NBC News has announced that Craig Melvin will replace Hoda Kotb on the “Today” show, starting January 13, 2025. Melvin, already a familiar face to viewers, has served as a de facto third co-anchor for years.
The announcement, made on November 14, 2024, specified that Melvin will anchor the 7 to 8 a.m. hour. Details regarding the second hour's talent remain undisclosed. Melvin will continue his role on the “Today 3rd Hour.”
This move, a return to a traditional male-female anchor format for the first hour, was unsurprising given Melvin's frequent appearances on the show. He has also filled in as co-anchor on many occasions.
The show's seating arrangement will likely maintain the long-standing preference of a female anchor camera left and a male anchor camera right. Meanwhile, the fourth hour, previously known as "Today with Hoda and Jenna," will be renamed "Today with Jenna and Friends," using guest co-anchors until a permanent replacement is selected for Hoda Kotb.
Kotb’s last day on the show is January 10, 2025. She will remain with NBC News in an unspecified role. NBC News did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The announcement also draws parallels to Ann Curry's departure in 2015, following a controversial 2012 shuffle. Curry, given an “at large” anchor title after her departure, eventually left NBC News.
Melvin joined NBC News in 2011 after working in South Carolina and Washington, D.C. He has anchored for MSNBC and reported extensively for the network. In 2022, he stepped down from his “Craig Melvin Reports” show on MSNBC to focus on “Today.”