Just when Today Show fans thought they were still processing Hoda Kotb’s emotional return and Savannah Guthrie’s on-air confession, a new bombshell has rocked the Today family.

Carson Daly Shares His Candid Reaction To Hoda Kotb Leaving The Today Show: 'That Was My First Thought' | Cinemablend

In a surprise statement released late last night, Carson Daly, longtime host of PopStart! and co-anchor of Today’s fourth hour, has officially confirmed his exit from the program — down to the exact time and date.

📅 “My last day on TODAY will be Friday, June 28th, at exactly 9:55 a.m. ET,” Daly revealed in a social media video.
🕐 “It’s been a wild, beautiful ride. But it’s time.”

Now, fans are asking: What’s happening behind the scenes at NBC? And why are so many familiar faces stepping back at once?

🧨 The Shocking Timing

Daly’s announcement comes just weeks after Hoda Kotb returned from a mysterious four-month absence, during which little was disclosed beyond “personal family matters.”

Now with Daly’s departure locked in, insiders are calling it the biggest shakeup in NBC’s morning lineup since 2017, when Megyn Kelly briefly reshaped the schedule — and left just as quickly.

“This isn’t just one host,” said a source close to production. “This is a domino effect. And it’s not over.”

🎙️ What Carson Said in His Goodbye

Daly, who joined Today in 2013 and became a fan favorite for his laid-back energy and genuine interviews, recorded his farewell message from his kitchen — coffee mug in hand, visibly emotional.

“This job changed my life. I got to talk about the things that mattered — music, pop culture, people’s stories. But it’s time to prioritize my family, my health, and projects that let me sleep past 4 a.m.”

He also thanked Hoda, Savannah, Al Roker, and the Today crew for “more laughs and inside jokes than I can count.”

📉 Fans React: “What Is Going On at Today?!”

Carson Daly 'Selfishly' Doesn't Want Hoda Kotb to Exit Today | Closer Weekly

The internet didn’t take the news lightly. Within an hour, “Carson Daly,” “#TodayShakeup,” and “NBC Exodus” were trending nationwide.

“Carson too?! First Hoda disappears, now this? NBC better explain!” — @MorningNewsJunkie
“The best part of my mornings is leaving — one by one. Something’s going on.” — Reddit thread, r/TODAYshow
“Did NBC not learn from when they lost Ann Curry?!” — Instagram comment on Carson’s farewell post

🕵️‍♂️ Is Something Bigger Brewing Behind the Scenes?

Insiders are staying tight-lipped, but whispers of “creative tensions,” “leadership shifts,” and “schedule fatigue” are growing louder.

NBC recently announced a new development deal with a major Gen Z personality — sparking rumors that Today’s fourth hour might be headed for a full rebrand targeting younger viewers.

“The network is evolving,” one exec said off the record. “But the audience? They’re not ready to say goodbye to familiar faces.”

🎯 Where’s Carson Going Next?

Hoda Kotb leaves Carson Daly 'selfishly sad' as she plans 'Today' show exit

While Carson hasn’t confirmed his next role, rumors suggest he may focus on producing more unscripted shows, including music-based series and digital projects.

He’ll also continue working with The Voice, where he has served as host since its launch, and may return to radio in a high-profile weekend slot.

*“I’m not disappearing,” Carson assured fans. “I’m just turning the page.”

🗣️ NBC’s Official Response

In a brief morning statement, NBC wrote:

“Carson Daly has been a beloved member of the Today family for more than a decade. We support his decision to step back and thank him for the joy he’s brought millions of viewers every morning.”

No word yet on whether the network will replace him or restructure the fourth hour entirely.

❗DON’T MISS THE COMMENTS…

Fans, former hosts, and a few suspicious insiders are flooding the comment sections of Carson’s Instagram, NBC’s Facebook page, and Twitter/X threads with theories, tributes, and one recurring question:

“Who’s next?”

FINAL WORD: More Than a Goodbye?

Carson Daly 'Selfishly' Didn't Want Hoda Kotb to Leave 'Today' (Exclusive)

From Hoda’s absence and Savannah’s teary confession to Carson’s exit and the rumored arrival of a younger, flashier co-host, it’s clear: The Today Show is changing — fast.

Whether this is a strategic refresh or a sign of deeper fractures remains to be seen.

For now, fans are left with farewells, theories, and a countdown clock to 9:55 a.m. on June 28.