped away from the fourth hour.
Has Sheinelle Jones worked on Today before?
Yes. She has been part of the Today show since 2014 in multiple roles.
Will the format of the show change?
The overall format will stay familiar, but viewers can expect more consistency and deeper host chemistry.
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I’m Atul Kumar, founder of Cine Storytellers and an entertainment creator with 5+ years of experience. I cover films, celebrities, music, and OTT content with a focus on accurate, ethical, and engaging storytelling. My goal is to bring readers trustworthy entertainment news that informs, inspires, and goes beyond gossip.
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