Craig Melvin’s career in broadcasting has been nothing short of remarkable. 

Over the years, he has become a familiar and beloved face on TODAY, earning the trust and admiration of viewers. 

In November 2024, he made a major career announcement that sent waves through the morning television landscape.

Is Craig Melvin Leaving TODAY?

Fans who worried that Melvin might be stepping away from the show can breathe a sigh of relief—he’s not going anywhere. 

In fact, he’s stepping into an even more prominent role. Beginning in January 2025, Melvin will officially take over as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie, filling the spot left vacant by Hoda Kotb.

The decision to promote Melvin was widely celebrated, as he has been an integral part of TODAY for years. From breaking news coverage to major interviews and special event reporting, his versatility and dedication have made him a standout journalist.

A Smooth Transition for TODAY Viewers

It was officially announced that Melvin would be taking over Kotb’s seat during TODAY’s early morning segment following her departure. Kotb’s final episode will air on January 10, 2025, marking the end of an era and the beginning of an exciting new chapter.

In a heartfelt message to staffers, TODAY Executive Vice President Libby Leist and Executive Producer Tom Mazzarelli praised Melvin’s contributions to the show.

“With nearly fourteen years at NBC News, including multiple roles at TODAY, he’s been an integral and beloved part of our family,” they shared. “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.”

Savannah Guthrie’s Excitement Over Craig’s Promotion

Savannah Guthrie, who has worked alongside Melvin for years, was overjoyed to welcome him as her official co-anchor.

“Though you are irreplaceable in our hearts, we are so excited about the news in our TODAY family,” she said during the announcement. “And that is the person sitting next to me, our dear friend and talented, wonderful, hardworking, most worthy of this—Craig Melvin is the new anchor of the TODAY show.”

Melvin has long been a fan favorite, making his promotion unsurprising to many. His professionalism, warmth, and ability to connect with audiences have made him a trusted presence on morning television.

Craig Melvin Reacts to His Promotion

When the news was officially shared, Melvin expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and reflected on Kotb’s impact.

“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” he told her on-air. “You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save the show.”

Melvin’s humility and appreciation for the show’s legacy were evident in his words. He is stepping into the role with great respect for those who came before him while bringing his own unique voice to the program.

Changes to the Fourth Hour of TODAY

With Kotb’s departure, there is also a shift in TODAY’s fourth-hour lineup. Jenna Bush Hager, who previously co-hosted TODAY With Hoda & Jenna, will continue on, but for now, she will be joined by a rotating panel of guest co-hosts.

There is no official word yet on who might permanently step into the role alongside Hager, but viewers can expect to see some familiar faces filling in until a final decision is made.

Craig Melvin’s First Day as Co-Anchor

Melvin will officially take his place as co-anchor on January 13, 2025, marking a new chapter in his TODAY career. Fans of the show are thrilled to see him take on this role and have flooded social media with support.

“Oh, this is so well deserved! We love Craig!” one viewer commented on Instagram.

Another shared, “@hodakotb will be missed, but @craigmelvinnbc is a no-brainer to continue this great show.”

With Melvin’s experience, charisma, and dedication to journalism, his transition into this role is expected to be seamless. As he embarks on this exciting new journey, viewers can look forward to his continued presence on their screens every morning, bringing them the news with the same warmth and professionalism they’ve come to know and love.

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