Tension Explodes! Hoda Kotb LOSES IT as ‘Today’ Crew Plays One Last Shocking Prank on Her

A Farewell to Remember—or Regret?

Hoda Kotb has been a beloved fixture on NBC’s Today show for years, bringing warmth, humor, and authenticity to millions of viewers every morning. But as she prepares to step away from the Today show for a new chapter in her life, the show’s crew decided to give her a send-off she’d never forget—with one last jaw-dropping prank that caught everyone by surprise.

What started as a lighthearted farewell took an unexpected turn when Hoda’s emotional farewell moment was completely derailed—and fans are still buzzing about it.

The Prank That Pushed Hoda Over the Edge

It all happened during what was supposed to be a sentimental final segment, celebrating Hoda’s time on Today. The crew had arranged for a montage of her best moments, heartfelt messages from colleagues and fans, and even a surprise visit from some of her closest friends.

But just when Hoda was about to deliver her heartfelt goodbye, the Today team pulled a stunt so shocking that it left her completely speechless—and then furious.

According to sources, here’s what went down:

As Hoda wiped away tears and prepared to say a few words, the studio lights suddenly dimmed.
A mock breaking news alert flashed on the screen, interrupting the segment.
A voiceover announced: “We interrupt this farewell to bring you urgent news… Hoda Kotb has just been offered a LAST-MINUTE contract extension—will she STAY?”
The crew then burst into laughter as a fake Today contract appeared on the desk in front of her, complete with absurd demands like “Must host every segment while drinking wine” and “Required to hug Al Roker at least 5 times per show.”

At first, Hoda laughed along, but as the prank dragged on, her patience started to wear thin.

“Are You Kidding Me?!” – Hoda’s Unfiltered Reaction

Initially, Hoda played along, chuckling at the joke. But when her emotional moment kept getting overshadowed, her demeanor quickly shifted.

According to on-set witnesses, Hoda finally snapped, exclaiming:

“Guys, seriously?! I was having a moment here!”

She then jokingly tossed her cue cards into the air, rolled her eyes, and muttered, “You all are the worst.”

For a brief second, the tension was palpable—was Hoda actually mad?

Her co-hosts, including Jenna Bush Hager, Savannah Guthrie, and Al Roker, quickly jumped in, reassuring her that it was all in good fun.

Jenna, barely able to contain her laughter, hugged Hoda and said:

“Oh, come on, Hoda! You didn’t think we’d let you leave without one last laugh, did you?”

Finally, Hoda smiled and shook her head, saying, “I should’ve seen this coming.”

Fans React: Was It Too Much?

The hilarious-yet-tense moment has since gone viral, with fans divided over whether the prank was all in good fun or a bit too much on such an emotional day.

Some viewers loved it:

🔥 “The Today crew nailed it! That was the perfect way to say goodbye to Hoda—she’s always been about laughter!” – @MorningShowFan

😂 “Hoda’s reaction was priceless. You KNOW she secretly loved it!” – @KathieLeeForever

Others thought it was poorly timed:

😡 “Honestly, that was rude. This was HER moment, and they totally ruined it.” – @TeamHoda

💔 “I get that it was a joke, but I felt bad for her. She looked genuinely upset for a second.” – @FanOfHoda

What’s Next for Hoda Kotb?

Despite the unexpected farewell prank, Hoda is leaving the Today show on a high note as she embarks on a new chapter focused on her family and personal projects.

She recently purchased a $2.89M suburban home in Bronxville, NY, where she plans to spend more time with her daughters, Haley (7) and Hope (4).

Additionally, sources say she is working on a new book and may even return to television in a different capacity.

As for the Today crew? They’ll certainly miss her, but one thing is clear—Hoda Kotb will never be forgotten.

Final Thoughts

Whether you think the prank was hilarious or a little too much, there’s no denying that Hoda’s farewell from Today was one for the books.

How did YOU feel about the prank? Was it the perfect send-off, or did they take it too far? Let us know in the comments! 🚀