NBC News has unveiled its choice for a new anchor to helm the first hour of Today, marking a significant shift in the morning show’s lineup. Craig Melvin, a familiar presence on the program, will step into the role previously held by Hoda Kotb beginning January 13, 2025. This announcement, made on November 14, 2024, signals a strategic move to refresh the show’s on-air team while maintaining its core dynamic.
Melvin, long regarded as the unofficial third co-anchor of Today, has often joined Kotb and Savannah Guthrie at the desk during the show’s early segments. Despite his prominent appearances, his role has traditionally been understated, with minimal on-air acknowledgment. The transition to a lead anchor role underscores NBC’s confidence in his ability to captivate viewers during the pivotal 7 to 8 a.m. hour.
Interestingly, NBC’s statement confirmed Melvin’s focus solely on the show’s first hour, leaving questions about the lineup for the second hour. Historically, this segment has seen an infusion of additional talent, aligning with the broader trend of morning shows incorporating a rotating ensemble of contributors alongside a core anchor team.
Melvin will also retain his position on the show’s Today 3rd Hour, continuing his contributions to that segment of the program. His elevation to the primary anchor chair restores a male-female anchor format for the show’s opening hour, a classic approach that contrasts with the trio of co-anchors seen on CBS Mornings and Good Morning America.
This decision appears to align with NBC’s deliberate efforts to integrate Melvin into viewers’ daily routines. His frequent appearances and occasional fill-ins as co-anchor have seemingly prepared audiences for this transition. As NBC reshuffles its lineup, the network is preserving Today‘s visual continuity; if the seating arrangements remain consistent with past setups, Melvin will occupy the camera-right position traditionally held by male anchors, while Guthrie remains camera-left.
In addition to these changes, NBC announced a rebranding for the fourth hour of the program. With Kotb’s departure, Today with Hoda and Jenna will be renamed Today with Jenna and Friends. The reimagined segment will feature a rotating cast of guest co-anchors alongside Jenna Bush Hager until a permanent replacement is named.
Kotb’s final day on Today is slated for January 10, 2025. NBC has indicated that Kotb will remain with the network in an unspecified capacity, though details about her new role remain undisclosed. The network did not immediately respond to inquiries for further clarification.
This shift evokes memories of previous anchor transitions on Today. Notably, Ann Curry’s controversial 2012 exit, which made way for Guthrie, resulted in a limited role as an “at-large” anchor before Curry quietly left the network in 2015. NBC’s handling of such transitions often draws significant attention, reflecting the cultural importance of morning television in shaping public sentiment.
Melvin’s journey with NBC began in 2011, following successful stints in South Carolina and Washington, D.C. His extensive experience includes anchoring for MSNBC and covering major news events. In 2022, he stepped back from his MSNBC show, Craig Melvin Reports, to focus more heavily on Today. His promotion represents a new chapter for Today and a continuation of his impactful career at NBC News.
