Since Hoda Kotb’s announcement in early 2025 that she would be stepping away from The Today Show, speculation has swirled about who would step into her role. 

As one of the most beloved figures in morning television, Kotb left behind big shoes to fill, and fans eagerly awaited news of her replacement.

They didn’t have to wait long. 

On November 14, it was officially revealed that longtime NBC journalist Craig Melvin would take over as co-anchor of The Today Show.

Craig Melvin Steps Into a New Role

The announcement of Melvin’s promotion was met with enthusiasm from both fans and his colleagues.

On November 15, meteorologist Dylan Dreyer shared a heartfelt tribute to Melvin on Instagram, celebrating his new position.

Alongside a series of photos featuring Melvin on the Today Show set and posing with Dreyer’s three children, she humorously wrote:

“I’ve let @craigmelvinnbc babysit my kids…and they survived with smiles on their faces.”

She went on to praise him further, writing:

“Craig makes us all smile every day…there’s no better choice as new host of @todayshow! Congratulations, my friend! You’ve earned this!”

Fans Celebrate Melvin’s Promotion

Melvin’s promotion has been met with overwhelming support from Today Show viewers, who took to social media to congratulate him. Many shared their excitement in the comments section of Dreyer’s post, with one fan writing:

“I’ll definitely miss Hoda, but am so excited for this!”

Another viewer praised Melvin’s on-air presence, saying:

“Craig’s sincere and kind nature literally permeates through the TV. He will be amazing!”

A third supporter added:

“@craigmelvinnbc is such an awesome dude!! I’m so proud of him!!!”

A Toast to Craig Melvin – With a Hilarious Twist

To celebrate the big news, Melvin’s Today Show colleagues raised their glasses in a toast on air. The special moment featured Kotb, Melvin, Carson Daly, Jenna Bush Hager, Sheinelle Jones, and Savannah Guthrie, who all joined in on the celebratory moment.

Instead of champagne, the team opted for bourbon—a choice that quickly backfired for some. As they took their sips, a few of Melvin’s co-hosts gagged and stuck their tongues out, clearly not prepared for the strong flavor. Despite the unexpected reaction, the mood remained joyful and lighthearted, with The Today Show’s Instagram account joking that next time, they might want to stick to champagne instead.

Craig Melvin’s Journey on The Today Show

Melvin’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his journalism career. Having joined NBC News in 2011, he has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming a fan-favorite anchor thanks to his warm personality, insightful interviews, and engaging storytelling.

Prior to taking over Kotb’s position, Melvin was already a familiar face on the program, serving as a co-host for The Today Show’s Third Hour while also contributing to the show’s main segments.

The Legacy of Hoda Kotb

Hoda Kotb’s decision to step away from her longtime hosting duties was met with mixed emotions from fans, as she has been a staple of the show for over 26 years. She explained that her departure was driven by her desire to spend more quality time with her daughters, Haley and Hope.

While viewers will undoubtedly miss Kotb’s presence, they have also embraced Melvin as a worthy successor who will bring his own unique energy and expertise to the show.

What’s Next for Craig Melvin?

As Melvin settles into his new role, fans can expect to see even more of him on their screens as he takes on the responsibilities of co-anchoring The Today Show’s first and second hours. With his strong journalistic background and natural charisma, he is poised to bring fresh energy to the program while maintaining the tradition of excellence that viewers have come to love.

One thing is certain—Craig Melvin’s future at The Today Show is brighter than ever!

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