What to know
- Craig Melvin is moving into TODAY’s co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie, following Hoda Kotb’s departure.
- He will continue to co-host the 3rd hour of TODAY.
- “I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig said on TODAY Nov. 14, the day his new role was announced. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
- Below, go behind-the-scenes of his first day on the job — Monday, Jan. 13.
Craig and Savannah break down in laughter posing for pics together
The weekend leading up to his first day, Craig posted a video of him and Savannah posing for some promotional shots, showing off their natural chemistry.
In the video, the photographer asks the pair to pose with “big wide open eyes.” They turn to each other and laugh.
Craig and Savannah headed to Tampa yesterday: ‘What better way by the way to spend the day before the first day of school?’
Craig and Savannah had a weekend getaway before his first day on the job. They headed to Tampa to interview Mike Tirico, the play-by-play announcer on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, about the football season.
Craig posted photos from Raymond James Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the Washington Commanders in the playoffs, ultimately losing 23-20.
Savannah posted a photo to her Instagram story of interviewing Tirico alongside Craig.
The trio filmed a video for TODAY’s social channel.
In a taped spot that aired during halftime, Craig spoke about about traveling the day before Day One as co-anchor. “What better way by the way to spend the day before the first day of school?” he said.
“I’m beyond excited. I am stoked,” he added. “We know what the TODAY show has meant to this country for so many years and to be a part of that franchise and to be a part of that history and to do it sitting next to the big sister I never had every morning — dreams come true.”
“It’s going to be momentous for Craig, but also for us,” Savannah said. “We have so much gratitude that the perfect person for this job has been sitting right one chair over for the past seven years. It’s beautiful. We’ve got a couple surprises for you.”
Craig’s biggest cheerleader? Hoda Kotb
Craig is taking over the spot left vacant by Hoda Kotb, who shared she would be leaving TODAY after 26 years at NBC News back in September. She said she wants to spend more time with her daughters, Hope and Haley, whom she welcomed later in life. Her 60th birthday celebration on TODAY solidified her decision.
When Craig was announced as her replacement in November 2024, Hoda shared words of encouragement.
“You are literally made for this job,” Hoda told Craig the day his role was announced. “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
During her sendoff on Jan. 10, Craig said in a tribute that he would take Hoda up on her offer for pep talks every now and then.
“Craig, you’re going to do so good. You and Savannah are going to be magic,” Hoda told Craig the same day.
The two filmed a cute video for TODAY’s Instagram along the themes of passing the torch.
How Craig’s co-hosts responded to his new role
Craig’s new role was publicly announced Nov. 14 and was met with support from his coworkers.
Savannah, his new co-anchor, described how TODAY staffers reacted behind-the-scenes.
“The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause,” Savannah said. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Hoda said he was “made for this job.”
Al, meanwhile, said he predicted this for Craig.
“I knew that this day would come,” Al said. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”
“I love you, thank you,” an emotional Craig responded.
How to watch Craig Melvin’s first day on TODAY
Craig Melvin steps into the co-anchor chair on Monday, Jan. 13.
He will co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie in the 7 and 8 a.m. hours, then will continue to co-host the 3rd hour with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones.
Tune in to NBC to catch his first broadcast.
Craig and Savannah break down in laughter posing for pics together
The weekend leading up to his first day, Craig posted a video of him and Savannah posing for some promotional shots, showing off their natural chemistry.
In the video, the photographer asks the pair to pose with “big wide open eyes.” They turn to each other and laugh.
Craig and Savannah headed to Tampa yesterday: ‘What better way by the way to spend the day before the first day of school?’
Craig and Savannah had a weekend getaway before his first day on the job. They headed to Tampa to interview Mike Tirico, the play-by-play announcer on NBC’s Sunday Night Football, about the football season.
Craig posted photos from Raymond James Stadium, where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers faced off against the Washington Commanders in the playoffs, ultimately losing 23-20.
Savannah posted a photo to her Instagram story of interviewing Tirico alongside Craig.
The trio filmed a video for TODAY’s social channel.
In a taped spot that aired during halftime, Craig spoke about about traveling the day before Day One as co-anchor. “What better way by the way to spend the day before the first day of school?” he said.
“I’m beyond excited. I am stoked,” he added. “We know what the TODAY show has meant to this country for so many years and to be a part of that franchise and to be a part of that history and to do it sitting next to the big sister I never had every morning — dreams come true.”
“It’s going to be momentous for Craig, but also for us,” Savannah said. “We have so much gratitude that the perfect person for this job has been sitting right one chair over for the past seven years. It’s beautiful. We’ve got a couple surprises for you.”
Craig’s biggest cheerleader? Hoda Kotb
Craig is taking over the spot left vacant by Hoda Kotb, who shared she would be leaving TODAY after 26 years at NBC News back in September. She said she wants to spend more time with her daughters, Hope and Haley, whom she welcomed later in life. Her 60th birthday celebration on TODAY solidified her decision.
When Craig was announced as her replacement in November 2024, Hoda shared words of encouragement.
“You are literally made for this job,” Hoda told Craig the day his role was announced. “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
During her sendoff on Jan. 10, Craig said in a tribute that he would take Hoda up on her offer for pep talks every now and then.
“Craig, you’re going to do so good. You and Savannah are going to be magic,” Hoda told Craig the same day.
The two filmed a cute video for TODAY’s Instagram along the themes of passing the torch.
How Craig’s co-hosts responded to his new role
Craig’s new role was publicly announced Nov. 14 and was met with support from his coworkers.
Savannah, his new co-anchor, described how TODAY staffers reacted behind-the-scenes.
“The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause,” Savannah said. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Hoda said he was “made for this job.”
Al, meanwhile, said he predicted this for Craig.
“I knew that this day would come,” Al said. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”
“I love you, thank you,” an emotional Craig responded.
How to watch Craig Melvin’s first day on TODAY
Craig Melvin steps into the co-anchor chair on Monday, Jan. 13.
He will co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie in the 7 and 8 a.m. hours, then will continue to co-host the 3rd hour with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones.
Tune in to NBC to catch his first broadcast.