It has been nearly two months since Craig Melvin officially stepped in as co-anchor of Today, joining Savannah Guthrie at the helm of the popular NBC morning show. 

His appointment came after longtime host Hoda Kotb decided to leave the program after 17 years, choosing instead to focus on her family and a quieter life in the suburbs.

Now, Craig is opening up about what it was like to take on such a significant role, reflecting on the unexpected opportunity and the lasting impact of the show.

Stepping Into a Legacy

In a recent interview, Craig shared his initial reaction upon learning that he would be taking Hoda’s place. 

Although he had already been a familiar face on the network, serving as an anchor and correspondent, 

he admitted that becoming a main co-host was not something he had ever expected.

“Honestly, I never thought I would be the guy to sit in this seat—I was happy in my role,” he revealed. “But then one day, I got the call that Hoda Kotb was leaving, and I just thought, Wow, this might actually be happening.”

Understanding the significance of Today as a television institution, Craig expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity.

“There are so few truly venerable institutions left in television, and being part of one isn’t something I take lightly,” he said. “It’s the professional honor of a lifetime.”

The Reality of His New Role

Taking over such a prominent role meant adjusting to a new level of public recognition. Craig admitted that it wasn’t until strangers began approaching him in different parts of the country that he fully realized just how much Today reaches audiences nationwide.

“You don’t fully grasp the magnitude of the show’s reach until you experience it firsthand, you know?” he explained. “It hits you when a random person in Ohio or an airport in Florida stops you and says, ‘I remember your first show. Seeing your mom on was such a beautiful moment.’”

It was these interactions that truly made him appreciate just how many lives Today touches each morning.

“And that’s when it really sinks in—Oh my god. People watch. Millions of people are watching and listening every morning.”

A Personal and Professional Milestone

For Craig, who grew up in Columbia, South Carolina, his rise in journalism is something he never takes for granted. Coming from a humble background, he never imagined he would be sitting in one of the most coveted seats in morning television.

“My mom was a schoolteacher, my dad was a mail clerk—none of what has happened in my life was ever supposed to happen,” he shared. “It’s all just wild. And every few years, I find myself stepping back, thinking, Holy crap. This is amazing.”

That sense of awe is something he often discusses with Today’s longtime meteorologist, Al Roker.

“When I open the plaza in the morning at 8:30 a.m., I joke with Al about this all the time—someone will come up to him and say, ‘My grandma watched you 30 years ago!’” he said.

Craig added, laughing, “And we both know their grandma has been gone for 10 years. But that’s when you realize—you’re part of something bigger. Today isn’t just a show; it’s a generational experience. And that means a lot.”

Looking Ahead: Craig’s Vision for Today

As he continues to settle into his new role, Craig has given thought to how he can make an impact on the show’s content. While he acknowledges that Today’s primary audience consists of women, he also believes there’s an opportunity to engage more male viewers, particularly with conversations surrounding fatherhood.

“We know that Today’s morning audience is largely women—our research tells us that,” he explained. “But I’d argue there are a lot of guys watching, too, and I want to reach them. Fatherhood is something I care deeply about, and I think there’s space for more conversations around it.”

In addition to shedding light on parenting and family life, he hopes to broaden the scope of the show’s coverage by incorporating more discussions on sports and offering unique perspectives on major headlines.

Craig’s journey to the top of morning television has been one filled with unexpected opportunities and moments of reflection. While stepping into a role once held by Hoda Kotb was no small feat, he has embraced the challenge wholeheartedly, knowing that he is now a part of something much bigger than himself.

As he continues to grow into his role, one thing is clear—Craig Melvin is not just filling a seat; he is making it his own.

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