Craig Melvin on the ‘Today’ show on Jan. 13, 2025. Photo: Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

A few months after stepping into the role of co-anchor, Craig Melvin is taking a break from the Today show — but not for long.

Following Hoda Kotb’s September 2024 announcement that she was leaving the show, there was much anticipation as to who would fill her shoes as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie. In November 2024, fans were excited when NBC announced that Melvin — who has been with the network for over a decade — would step into the role for the 7 and 8 a.m. hours of Today alongside Guthrie.

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig said following the announcement. “This is the latest in a long line of blessings.”

Since Jan. 13, Melvin has been a regular morning face, providing plenty of memorable moments on air, from receiving a heartfelt letter from Kotb on his first day to getting a temporary tattoo of Guthrie’s face just a few weeks later. But beginning the week of April 14, Melvin has been absent from the show, leaving fans wondering what’s going on — and when he may return.

So, why isn’t Craig Melvin on the Today show this week? Here’s everything to know about his absence and expected return.

Why isn’t Craig Melvin on the Today show this week?

Craig Melvin on the ‘Today’ show on Jan. 13, 2025.Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

Although Melvin is absent this week, he isn’t leaving the Today show. The newly minted morning anchor is just headed out on vacation.

During the April 10 broadcast, Guthrie shared that Melvin would be taking a brief hiatus the following week to go on “Easter break” with his children.

Melvin shares two kids — son Delano and daughter Sybil — with his wife, fellow broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak. While Melvin is spending time with them this week out of the office, his family has previously made some appearances in the Today studio, including a sweet surprise on his first day as co-anchor.

“He’s a great dad, and he deserves to be here today,” Delano said as he joined his father during the morning broadcast.

Just a few weeks earlier, Guthrie took a spring break of her own.

On March 17, she shared an Instagram photo of a Rummikub game, writing, “Out of office ☀️.”

Who is replacing Craig Melvin on the Today show this week?

Mike Tirico on the ‘Today’ show on May 11, 2023.Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

As Guthrie announced Melvin’s vacation plans during the April 10 broadcast, she also shared the news that sports commentator Mike Tirico would be filling in as co-anchor during his absence.

Tirico was on air to discuss the Masters Tournament before Guthrie shared the “special news” that the sports commentator would soon be heading to Studio 1A.

“Melvin showed he can host the Olympics when I was traveling back and forth, so figure if we can try to go for an even-trade here,” Tirico said. “I’m looking forward to being with y’all next week.”

“This is … literally the only job in television that Mike Tirico has not done,” Melvin joked during the announcement.

On April 14, the Today show shared an Instagram video of compiled clips from Tirico’s first day as a fill-in, from joyfully lip-syncing outside of the iconic 30 Rock studio to toasting a cocktail with Guthrie.

“A warm TODAY welcome to @miketiriconbc! He’ll be co-hosting with Savannah all week while Craig spends Easter break with his family. 🧡,” the studio captioned the post.

Guthrie also posed as an “honorary Page for the day,” referencing NBCUniversal’s rotational learning and development program, to act as an official tour guide and welcome Tirico to the building.

“Welcome to 30 Rock!” she told Tirico as she held a Today tour sign with his name on it.

When is Craig Melvin returning to the Today show?

Savannah Guthrie on the ‘Today’ show on April 3, 2025.Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

Melvin won’t be gone for long! The Today co-anchor will return for his regular morning duties soon. Guthrie shared that his Easter break was only one week, meaning he can be expected to return the week of April 21.