In the glittering yet cutthroat world of morning television, where smiles mask simmering tensions, Hoda Kotb has just pulled back the curtain on one of Today‘s most whispered-about rifts. During a surprise return to NBC’s iconic Studio 1A on September 9, 2025, the former co-host dropped a casual bombshell that has fans and insiders buzzing: she hasn’t tuned into Today with Jenna & Friends since her emotional exit in January. But the real jaw-dropper? Kotb’s veiled admission that “she’s always mean to her,” a pointed jab at Jenna Bush Hager’s on-air dynamic with contributors like the newly departed Donna Farizan, revealing layers of backstage drama that could reshape the show’s future.

Kotb, 61, who spent nearly three decades at NBC before stepping away to focus on her wellness brand Joy 101 and family life with daughters Haley, 8, and Hope, 6, reunited with her old crew amid laughter and hugs. Chatting with Bush Hager, 43, and Savannah Guthrie, Kotb gushed about hearing how well the fourth hour was faring post her departure. “It’s been going really, really well,” she said, only for Bush Hager to tease, “You pretend you’ve been watching!” Kotb’s honest reply—”I don’t, I don’t. But I hear it’s amazing!”—sparked chuckles on set, but off-air sources whisper it stung deeper. Insiders claim Kotb’s candor stems from months of observing the show’s evolving chemistry, particularly Bush Hager’s rotating “friends” era, which has seen over 50 guest hosts since January, from Eva Longoria to Tina Fey.

The plot thickens with Donna Farizan’s abrupt exit, announced just a day prior on September 8. After 12 years at Today—starting as an intern in 2013 and rising to key contributor on the fourth hour—Farizan, 34, bid a tearful farewell, citing a desire to “spread my wings” and “create my own map” via her empowerment series Own Your Power. On air, flanked by Bush Hager and Guthrie, she praised mentors like Kathie Lee Gifford, Kotb, and yes, Bush Hager. “The world of TV can feel overwhelming with no roadmap,” Farizan reflected in a heartfelt video letter to herself, “but I’m grateful for the school of these incredible women.” The send-off was all confetti and crew hugs, with Bush Hager declaring, “You will always be part of our family.”

Yet, behind the scenes, the narrative flips. Multiple production sources allege Farizan’s departure wasn’t purely aspirational but tied to escalating friction with Bush Hager. Farizan, known for her bubbly pop culture segments—from Universal’s Epic Universe rides to Medieval Times escapades—allegedly clashed with Bush Hager over airtime and creative control. “Jenna’s style is high-energy and personal, but it sometimes overshadows contributors,” one longtime staffer confided. Kotb, ever the peacemaker during her tenure, reportedly shielded Farizan from early tensions, but post-exit, the dynamic soured. Whispers of “mean girl” vibes—petty script tweaks, sidelined story pitches—culminated in Farizan’s quiet decision to leave, amplified by Kotb’s timely shade. “Hoda’s always protected the underdogs,” the source added. “Her comment? It’s code for ‘I see what’s happening.’”

This isn’t Today‘s first shake-up. Kotb’s January farewell, driven by a quest for work-life balance after parental leaves and personal milestones, left Bush Hager navigating solo waters. The former first daughter has leaned into vulnerability, likening guest-host dating to “swiping right on chemistry,” but ratings dips—down 15% in the demo since the rebrand—have fueled scrutiny. Farizan’s void adds pressure; her segments drew younger viewers with relatable flair, contrasting Bush Hager’s book-club polish.

As Jenna & Friends hunts for stability—a permanent co-host rumor swirls around names like Willie Geist or Regina Hall—Kotb’s visit underscores enduring bonds amid fractures. “I miss you guys like crazy,” she admitted, heart visibly aching. For Farizan, the horizon gleams with podcasts and speaking gigs, but the Today faithful wonder: Was this empowerment or escape? In TV’s pressure cooker, where loyalty clashes with ambition, one truth endures—behind every on-air glow-up lurks a shadow of unspoken grudges. Will Bush Hager address the elephant, or will the fourth hour’s “friends” list keep shrinking? Stay tuned; the morning’s just heating up.