When Today kicks off its Monday morning broadcast, NBC executives and producers hope that, on the surface, it will feel like business as usual. 

However, behind the scenes, a significant transition is taking place.

Craig Melvin will step into the co-anchor position alongside Savannah Guthrie, filling the role previously held by Hoda Kotb. 

While Melvin is a familiar face on the show, this marks his first official broadcast in the newly appointed role. 

The expectation is that viewers will embrace the transition seamlessly.

“People kind of know and expect what we give them every day,” Melvin said in a recent interview. “We would be silly to tinker with that too much.”

‘Today’ Enjoying a Ratings Boost Amid the Change

Melvin assumes his new role at a time when Today is experiencing a resurgence in viewership. While traditional television audiences continue to decline across the board, the NBC morning show has seen a notable upswing.

For the past ten weeks, Today has led the ratings among the three major network morning shows, surpassing longtime rival Good Morning America. The program has also maintained its dominance in the key 25-to-54-year-old demographic, which is especially valuable to advertisers.

This recent ratings streak is Today’s best since April 2012, a period that preceded one of the show’s most turbulent transitions—the controversial departure of Ann Curry later that year.

Navigating Change: A History of Transition at ‘Today’

Today has weathered multiple high-profile changes in recent years. Kotb took over as co-anchor in 2018 following the scandal that led to Matt Lauer’s abrupt dismissal from the network. Prior to that, Guthrie stepped into the role after producers determined that Lauer and then-co-anchor Curry lacked strong on-air chemistry. The result was a shift in morning television dominance, with GMA overtaking Today as the most-watched morning show.

Despite past challenges, Guthrie is optimistic about Melvin’s transition.

“We are really hoping that it is a seamless transition,” she said. “Hoda will still be part of the family. People will see her. But Craig has been there every single day, and our viewers know him and our crew knows him.”

NBC’s Strategy to Keep the Show Strong

NBC executives are ensuring the transition remains smooth not only for viewers but also behind the scenes. Today has benefited from recent programming highlights, including the network’s successful coverage of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The show also tends to see an uptick in viewership around the holidays, adding to its recent momentum.

Libby Leist, NBC News executive vice president, emphasized the importance of consistency and quality in the show’s content.

“I worry about putting on a great show every day and making sure that our content is topical, relevant, and helpful to the audience,” Leist said. “We know what our mission is, and Craig and Savannah are the lead of it.”

Part of that mission involves ensuring that Today’s entire ensemble remains front and center. In addition to Guthrie and Melvin, the show’s familiar roster includes Al Roker, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Sheinelle Jones, Jenna Bush Hager, Peter Alexander, Laura Jarrett, and Willie Geist.

“Our anchors are really gelled together. They have been together for a long time,” Leist noted. “This is a very consistent show.”

NBC also places a strong emphasis on its partnerships with local affiliates, recognizing that Today benefits when audiences remain engaged after their local morning newscasts. A dedicated team focuses on identifying stories with regional significance, which can help attract and retain viewers.

Expanding ‘Today’ with More Sports Coverage

One area where Melvin and Guthrie are expected to make an impact is in Today’s evolving approach to sports coverage. NBC holds broadcast rights to major sporting events, including the NFL and, starting in the fall, the NBA as part of a new 11-year contract.

Melvin, who has a background in sports journalism, will soon travel to Milan to report on preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics, further solidifying the show’s sports presence.

“We are doing more sports than we used to in the old days,” Guthrie said, citing past interviews with tennis legend Roger Federer as an example of Today’s growing interest in athletic coverage.

Melvin echoed this sentiment, expressing enthusiasm about highlighting sports-related stories.

“I would like to highlight even more of those kinds of stories,” he said. Viewers can expect to see both Guthrie and Melvin making an appearance during NBC’s Sunday Night Football halftime show.

Craig Melvin’s Journey to the ‘Today’ Anchor Desk

Melvin’s promotion is the culmination of years of hard work within the NBC News family. He has been a staple on Today, previously anchoring the third hour of the program while also handling hosting duties on MSNBC.

Reflecting on his early career, Melvin admitted that he never anticipated reaching this level in broadcast journalism.

“I didn’t think this was in the cards,” he said, recalling his time at WIS in Columbia, South Carolina. “My dream was to get to a bigger market. Back then, that might have been Atlanta or Chicago.”

When he left for a role at WRC, NBC’s station in Washington, D.C., his family was skeptical about his decision.

“My entire family is in South Carolina—siblings, parents, and uncles all lived within a 15-mile radius. My grandmother was asking me if I was sure about the decision. I was fully prepared to retire there.”

Now, as a co-anchor of Today, Melvin finds himself at the pinnacle of morning television.

A Bright Future for ‘Today’

As Today continues to evolve, NBC is expanding its reach beyond traditional television. Digital platforms, including a streaming extension and a wellness app, have helped the brand engage with audiences in new ways.

“We have really tried to meet viewers where they are,” Guthrie explained.

With Monday marking his first official day as co-anchor, Melvin and Guthrie’s morning greeting will likely be the first of many as Today moves forward with renewed energy.

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