Big Changes on the Horizon for 'Today'

As the morning airwaves buzz with change, Craig Melvin has been announced as the new face joining the early hours of Today. Fans of the show are abuzz, but there’s a twist—Hoda Kotb’s seat won’t be filled just yet. Jenna Bush Hager, 42, is set to continue her hosting duties, but this time around, she'll have a lineup of rotating co-hosts joining her. The show is entering uncharted waters, and it’s anyone’s guess who will eventually step into the permanent role.

Meet the New Faces, Same Familiar Smiles

For now, the fourth hour of Today will see a parade of familiar and unexpected faces gracing the screen. Jenna Bush Hager, the former first daughter, will be joined by a variety of guest co-hosts until a permanent decision is made. It’s like a game of musical chairs, with some expected participants, some surprises, and a few wildcards thrown into the mix. A source close to the show told People, “It’ll be a full-bodied rotation of people. Some expected, some who are in the family already, and some unexpected. They don’t know where it’s going to land.”

A New Name for the Show: 'Today With Jenna and Friends'

Until the dust settles and a permanent co-host is chosen, the show will operate under the moniker Today With Jenna and Friends. It’s a playful nod to the rotating cast of characters stepping in to keep things lively. The show’s producers haven’t publicly disclosed how long this format will last after Hoda, 60, officially waves goodbye. But one thing’s for sure—it’s going to be an exciting ride.

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Speculation has been swirling around Laura Jarrett, who has filled in as a co-host in the past. Fans are holding out hope that she might just be the one to step into the permanent role when the time comes. But as they say, only time will tell!

Craig Melvin: The Man of the Hour

Craig’s big moment came during the Thursday, November 14, episode of the talk show. He’s taking on the role of co-host for the first three hours of Today once Hoda departs. Viewers tuning in for the first hour will see him tackling the day’s headlines alongside the ever-gracious Savannah Guthrie. Fans are no strangers to Craig’s presence, having seen him join Hoda and Savannah later in the early morning hours as the third co-anchor, and of course, during the show’s third hour with Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer.

Now, Craig is stepping up to the plate, ready to shoulder even more responsibility. His co-stars couldn’t be prouder. Al Roker, 70, expressed his admiration during a virtual appearance on Today on Thursday. “I knew that this day would come,” Al said. “I’ve watched you grow. I’ve seen you as a journalist, but more importantly, I’ve seen you as a dad, as a son, all the things that make you who you are. I am so proud and so happy for you right now.”

Hoda’s Farewell Letter

Hoda first broke the news of her departure on September 26. Her final broadcast is slated for early January 2025. In a heartfelt letter to her colleagues, she shared her plans to remain part of the NBC family. “Happily and gratefully, I plan to remain a part of the NBC family, the longest work relationship I’ve been lucky enough to hold close to my heart. I’ll be around. How could I not? Family is family and you all will always be a part of mine,” she wrote.

Craig echoed the sentiment, sharing his admiration for Hoda after the announcement. “People in this business, when that little red light goes off, they’re different people,” Craig said. “We’ve worked with all these people before. You’re the opposite. That little red light goes off, and you are exactly like people see you in the morning—just the biggest heart.”

“You’ve been the heart of this show for a long time, and there’s no replacing that,” he added, encapsulating the sentiment felt by many as the show moves into this new chapter.