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“This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made”

Online Niel November 15, 2024

The Today show will undergo a slight change in January. As Hoda Kotb announced in Septembershe is leaving the morning show. She has co-hosted the fourth hour since 2007 and joined the main show as a co-host in 2018.

Hoda Kotb sitting on a sofa during a talk show, wearing a sleeveless top, looking slightly to the side. Flowers and trees are visible in the background — Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Now, Today announced Hoda’s last day and her replacement as co-presenter.

During Thursday’s show, Hoda sat down with her co-host Savannah Guthrie and co-host Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, Jenna Bush Hagerand Carson Daly. There, Hoda revealed that her final Today show as co-anchor and co-host will take place on Friday, January 10.

Today Show host, engaging in conversation

Savannah then announced who would be taking over for Hoda after her departure. And that person happened to be sitting right next to Savannah.

Savannah in a gingham dress smiling while sitting indoors — Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

This is Craig Melvin.

Craig Melvin in a suit, holding papers and smiling, possibly preparing for or during a show — John Nacion/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Craig worked at Today for years, joined the show as a news anchor in 2018. He also co-hosts the show’s third hour alongside Al RokerSheinelle and Dylan Dreyer.

Person in a formal suit smiling against the background of an event with "Opportunity Network Gala" text — Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Opportunity Network

Savannah was quick to praise Craig after he announced his new role on the show. “We are so excited about our news Today family, and this is the person sitting right next to me: our dear friend and talented, wonderful, hardworking and (and) most worthy of it. Craig Melvin is the new anchor of Today show,” she said. “And let me just say that the senior staff found out this morning and people erupted in applause. This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”

Group of six people sitting on a television, all smiling. They wear a mix of casual and business attire. In front of them is a coffee table with flowers

Craig noted that he was “beyond excited and grateful” for the role before expressing his thanks and explaining what the promotion means to his extended family.

A man in a suit and tie sits on a talk show set, engaged in conversation. The background includes part of a studio set and a plant

He also received congratulations from Hoda. “Craig, you’re made for this job. You’re literally made for this job. You’re that good,” she said. “You have everything this job needs. You are the right person for it.”

Three people sit on a couch during a talk show. The two on the left are wearing a suit and a stylish blouse, while the one on the right is wearing a casual blazer

Craig quickly returned the compliments, repeatedly telling Hoda that she “helped save the show.”

Person in a suit with a patterned tie and pocket square sitting on a couch. A bouquet of flowers is in the foreground — Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

The ad was quickly praised online, including by several NBC journalists:

@mitchellreports/Twitter/ Via Twitter: @mitchellreports

@jacobsoboroff/Twitter/NBCUniversal/ Via Twitter: @jacobsoboroff

@kwelkernbc/Twitter/NBCUniversal / Via Twitter: @kwelkernbc

Craig, who was born and raised in South Carolina, also received congratulations from his South Carolina teammates.

@dawnstaley/Twitter/Via Twitter: @dawnstaley

@harrisonjaime/Twitter/Via Twitter: @harrisonjaime

And several other celebrities celebrated on Instagram, including fellow NBC journalist Lester Holt:

Message from lesterholtnbc congratulating Craig, expressing excitement from the @nbcnightlynews and @datelinenbc teams

Comment congratulating Craig Melvin with clapping emojis

Comment on social media: "Let's go! ???? Congratulations Craig!!!!!"

For its fourth hour, Today has announced that following Hoda’s departure, they will launch a new show titled Jenna & Friends. It will see current co-host Jenna paired with a rotating cast of guest hosts.