NBC names Craig Melvin as “Today” co-host, replacing Hoda Kotb

NBC has named Craig Melvin to replace Hoda Kotb as co-host of the network’s iconic Today show, elevated a well-known and well-liked member of the show’s on-air family to sit alongside Savannah Guthrie. In September, Kotb announced that she would be leaving the morning show in early 2025.

Guthrie announced the news to viewerswho described Melvin as “talented, wonderful, hard-working, most dignified” before hugging him as the on-air crew gave him a standing ovation — the same reaction the show’s production team had, Guthrie said, when they heard the news earlier Thursday morning. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made.”

“I’m beyond thrilled and grateful,” Melvin said, thanking “NBC and the people here who deemed me worthy.” He said he had “enjoyed a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Melvin talked about his family, many of whom had to work more than one job — including a grandmother who provided for her family “running number and liquor” who went to prison where Melvin’s father was born. “It didn’t define him, he overcame addiction in his life and he’s become one of my favorite people.”

“We are very excited to have Craig step into the co-anchor chair,” said Libby Leist, senior vice president of Todayin a statement sent to staff Thursday morning. “He has 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 has shown that he has the talent and reach to cover everything we do here at Today. And he does it without ever losing that southern charm.”

Forbes81 Million People: Hoda Kotb on the Massive Reach of NBC’s ‘Today’By Mark Joyella

Melvin will ascend to the anchor chair like that Today the brand has expanded tremendously beyond its decades-old roots in broadcast television. The show’s producers describe it as a lifestyle brand with podcasts, special programs and events, digital, streaming and e-commerce.

As Kotb told me last year, “I feel like we’re making the best of it all,” Kotb said. “If you want things to slow down, we’ve got you covered, man. We’ve got you covered. If you only have five minutes because you’re in a hurry, you’ll get what you need.”

Melvin, an NBC News veteran of nearly 14 years, will assume the anchor chair on Jan. 13, the Monday following Hotb’s final appearance as co-host of Today Friday, January 10. Melvin is currently hosting the third hour of Todayand previously served as the show’s weekend co-host. He continues in his role in the 3rd hour alongside Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer and Sheinelle Jones.

Kotb remains with NBC, but decided earlier this year that she was ready to step back from the demands of anchoring a television fixture as Today. “I realized it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new,” she said in an emotional message to viewers back in September.

“I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these beautiful signs and I thought, ‘This is what the crest of the wave feels like to me.’ And I thought it can’t get any better and I decided it’s the right time for me to move on.”

ForbesHoda Kotb is leaving NBC’s ‘Today’By Mark Joyella

At the time, Melvin said of Kotb, “you’ve been the heart of this show for a long time, and there’s no replacement for that.”

“People in this business, when the little red light goes off, they’re different people,” he said. “We’ve worked with all these people before. You’re the opposite. The little red light goes off, you’re exactly how people see you in the morning — just the biggest heart.”

On Thursday, NBC also announced changes to Today with Hoda & Jennathe fourth hour of the network’s highly rated morning lineup. From January 13, the show will be called Today with Jenna & Friendswith a rotating cast of co-hosts alongside Jenna Bush Hager, who has co-hosted the show with Kotb since 2019.

NBC expects to name a permanent co-host in the next few months.