The Today show is facing its darkest hour as the hunt for Savannah Guthrie’s kidnapped mother enters a third “nightmare” week—with insiders fearing the star may never sit on the iconic sofa again.

Savannah, 54, the undisputed “mooring” of NBC’s flagship morning program, has been absent since early February following the “violent” abduction of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy.

The snatch-and-grab horror unfolded in the early morning hours of February 1 at Nancy’s home in Tucson, Arizona. Three weeks on, and the trail has gone cold. Sources say there is “no proof of life,” and the Guthrie family is living through a “waking nightmare.”

‘NO WAY BACK’

While NBC bosses are publicly insisting the door is wide open for Savannah’s return, whispers behind the scenes tell a much bleaker story.

TV veterans have sensationally claimed it is “doubtful” the anchor will ever face the cameras again after such a harrowing ordeal.

“There’s no way Savannah’s coming back,” one source claimed. “I can’t imagine she would even want to. How do you go from a kidnap horror to lighthearted cooking segments and celebrity gossip?”

The tragedy has left 30 Rock in a state of “shock and concern.” Security has been beefed up to “enhanced” levels as fear ripples through the studio.

RACE AGAINST TIME

The search for Nancy Guthrie has become a race against the clock that the family is losing. The 84-year-old is in poor health and is believed to be without her “life-sustaining medication.”

Despite hundreds of FBI agents and sheriff’s deputies swarming Arizona, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos dropped a bombshell recently, admitting it could be “months or even years” before the case is cracked.

A source told The Sun: “The mood is somber. Every day that passes without news, the hope of finding Nancy alive fades. It’s heartbreaking.”

THE SHOW MUST GO ON

In true TV fashion, the cameras are still rolling, but the Today set feels like a ghost town without its leading lady.

Craig Melvin has been holding the fort with a rotating cast of subs, while the program has dedicated two segments every single day to Nancy’s disappearance.

Ratings have actually surged as viewers flock to the show for updates on the “biggest media story in America,” coupled with a boost from the Milano Cortina Olympics. But insiders say the ratings win feels “hollow” under the circumstances.

WHO COULD STEP IN?

If Savannah decides she can’t face the “perky” requirements of morning TV, the scramble for a permanent replacement will be on.

THE CONTENDERS:

• SHEINELLE JONES: Seen as the “rising star” of NBC. She’s already been subbing for Savannah and is a huge hit with viewers.

• HODA KOTB: The fan favorite only left a year ago. While a permanent comeback is “unlikely,” bosses might beg her to return to steady the ship.

• GAYLE KING: The CBS heavyweight is the “wildcard” option. Her future at her current network is shaky, but would NBC poach a rival anchor when they have talent waiting in the wings?

For now, the chair remains empty. An NBC source said the situation is being handled “day-to-day,” adding: “Our only focus is supporting Savannah and finding her mum.”

But as the silence from Arizona grows louder, the question remains: Has the sun set on Savannah’s Today career for good?