It has been a month and a half since Craig Melvin officially stepped in 

as the co-anchor of Today, joining Savannah Guthrie at the desk of the long-running NBC morning show. 

The 45-year-old journalist took over the coveted position following the departure of Hoda Kotb, 

who left Today after 17 years to focus on a quieter life with her two young daughters.

Now, in a new interview with Westport Magazine, Craig is opening up about the transition, his feelings about taking on such a significant role, 

and how he never imagined he would be sitting in that chair.

Craig Melvin’s Unexpected Path to Co-Anchor

For Craig, becoming the co-anchor of Today was never something he saw coming. He had already carved out a respected career on the show and was content with his previous position. However, everything changed when he received the call about Hoda’s departure.

“Honestly, I never thought I would be the guy to sit in this seat — I was happy in my role,” he admitted. “But then one day, I got the call that Hoda Kotb was leaving, and I just thought, ‘Wow, this might actually be happening.’”

Craig officially stepped into the co-anchor role on January 13, 2025, and since then, the magnitude of his new position has started to sink in.

Adjusting to the Spotlight

Although Craig was already a familiar face on NBC, he admits that it wasn’t until he took on this new role that he truly grasped the influence and reach of Today.

“You don’t fully grasp the magnitude of the show’s reach until you experience it firsthand, you know?” he shared. “It hits you when a random person in Ohio or an airport in Florida stops you and says, ‘I remember your first show. Seeing your mom on was such a beautiful moment.’”

Craig’s words highlight how deeply Today connects with viewers across the country, making the transition even more meaningful for him.

Honoring Today’s Legacy

Taking on the role of co-anchor of Today is no small responsibility, and Craig fully understands the weight of his new position. The show has been a staple of American television for over seven decades, and being part of such a legacy is something he doesn’t take for granted.

“There are so few truly venerable institutions left in television, and being part of one isn’t something I take lightly,” he said. “It’s the professional honor of a lifetime.”

Reflecting on his own journey, Craig acknowledged that his path to this point was anything but typical.

“I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. My mom was a schoolteacher, my dad was a mail clerk — none of what has happened in my life was ever supposed to happen,” he said. “And every few years, I find myself stepping back, thinking, ‘Holy crap. This is amazing.’”

Sharing Today with Generations of Viewers

Craig also touched on the generational impact of Today, a show that has been part of viewers’ lives for decades. He recalled a humorous yet heartfelt moment with longtime Today weatherman Al Roker.

“I joke with Al all the time — someone will come up to him and say, ‘My grandma watched you 30 years ago!’” Craig said. “And we both know their grandma has been gone for 10 years. But that’s when you realize — you’re part of something bigger. Today isn’t just a show; it’s a generational experience. And that means a lot.”

Craig Melvin’s Vision for Today

Now that he has settled into his role, Craig is thinking about the future of Today and how he hopes to contribute to its ongoing success. While he wants to enhance the way the show presents the news and include more sports coverage, there is one particular area he is passionate about: fatherhood.

“We know that Today’s morning audience is largely women — our research tells us that,” Craig noted. “But I’d argue there are a lot of guys watching, too, and I want to reach them. Fatherhood is something I care deeply about, and I think there’s space for more conversations around it.”

Embracing the Journey

As Craig continues to make his mark as co-anchor, he remains humbled by the opportunity. Stepping into a role that millions of people watch every morning is no small feat, but his dedication, passion, and down-to-earth approach make him a natural fit.

While Hoda Kotb left big shoes to fill, Craig Melvin is proving that he is more than up for the challenge. And as he continues to connect with viewers, honor Today’s legacy, and bring new perspectives to the show, it’s clear that this is only the beginning of an exciting new chapter in his career.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.