Let’s just say Savannah Guthrie isn’t thrilled with Craig Melvin’s late-night habits. The seasoned journalist and Today cohost gave her colleague a stern warning during a recent episode of the beloved morning show.
Craig Melvin Admits to Burning the Midnight Oil
In a candid moment on Today, Craig Melvin, 45, confessed to staying up late the night before. “I was up late last night,” he admitted during the January 21 episode. But Savannah Guthrie, 53, wasn’t having it. She quickly chimed in, questioning his habits and reminding him of the marathon-like demands of their profession. “Again?” she quipped. “You know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay up every night watching football and getting up early, this cannot last.”
Craig Melvin Acknowledges the Need for Change
It seems Craig was aware of his need to adjust his schedule. “I’m gonna have to recondition myself,” he agreed, with a hint of humor. He went on to explain his late-night motivation: “I had to see if the Ohio State Buckeyes could vanquish their opponents!” Thankfully, the Buckeyes triumphed, beating the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the College Football Playoff championship. However, with his new responsibilities on the show, Craig’s wake-up call is coming even earlier these days.
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Craig’s New Routine After Taking Over for Hoda Kotb
Since stepping into Hoda Kotb’s role during the early morning hours, Craig has had to make some significant lifestyle adjustments. In a past interview with TODAY.com, he revealed that his mornings start at an impressive 3:45 a.m. to ensure he’s ready for the studio on time. To maintain this grueling schedule, Craig and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, have had to coordinate their family routines. They have two children, Delano and Sybil, and Lindsay often takes the lead in putting them to bed on weeknights. “My wife is going to get a medal at some point for putting the kids down most nights, except weekends,” Craig joked. “But that’s the thing about the shift—you really have to commit to a regimen to make it work.”

Craig also shared his morning routine, which includes a carefully curated playlist to set the tone for the day. “On the car ride in, I listen to gospel music. I’ve got a gospel playlist that I’ve created and cultivated over the last seven or eight years, and I usually listen to that for about the first 45 minutes,” he explained. As the commute winds down, he switches gears. “I switch over to the most ratchet hardcore hip-hop and rap that I can stand. It’s actually quite comical,” he admitted. “I go from uplift and inspiration to let’s get it going.”
Craig Steps In for Hoda Kotb
Craig has been filling in admirably for Hoda Kotb, who is currently on maternity leave. Last week, he took the reins when Savannah was out sick. On January 16, he welcomed viewers with his signature charm. “Welcome to Today, so glad you’re with us on this busy Thursday morning,” he said. “Laura Jarrett is in; Savannah’s a little under the weather.”
Laura Jarrett, a regular on Weekend Today, often steps in when weekday anchors are unavailable. “I know what you’re thinking, that after three days of Craig she decided to bail,” he joked, prompting Laura, 41, to respond, “I wasn’t going to say it … But it’s nice to be with you.”
Savannah returned the following day, explaining that a brief bout with norovirus had sidelined her family. “It was a quick mover. We’re all better,” she reassured viewers and Craig after her absence during his first week as Hoda’s replacement.


