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Is Craig Melvin Leaving ‘Today’? Host Makes Major Announcement About His Future on the Show
Today anchor Craig Melvin’s broadcasting career has been nothing short of amazing. In November 2024, the morning talk show star made a major career announcement that shook up the show.
Is Craig Melvin Leaving ‘Today’?
Have no fear, Craig is not leaving Today. Instead, fans of the show will be seeing a lot more of him when he officially takes over for Hoda Kotb at the news desk in January 2025.
It was announced that Craig would officially be Hoda’s replacement during the show’s early morning hours after Hoda’s departure. Hoda’s final episode of the program will be on January 10, 2025.
“With nearly fourteen years at NBC News, including multiple roles at Today, he’s been an integral and beloved part of our family,” Today Executive VP Libby Leist and EP Tom Mazzarell said in a note to staffers. “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 was so excited to welcome Craig as her official cohost on the program.
“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.”
It’s no secret that Craig is one of the most well-liked anchors the show has ever had, so the decision to promote him is probably shocking to none!
Craig Melvin Reacted to His Big Promotion
Craig was full of gratitude once it was announced that he would be taking over Hoda’s position.
“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” he told her during the broadcast. “You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save the show. You helped save the show.”
An official cohost on Today With Hoda & Jenna has yet to be announced. Instead, Jenna Bush Hager will cohost the show’s fourth hour with a rotating panel of guests. And fans can expect to see some familiar faces stop by along the way until the show nabs a permanent cohost for Jenna.
When Will Craig Melvin Replace Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’?
Craig’s official first day as Hoda’s replacement will be on January 13, 2025. Fans are thrilled that they will be able to see Craig shine in a new light.
“Oh this is so well deserved! We love Craig!” one fan wrote in an Instagram comment, while another said, “@hodakotb will be missed, but @craigmelvinnbc is a no brainer to continue this great show.”
“Craig, congrats from all your friends at @nbcnightlynews and @datelinenbc We’re all very excited for you,” NBC’s Lester Holt wrote on Instagram.
