Sources claim Today Show workplace tensions emerge as Savannah Guthrie makes emotional return during the continued search for her missing 84-year-old mother Nancy
The Today Show has been described as a “viper’s nest” during Savannah Guthrie’s absence as the search for her 84-year-old mother continues.
On Friday, March 6, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department and the FBI entered their 34th day of searching for the Today Show host’s mother. Authorities have yet to disclose any significant breakthroughs regarding potential suspects, and after encountering challenges with DNA evidence, they are likely turning their attention to digital forensics, including cell-tower data and cloud-stored online footage.
Savannah made an emotional return to NBC’s Studio 1A at Rockefeller Center on Thursday, March 5, reuniting with her colleagues and expressing gratitude for their unwavering support following Nancy’s disappearance. Whilst many became emotional and embraced her warmly, others might not have welcomed her return.
READ MORE: Former FBI agent says public will be ‘underwhelmed’ when Nancy Guthrie suspect is caughtREAD MORE: Nancy Guthrie case hits 34-day dark milestone as daughter Savannah returns to Today show
A new Daily Mail report suggests that America’s most-watched morning TV show might be cutthroat behind the scenes. Multiple sources have told the outlet that many at the network hoped Savannah would never come back.
“It’s a viper’s nest. Even if you’re suffering,” one said.
Savannah, 54, hurried to Tucson, Arizona, where her family resides, in early February after her mother Nancy vanished from her Catalina Foothills neighborhood on February 1. Throughout the search for their mom, Savannah and her two older siblings, Cameron and Annie Guthrie, have appeared in numerous videos, making direct appeals to their mother’s potential abductor, begging for clues or signs of life.
Now, Savannah and her family are offering a $1 million reward for information that leads to Nancy’s safe return.
Several of Savannah’s colleagues, including Today’s Craig Melvin, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Jenna Bush Hager, have consistently worn small yellow ribbons as a sign of unity with the Guthrie family. In Tucson, the color yellow has become a beacon of hope as law enforcement tirelessly pursues every lead in their investigation. Many neighbors and supporters have adorned Nancy’s home with yellow flowers.
However, NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas faced backlash for allegedly not showing support for Savannah, as he initially did not wear the ribbon. But, he began wearing one on February 24.
“As we cover this – and if you’re an NBC News viewer, you usually watch these special nights – Savannah Guthrie is usually here anchoring all of our special political coverage,” Llamas said on February 24.
She continued, “She, of course, is dealing with the unthinkable right now. We know you’re out there, Savannah. We know you might be watching. We just want to let you know we are praying for you and your mom. We know you’re going to get back here at some point. These nights are not the same without you, but we completely understand what you are going through right now.”
According to Llamas, wearing the ribbon was “following the lead” of what Savannah’s Today show colleagues had started earlier that month.
However, the Daily Mail has already reported that he’d been less than supportive of Savannah prior to wearing the ribbon. Some sources within the network’s newsroom suggested that the initial choice not to wear the ribbon conveyed a certain message.
“In a moment like this, symbolism is everything,” they said. “If you’re not visibly with the team, people start asking why.”
A producer noted, “No one is accusing anyone of lacking compassion. But in a high-profile newsroom built on image and unity, even small gestures can carry weight.”
Nevertheless, a network insider told The List News that there is “no mandate” to wear the ribbons. The source continued, “Colleagues have supported Savannah in meaningful ways, including extensive and respectful coverage of Nancy’s disappearance on Nightly News and Top Story.”
They continued, “Our focus remains on reporting this heartbreaking situation responsibly and helping get answers. Any suggestion of internal friction over a ribbon is simply not true and distracts from what actually matters.”
Meanwhile, at Rockefeller Plaza, support from colleagues has reportedly been more sparse. The insiders further explained that Savannah’s Today Show co-workers are hoping for Nancy’s safe return. However, some are apparently questioning whether Savannah’s absence could advance their own careers. Insiders suggest production staff are more at ease without her around, as she allegedly sets high standards.
They reportedly prefer the more accessible Hoda Kotb, who returned to the show to fill in as Savannah’s temporary replacement. On-air talent allegedly saw chances to expand their screen time.
“You think The Morning Show is bad? That’s nothing. These people will steal your chair whilst you’re still sitting in it,” one insider revealed. “From the hair and makeup people to the producers, you can’t trust anyone; they all talk.”
Four days prior to Savannah’s short studio visit, NBC executives held a production meeting.
Some expected it would provide clarity on their situation. They were reportedly let down to discover that Savannah would be returning at an undetermined date.
According to Today, Savannah thanked her colleagues for their support and prayers, particularly for “caring about my mom as much as I do.”
In five words, she revealed what sustains her during this difficult period, saying, “I’m holding onto my faith. I still believe. And as my mom would say, ‘Where else would I go?'”
The anchor assured her colleagues, “I wanted you to know that I’m still standing, and I still have hope, and I’m still me. And I don’t know what version of me that will be, but it will be.”
She also informed the Today team she intends to return to the program eventually, though she didn’t give a concrete date. “I have every intention of coming back,” Savannah said. “I don’t know how to come back, but I don’t know how not to. You’re my family. And I would like to try.”
After her appearance, NBC released a statement confirming her future return.
“Savannah Guthrie stopped by the studio this morning to be with and thank her Today colleagues. Whilst she plans to return to the show on air, she remains focused right now supporting her family and working to help bring Nancy home,” a network spokesman said.
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