Viewers tuning in to NBC’s Today show on Tuesday morning may have noticed a change in the usual hosting line-up. Regular co-anchor Craig Melvin was notably absent from his familiar seat at the morning desk, as he was away on assignment in Milan, Italy, working on a special international report. His temporary absence brought a shift in the show’s dynamic, with other anchors stepping in to maintain the programme’s rhythm. While his presence was missed by many loyal fans, anticipation is already building around the exclusive story he’s preparing abroad, which is expected to bring a global perspective to the show’s typically domestic coverage.

 

Peter Alexander stepped in to alongside Savannah Guthrie after Craig Melvin was sent on assignment

On Tuesday viewers of the Today show were treated to a slightly different line-up as Craig Melvin was absent from his usual spot alongside co-host Savannah Guthrie.

Instead, NBC Chief White House Correspondent and co-anchor of Today’s Saturday show, Peter Alexander stepped in to co-anchor the show in place of Craig.

Opening the show Savannah explained to fans that Craig was in Milan on a news assignment. “Nice to have you with us, Peter. Craig is on assignment in Milan,” explained the TV journalist. “Tomorrow on Today, he’s going to give us a first look at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The countdown is already underway so he’s going to show us around the beautiful host city,” she told viewers.

The move comes just over four weeks since Peter co-anchored his first ever Today show alongside former host Hoda Kotb who broadcast her final show as host in January. Peter shared his gratitude for his “mentor” and “friend” Hoda in an Instagram post after that broadcast.

“What an absolute highlight to host @todayshow – for the first time ever – alongside @hodakotb this morning,” the 48-year-old veteran correspondent said. “That was some of the most fun I’ve ever had on TV. Hoda has been a mentor and friend for years and, as I shared with her before air today, I’m so grateful for how incredibly kind and supportive of me she has been since the day we met, 20+ years ago. Like the rest of America, I’ll be celebrating her next week and I’ll always cherish sharing the desk with her today.”

Supportive viewers flooded into the comment section, with one saying: “Peter, you have been one of our favorites for years and years!” while another wrote: “Great team! Amazing job!” Peter took to social media again ahead of Tuesday’s show, letting his followers know he would be reprising the role of co-host.

“Fill-in anchoring @todayshow alongside @savannahguthrie tomorrow,” he wrote, adding: “Hope you’ll watch.” Fans shared their delight in the comments with one writing: “I’ll be watching tomorrow!!!” while another said : “Nice!! Will see you tomorrow!!”

Peter is a veteran journalist with over 20 years experience. He landed his big break in 2004 when he landed an interview with Fidel Castro, then president of Cuba. Speaking last year celebrating 20 years on NBC, Peter recalled: “That was the beginning of a ride that I never imagined, could only have dreamed of and couldn’t be more grateful for.”

“What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller,” he said. “I really feel like we have a higher responsibility doing this for a living. Being journalists, you have the trust of the audience, the trust of the people whose stories you’re telling. That’s something that I take so seriously,” he added.