Craig Melvin enters a new role in Today after being part of the family morning show since 2018.
After Hoda Kotb announced her departure from Today in September 2024, Melvin was named as the new host of the morning show by the side Savannah Guthrie. Melvin said in November 2024 that he was “beyond excited and grateful” to take over for Kotb.
“I want to, obviously, thank NBC and the people who found me valuable,” he said at the time. “I have enjoyed blessings all my life, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings.”
News about Melvin’s new role he was well received at the office, the source exclusively said Us Weekly. “Craig is so great, people cheered when they got the email from the staff,” the insider said. “He’s the best – everyone is so excited for him.”
The source added that Melvin made sense as a replacement for Kotb. “He’s been ‘Steady Eddie’ for seven years – alongside Savannah and Hoda,” the insider added. “It was the right choice, a clear choice, a choice that everyone could stand behind. He is so loved.”
Scroll down to find out what you need to know about Melvin’s first day as Today leader:
When is Craig Melvin’s first day as today’s coach?
A few days after Kotb’s last appearance as a coach at TodayMelvin will begin his new role alongside Guthrie on Monday, January 13.
“Craig, I mean, I’m so happy for you,” Kotb said through tears on the Friday, Jan. 10, episode of Today. “You deserve this. You own this. And come Monday at 7:00 am, I’ll fall asleep, but you’ll be fantastic. You will bring it home. Craig, you will be so good.”
Will Craig Melvin continue to host the third hour?
Before following in Kotb’s footsteps, Melvin was the news anchor for the first and second hours of the show. He also co-hosted the third hour Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer — a position he will continue to hold.
Craig Melvin is following in the legendary footsteps of Hoda Kotb and the Today show staff couldn’t be more thrilled for him. “Craig is so great, people were cheering when they got the email from the staff,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly. “He’s the best – everyone is so excited for him.” Another source adds: “He is (…)
Is Craig Melvin the co-host of the 4th hour?
Melvin will not take over as co-host of the fourth hour Jenna Bush Hager. Until the show finds a replacement for Kotb, the fourth hour will be renamed Today with Jenna and friends and will contain a composition of rotating guest co-hosts.
How much does Craig Melvin make as a Today presenter?
A separate insider solely assesses the Our in November 2024 that Melvin will earn around “$5 or $6 million” from his new gig.