It’s Craig Melvin’s first week stepping into the big shoes of Hoda Kotb as the new cohost of Today, but things got a little shake-up when Savannah Guthrie had to take a day off due to feeling under the weather. Let’s dive into what happened on this memorable Thursday morning show.
Savannah’s Spot Filled by Laura Jarrett
During the Thursday, January 16, broadcast, viewers noticed something different. Savannah, who’s usually a constant presence, wasn’t at her usual spot on the news desk. Instead, Weekend Today’s Laura Jarrett was filling in, sitting right where Savannah would normally be. This change added a unique twist to the morning lineup.
Craig Melvin’s Warm Welcome
Craig, always the professional, warmly greeted the audience, making sure everyone felt included despite the changes. "Welcome to Today, so glad you’re with us on this busy Thursday morning," he said with a smile. He didn’t shy away from explaining the absence, adding, "Laura Jarrett is in, Savannah’s a little under the weather." It was a simple yet effective way to keep the audience informed and engaged.
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A Light-Hearted Moment
Craig didn’t miss the opportunity to inject some humor into the situation. He joked, "I know what you’re thinking, that after three days of Craig she decided to bail." This lighthearted comment brought laughter to the studio and at home. Laura, not missing a beat, replied, "I wasn’t going to say it … But it’s nice to be with you." Their banter added a touch of fun to the morning show.
Craig Melvin Steps Up
Despite Savannah’s absence, Craig took control of the broadcast like a seasoned pro. He smoothly transitioned into covering the biggest headlines of the morning, ensuring that the show continued without a hitch. His ability to adapt and keep the show running smoothly is a testament to his skills as a host.
A Night of Fun with Jimmy Fallon
Just hours before Savannah’s absence, she and Craig had appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. They had a blast discussing their new dynamic on Today. During their late-night TV appearance, Savannah remarked, "This is the Craig Era. We’re in our Craig Era." It was clear that both hosts were excited about this new chapter and ready to bring their best to the show.

Craig’s Journey as Coanchor
Craig’s first day as Savannah’s coanchor was Monday, January 13. He’s been impressing everyone with his performance each morning since. He admitted to being a bit "nervous" about stepping into Hoda’s shoes, given the show's long and cherished history. "The show is a beloved national institution that has been around for about 73 years," he told People in an interview published on Wednesday. "No one wants to be the person who’s at the helm of the ship when the ship finds ice." Despite his initial nerves, Craig is thrilled about the opportunity. "I’m anxious but at the same time, it’s the first time I’ve been this excited about anything outside the day I got married and the birth of my two children," he said. "I am beyond stoked."
Savannah and Hoda’s Bond
Savannah revealed that she’s keeping in close contact with Hoda during this transitional period. "I’m maybe talking to Hoda more than

