Approximately two months after Hoda Kotb announced her departure from TODAY, Hoda Kotb’s replacement has been announced. Craig Melvin, a 14-year NBC News veteran, will join Savannah Guthrie in the co-anchor seat for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours. His new role begins on Monday, January 13, following Hoda’s farewell to the morning show on Friday, January 10.
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“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig revealed. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
“The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause,” Savannah added. “This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
He currently hosts the third hour of TODAY alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer — and will now host three consecutive hours in his new role.
He is also married to sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak and is a proud dad to 10-year-old Delano and 8-year-old Sybil.
During the announcement, Roker joined virtually to congratulate Melvin, reminiscing about a moment they shared while covering the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea.
“I knew this day would come,” Roker said. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now. You are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words. I love you.”
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Along with the news about Craig, TODAY with Hoda & Jenna will also see some changes after Hoda’s departure. Starting January 13, the fourth hour — co-hosted by Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager since April 2019 — will re-launch as TODAY with Jenna & Friends until a permanent co-host is selected. The show will introduce a rotating lineup of guest co-hosts, fresh games, and more.
Throughout January, TODAY will celebrate Hoda in her final shows. On September 26, an emotional Hoda shared with viewers that, after recently celebrating her 60th birthday, she felt it was the right time to move on from the show.
