Nearly two months after Hoda Kotb announced she would be leaving TODAY, viewers can now know a familiar face will be sliding into her chair as co-anchor.
Craig Melvin, who has been with NBC News for nearly 14 years, is moving into the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours. He will begin Monday, Jan. 13, after Hoda says goodbye to her morning duties on Friday, Jan. 10.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig said on TODAY Nov. 14. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
“The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause,” Savannah also said. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Craig Melvin's New Role on 'TODAY'
Craig has held a number of positions during his years at TODAY, from weekend co-anchor, to his current roles as co-host of the 3rd hour of TODAY and news anchor during the earlier hours. He is also husband to sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak and proud dad to Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8.
Craig will continue to co-host the 3rd hour with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones.
“We are beyond thrilled to have Craig step into the co-anchor chair,” Libby Leist, senior vice president of TODAY, said in a statement to staff Nov. 14. “He’s been an integral and beloved part of our family. From breaking news coverage in the field, to presidential interviews, to multiple Olympics and Super Bowls, Craig’s shown he has the talent and the range to cover all that we do here at TODAY. And he does it without ever losing that Southern charm.”
The TODAY team sent well wishes to Craig on the show Nov. 14, with Hoda saying he was “made for this job.”
“You are that kind of good,” she added. “You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Al joined TODAY by video chat to tell Craig that “he knew this day would come.”
“I’m so proud and so happy for you right now,” he said. “You are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”
Changes to the Fourth Hour of 'TODAY'
In addition to Craig’s news, TODAY with Hoda & Jenna will also see some changes following Hoda’s departure. TODAY’s fourth hour, co-hosted by Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager since April 2019, will debut as TODAY with Jenna & Friends on Jan. 13 until a permanent co-host is named. The show will feature a rotating cast of fill-in co-hosts, new games and much more.
TODAY will be celebrating Hoda throughout her final shows in January.
Hoda Kotb's Departure
Hoda emotionally shared on TODAY Sept. 26 that she felt that it was time to move on from the show, a decision she felt moved to make after celebrating her 60th birthday in August.
“I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new,” she said. “I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, ‘This is what the top of the wave feels like for me.’ And I thought it can’t get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.”
At the time of Hoda’s announcement, Craig shared his admiration for Hoda’s authenticity on and off the camera.
“People in this business, when that little red light, it goes off, they’re different people,” Craig said. “We’ve worked with all these people before. You’re the opposite. That little red light goes off, you are exactly like people see you in the morning — just the biggest heart.
“You’ve been the heart of this show for a long time, and there’s no replacing that.”
Reactions to Craig Melvin's New Role
Craig Melvin’s promotion to co-anchor has been met with positive reactions from colleagues and fans alike. Many have expressed excitement for his new role, citing his talent, charisma and experience.
Hoda Kotb has also expressed her support for Melvin, calling him “literally made for this job.” She said that he “has all the things that this job needs,” and is “the right person for it.”
Al Roker has said that he’s “so proud and so happy for you right now,” and that Melvin is “so worthy of this.”
Melvin himself expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, saying that he’s “beyond excited and grateful.” He also acknowledged the conversations he’s had with people close to him, and thanked NBC for “deeming me worthy.”
What's Next for 'TODAY'?
The changes to TODAY are sure to be exciting for viewers, with a new co-anchor in place and a new format for the fourth hour. It remains to be seen what the future holds for the show, but one thing is certain: it’s a new era for TODAY, and Craig Melvin is at the helm.
The Future is Bright
With Craig Melvin at the helm of the 7 and 8 a.m. hours of TODAY, the future of the show looks bright. His experience, talent and charisma are sure to make him a great addition to the anchor desk, and his presence is sure to bring a fresh perspective to the show. With a new lineup and a new co-anchor, TODAY is sure to continue to be a mainstay in morning television for years to come.
