Craig Melvin Named As Hoda Kotb’s Replacement

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 10: Craig Melvin on stage during the OMEGA panel discussion with Olympic ambassadors at The Planet OMEGA exhibition launch at the Chelsea Factory on November 10, 2023 in New York City.
(Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images)

Almost two months after “TODAY Show” host Hoda Kotb revealed that she would be stepping away from the show, it has been announced that Craig Melvin will be taking her place. 

Melvin has worked with NBC for 14 years and will be moving to co-anchor with Savannah Guthrie for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours. He is slated to begin his new role on Monday, Jan 13, after Hoda’s last show on Friday, January 10. 

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Melvin said on TODAY’s Nov. 14 episode. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.” Guthrie added, “The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause. This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.” 

Craig Melvin has been in numerous positions during his tenure at TODAY. He was a weekend co-anchor and is currently a co-host on the 3rd hour of TODAY. He will also keep his slot on the third show. 

Libby Leist, senior vice president of TODAY said in a statement about Melvin’s new role, “We are beyond thrilled to have Craig step into the co-anchor chair. He’s 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’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.”

Hoda gave her well wishes to Craig and said that he was “made for this job.” She added, “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

Congratulations to Craig Melvin!