It was a moment of celebration and heartfelt emotion as the TODAY family came together to honour a major milestone in Craig Melvin’s career: his official appointment as co-anchor of the TODAY show in 2025. The announcement was made live on air by Savannah Guthrie during the November 14 broadcast, with viewers witnessing genuine joy from the team as they welcomed Craig into his new role. Savannah couldn’t contain her pride as she beamed, “We are so excited about the news in our TODAY family, and that is the person sitting right next to me.” She went on to call Craig not only “talented” and “hard-working,” but also the “most worthy” person to take on this honour — someone truly “made for this job.”
Craig will formally step into the position on January 13, 2025, succeeding Hoda Kotb, whose final day as co-anchor will be January 10. The announcement marks a significant transition for the show, as Craig prepares to take on a leading role in shaping the next chapter of TODAY. The atmosphere on set was filled with warmth and applause, with colleagues expressing their full confidence in Craig’s leadership, journalistic integrity, and deep connection with viewers. For many, this was not just a professional promotion, but a recognition of Craig’s years of dedication, empathy, and presence during both breaking news and more intimate, human moments. As one team member said off-air, “He’s not just the right person for this job — he’s the heart of this show.”
He got a big hug from Savannah and a round of applause from Hoda, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones and Carson Daly.
“This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made,” Savannah said.
“I am beyond excited and grateful,” Craig said. “I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
Craig will step into the spot being vacated by Hoda, who announced on Sept. 26 that she is leaving the show early next year but will remain in the NBC family.
“You are literally made for this job,” Hoda told Craig. “You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”
Al Roker also joined the broadcast on a video call to celebrate his good friend’s move into the co-anchor spot.
“I knew that this day would come,” Al said. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now because you are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words.”
“I love you, thank you,” an emotional Craig told Al.
Savannah was also one step ahead with a box of tissues with Craig’s face on it in case he was overwhelmed by the moment.
“I didn’t have sisters, but you guys are the sisters that I never knew that I needed,” Craig said.
“Or wanted,” Hoda joked.
NBC News chief Washington correspondent Andrea Mitchell also shared a celebratory message for Craig.
.@NBCNews announces my friend and colleague @craigmelvin the smart and incredibly versatile newsman @Today will replace the beloved @hodakotb in January co- anchoring with @SavannahGuthrie. A native of South Carolina Craig is a perfect choice to replace the amazing Hoda — congratulations!,” Mitchell wrote on X.
Craig also had a special message for Hoda, who will celebrate seven years as co-anchor before her last day on Jan. 13, 2025.
“It means a lot to inherit this from you,” Craig said. “You’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show.”
The TODAY family shared a celebratory toast as Al gave Craig some parting words.
“I have no doubt you’re going to be great,” he said
