Morning routines are sacred. You wake up, stumble toward the coffee pot, and flip on NBC to see those familiar faces. But lately, if you’ve been tuning in, things look a little different than they did a year ago. If you are wondering who hosted the Today show today, specifically this Thursday, January 15, 2026, the answer reflects a massive changing of the guard at 30 Rock.
The main desk for the first two hours featured the now-established powerhouse duo of Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin.
It’s been about a year since Hoda Kotb walked away from her post, and the transition has finally settled into a rhythm. Craig, who officially stepped into the co-anchor spot alongside Savannah in early 2025, has brought a steady, journalistic weight to the 7:00 a.m. start. Joining them, as always, was Al Roker handling the weather and Carson Daly in the Orange Room.
The Major Shakeup in the 4th Hour
Honestly, the biggest news regarding who hosted the Today show today happened during the 10:00 a.m. hour. This week actually marks a historic milestone for the program. Monday, January 12, was the official launch of the newly rebranded fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
For the last year, Jenna Bush Hager was essentially "dating" a rotation of guest hosts under the Jenna & Friends banner. It was fun, sure, but it felt temporary. Today, however, Sheinelle Jones sat in her permanent seat as Jenna’s official co-host.
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This isn't just a random pairing. These two have been "the fill-ins" for over a decade, back when Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda were still sipping wine before noon. Seeing them together today felt like a full-circle moment for long-time viewers.
Why today was emotional
If you caught the broadcast, you probably noticed a bit of a heavy, yet hopeful, vibe. Sheinelle has been incredibly open about the "peace that passes all understanding" lately. She lost her husband, Uche Ojeh, to brain cancer in May 2025.
Coming back to work and stepping into this permanent, high-energy role is a big deal. She mentioned today that empathy is her "new superpower." It's not the typical polished morning show banter; it’s real, raw, and honestly, a bit of a breath of fresh air for network TV.
Breaking Down the Full Roster
To keep it simple, here is exactly who you saw on your screen if you watched from start to finish:
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- 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM (The Core News): Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin.
- 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM (The 3rd Hour): Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer. (Note: Sheinelle Jones has officially exited this hour to focus on her new role with Jenna).
- 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (The 4th Hour): Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones.
Jenna’s Career Pivot
Beyond the hosting duties, Jenna Bush Hager dropped some news of her own today that has people talking. She isn't leaving the show, but she’s diversifying. She’s now an executive producer for a new NBC drama called Protection.
She told Sheinelle this morning that the show is inspired by different levels of law enforcement—including the Secret Service. Given her background as a First Daughter, she joked that she "knows a thing or two" about that life. They are looking to start shooting this spring.
What Most People Get Wrong About the New Lineup
There’s a common misconception that the show is "struggling" to find its footing after Hoda. That’s not really the case. NBC took their time with the "dating" period for the fourth hour because they wanted to ensure the chemistry was right.
Choosing Sheinelle wasn't just about picking a familiar face. It was about stability.
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Craig Melvin's transition to the main co-anchor spot has also been smoother than some predicted. While there have been some rumors about "backlash" regarding Craig’s side business—a scented candle company called Melvin Made—it hasn't affected his performance at the desk. He’s still the same reliable newsman, just one who happens to sell candles for cancer research on the side.
Why This Lineup Matters
Morning television is about more than just news; it’s about companionship. When you ask who hosted the Today show today, you’re usually looking for that sense of familiarity.
The current 2026 lineup represents a shift toward "authenticity" over "performance." Whether it's Sheinelle talking about her grief journey or Al Roker’s legendary longevity, the show is leaning into the personal lives of its anchors more than ever before.
If you missed today's episode, you can catch the highlights on the Today app or Peacock. The 4th hour with Jenna and Sheinelle is particularly worth a watch this week as they continue to celebrate their "first week" energy.
Keep an eye on the 3rd hour in the coming weeks. With Sheinelle moving to the 10:00 a.m. slot, NBC is currently using a rotating desk of correspondents to fill her seat alongside Al and Dylan. Expect a permanent announcement there by late spring 2026.