Craig Melvin's Memorable Debut on 'Today'
On Monday, January 13, Craig Melvin made a remarkable impression during his first day as the new co-host of the iconic 'Today' show, stepping into the big shoes left by Hoda Kotb. The energy in the studio was electric as Craig, a familiar face at NBC, took his seat next to Savannah Guthrie at the news desk. As the announcer introduced them, Craig's presence brought a bright smile to Savannah's face, signaling the beginning of a fresh chapter in the show's history.
A Warm Welcome and Special Moment
Savannah, known for her warm personality, wasted no time in making Craig feel at home. As the show kicked off, she playfully acknowledged the excitement of the moment. "Good morning, everybody, and welcome to 'Today' on a very special Monday morning," Savannah began, her voice filled with enthusiasm. "And, you know, I don’t think I really heard that and absorbed it. We have a tradition here at the 'Today' show," she continued, prompting the announcer to repeat Craig's name. "Yeah, we play it again," she added with a laugh.
"That’s special," Craig, 45, responded, sharing in the moment. Savannah, ever the gracious host, replied, "You’ve sat there so many times, but this morning is special and let’s go. This is going to be a beautiful ride." Craig echoed her sentiment, saying, "And there’s no one I’d rather ride with than you. Let’s do this." It was clear from the start that their partnership would be a harmonious one.
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Craig's Journey to the 'Today' Show
Craig was announced as Hoda's replacement on 'Today' during the early hours of the show back in November 2024. Reflecting on the opportunity, Craig expressed his gratitude, saying, "I am beyond excited and grateful. I’ve had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me, and I just wanted to obviously thank NBC and the folks here who have deemed me worthy. I’ve enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings and this is the latest in a long line of blessings."
The announcement was met with overwhelming support from both fans and colleagues. "The staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause," Savannah, 53, shared during the announcement. "This is one of the most popular decisions NBC has ever made." The enthusiasm from everyone involved was palpable, setting the stage for a smooth transition.
A Heartfelt Tribute to Hoda Kotb
After 17 years of dedicated service, Hoda decided it was time to step away from 'Today' to focus on raising her two daughters, Haley and Hope. Craig expressed nothing but admiration and respect for her during her farewell. "I want people to know, I didn’t have sisters, but you guys are the sisters that I never knew that I needed," Craig told Savannah and Hoda. "To inherit this from you, you’ve been the heart of this place for a long time. You helped save this show."
He continued, "And to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden, you start working with her [Hoda] and you’re like, wait a minute, she’s funny too." It was a heartfelt acknowledgment of Hoda's multifaceted talents and the legacy she leaves behind.
Hoda's Emotional Farewell
Hoda's final episode aired on January 10, and it was nothing short of a celebration. Surrounded by a lineup of celebrity guests, including 'Today' alum Kathie Lee Gifford, Hoda couldn't help but shed tears during the heartfelt farewell. The surprise appearance of her kids added an extra layer of emotion to the broadcast. "Can I just say thank you? I haven’t been able to articulate it, because I’m a mess most times, but I just want to say thanks," Hoda said, her voice choked with emotion.
