Craig Melvin Is Named Hoda Kotb’s Replacement on ‘Today’ from

Craig Melvin Named as Hoda Kotb's Replacement on 'Today'

Melvin to Co-Anchor Alongside Savannah Guthrie

Move Marks a Major Shift for Long-Running Morning Show

Craig Melvin has officially been named as Hoda Kotb's permanent replacement on the NBC morning show "Today." The announcement, made by NBC News President Noah Oppenheim, confirms months of speculation and marks a significant change for the long-running program.

Melvin, who currently anchors "Today" on Saturdays and hosts the third hour of the show during the week, will take over Kotb's role as co-anchor alongside Savannah Guthrie beginning in fall 2023. Kotb, who has been with "Today" for nearly two decades, announced her departure in November 2022 to spend more time with her family.

A Well-Rounded Journalist and Anchor

Melvin, 44, is a seasoned journalist and anchor with extensive experience both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. He joined NBC News in 2011 as a correspondent and has since reported on a wide range of topics, including the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the COVID-19 pandemic, and the war in Ukraine.

In addition to his work on "Today," Melvin has also hosted several primetime specials for NBC, including "Craig Melvin Reports" and "Black in America: A Divided Nation." He is known for his thoughtful reporting, empathetic interviewing style, and ability to connect with viewers on a personal level.

A Smooth Transition

Melvin's transition to co-anchor is expected to be smooth, given his existing role on the show and his close relationship with Guthrie. In a statement, Guthrie praised Melvin's "talent, warmth, and intelligence," saying that he is the "perfect choice" to succeed Kotb.

Melvin expressed his excitement about the opportunity to co-anchor "Today" alongside Guthrie. "This is a dream come true," he said. "I am so grateful to NBC News for this incredible opportunity and to Savannah for her unwavering support. I can't wait to join her and the entire 'Today' team to continue delivering the news and telling the stories that matter most to our viewers."