Imagine waking up one morning… and instead of Jenna Bush Hager brightening your Today with Jenna & Friends—it’s Ellen DeGeneres. Surprised? Hold onto your coffee, because that’s the kind of brainwave fueling gossip mills and social media speculation. Let’s take a wild ride through this alternate reality—and yes, we’ll dare to ask: Could Ellen DeGeneres actually step into that chair?

Jenna’s “Dream Next Chapter” — Texas Nostalgia Meets Career Crossroads

You already know Jenna Bush Hager’s heartfelt announcement on the August 6 episode of Today with Jenna & Friends: after her show chapter ends, she dreams of relocating back to Austin, Texas, raising her three kids in a big public high school the way she experienced growing up . It’s a touching, deeply personal vision—rooted in nostalgia and authenticity.

This isn’t just a fleeting idea—Jenna’s not only eyeing Texas, she’s actively shaping her legacy there: launching Thousand Voices Books, a publishing imprint under Random House, with six titles slated for 2025, including the dystopian romance Conform . Clearly, her heart is set on this new chapter—so how could Ellen slip in?

Ellen’s Comeback Rumblings — Is She TV-Ready?

Let’s talk about Ellen. After her long-running talk show ended in 2022 amid controversy surrounding her workplace environment, she’s kept a relatively low profile . Her closest return to screens? A stand-up special, For Your Approval, dropped on Netflix in September 2024—and she hinted she might exit Hollywood altogether . That uncertainty—and her comedic chops—could make her a headline-grabbing guest or even a speculative replacement.

The “What-If” That Sparks Clicks and Conversations

Here’s the real twist: what if Jenna’s next chapter doesn’t happen as planned—suddenly, the Today team is left scrambling for a bold personality—enter Ellen DeGeneres.

Think about it:

Star power: Ellen’s A-list recognition could bring immediate buzz and ratings.
Humor edge: She’s known for lighthearted banter—something that fits the Today vibe.
Contrasting energy: Put the warm, grounded Jenna beside Ellen’s sharp, cheeky humor—it’s fireworks, in the best way.

Social media would go wild: “Ellen replace Jenna?” trending hashtags, meme wars, talk show guest comparisons. The scope for drama—and clicks—is staggering.

The Reality Check: Barriers and Bold Hypotheticals

Sadly, the practical barriers are real:

Different paths— Jenna’s deeply invested in her book imprint and Texas-rooted vision. Her “next chapter” may not be TV at all .

Ellen’s uncertain future— She’s been largely absent from mainstream TV buzz; there’s no clear signal of her returning to morning talk scenes .

Tone mismatch? Ellen’s edgy humor might clash with the cozy, heartfelt aesthetic Jenna has cultivated.

Still—these are precisely the elements that make the concept clickbait gold.

Final Thoughts: A Hypothetical Worth the Headlines

Let’s be clear: this is speculative fun. There’s zero evidence NBC is lining up Ellen—or that Jenna’s even looking to leave. Jenna’s in a moment of launching dreams (her imprint, family life in Texas), while Ellen is laying low. But guess what? That’s what powers the clickbait engine—the tantalizing maybe, the what if, the unexpected mashup.

So yes—could Ellen replace Jenna? Probably not, in the real world. But in clickbait-land? Absolutely—and it’s the perfect storm of surprise, star power, and “did-that-just-happen?” glamour that keeps readers hooked.