So, you’ve probably seen the headlines swirling around or noticed a different face in the anchor chair and wondered if Craig Melvin leaving Today show is actually happening. It’s one of those things where a three-minute segment or a week-long vacation can trigger a total internet meltdown. People get attached to their morning routine. You wake up, grab your coffee, and you expect to see the same folks at the desk. When they aren't there, the "where did they go?" panic starts immediately.
But here’s the thing: Craig Melvin isn’t leaving the show. In fact, he’s arguably more "there" than he’s ever been.
If you feel like things look different, you're right. We just went through a massive era-defining shift at 30 Rock. After Hoda Kotb decided to step away from the anchor desk on January 10, 2025, to spend more time with her kids, the network didn't go looking for an outsider. They looked right next to her. Craig Melvin officially took over as the co-anchor for the flagship 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday, January 13, 2025.
It wasn't a departure; it was a massive promotion.
Why People Think Craig Melvin is Leaving the Today Show
It’s kinda funny how the rumor mill works. Usually, when someone says "Craig Melvin is leaving," they’re reacting to one of two things. First, there are the "assignments." Because Craig is now the lead guy, he’s the one they ship off to Italy to scout the 2026 Winter Olympics or to some random corner of the world for a breaking news story. If he’s not in the New York studio for three days, the comment sections start filling up with people asking if he quit.
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He didn't. He’s just doing the job of a lead anchor.
Then there’s the whole "Third Hour" versus "Main Show" confusion. For years, Craig was the backbone of the 9 a.m. hour—the Third Hour—with Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones. When he moved up to the 7 a.m. slot to replace Hoda, some viewers thought he was leaving his old crew behind.
The reality? He’s pulling double duty. He stayed on the Third Hour while adding the main anchor responsibilities to his plate. Basically, the guy is working more than almost anyone else in morning TV right now. Honestly, I don't know when he sleeps.
The Hoda Kotb Baton Pass
Let’s talk about that transition for a second because it was actually pretty emotional. Hoda didn't just walk out the door; she practically hand-picked Craig. On his first official day in the big seat, he read a poem she wrote for him. It was a whole thing—she talked about "reaching back her hand" to grab the baton.
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You don't get a tribute like that if you're on the way out.
Since taking over, the chemistry with Savannah Guthrie has been surprisingly seamless. They’ve got this "brother-sister" vibe that works. Within just a few weeks of the promotion, Craig even ended up with a temporary tattoo of Savannah’s face on his neck because of a lost bet. If that’s not job security, I don't know what is.
The 2026 Outlook: What’s Next for Craig?
As we move through 2026, Craig’s role is only getting bigger. NBC is leaning on him heavily for the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics coverage. You’re going to see him "away" from the Today desk a lot more because he’s becoming the face of the network’s major event coverage.
- Lead Anchor Duties: He’s the primary partner for Savannah Guthrie.
- The Third Hour: He’s still the "glue" that keeps the 9 a.m. crew together.
- Special Projects: His Southern Living column and his work on colorectal cancer awareness (in honor of his late brother, Lawrence) keep him busy outside the studio.
Clearing Up the "Vacation" Confusion
Last year, there was a minor freak-out when Craig disappeared for a week in April. Everyone thought the new gig didn't work out. It turned out he was just on Easter break with his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, and their kids.
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Morning news anchors are people too. They take spring break. They get sick. When Mike Tirico or another heavy hitter fills in for a few days, it’s not a sign of a "quiet firing" or a secret resignation. It’s just the natural rotation of a 24/7 news cycle.
What You Should Actually Watch For
If you’re worried about the future of the show, don't look at Craig. Look at the 10 a.m. hour. That’s where the real "leaving" happened. When Hoda left, it turned into Today with Jenna & Friends. They’ve been rotating guest hosts alongside Jenna Bush Hager for a while now.
Craig, on the other hand, is the most stable part of the morning line-up right now. NBC spent a lot of money and time positioning him as the successor to the "Lauer/Hoda" lineage. He’s reportedly pulling in a salary in the $5 million to $6 million range now. You don't pay someone that kind of money if they’re planning to walk away.
The Actionable Takeaway
If you see Craig Melvin missing from the Today show tomorrow, check the "On Assignment" tag before you assume the worst. He’s likely in a different time zone covering a story that requires a heavy-hitter journalist. If you want to keep up with his actual movements without the clickbait, follow his social media or the official Today show Instagram. They usually post a "Where’s Craig?" update if he’s going to be gone for more than a couple of days.
Bottom line: The anchor desk is in good hands, and Craig Melvin is exactly where he’s supposed to be.