Craig Melvin Replaced by Beloved Female Host on Today Desk, Calls In From Italy
Fans tuning into Today were surprised to find Craig Melvin absent from his usual seat at the anchor desk. Instead,
Laura Jarrett filled in alongside Savannah Guthrie as Melvin reported live from Milan, Italy.
Craig Melvin Reports From Milan Amid 2026 Winter Olympics Countdown
At the start of the show, Guthrie wasted no time addressing Melvin’s absence.
Turning to Jarrett, she playfully invited her to help greet their missing co-host. “Laura, do you wanna help me say buongiorno to Craig, who is in Milan?” Guthrie said with a smile.
A moment later, Melvin appeared on screen from Italy, grinning as he responded with an enthusiastic “buongiorno.”
The Today host is currently in Milan covering the official one-year countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics. In his segment, he explained the significance of this particular Olympic Games, highlighting that, for the first time ever, the competition will be split between two cities—Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Craig Melvin’s Temporary Replacement
While Melvin is in Italy, Today fans were introduced to a familiar face stepping in for him—Laura Jarrett. The journalist has quickly become a fan favorite since joining the morning show, and her presence at the desk was well-received.
Jarrett’s appointment to fill Melvin’s seat comes just weeks after he took over from longtime host Hoda Kotb, making his absence all the more noticeable. However, his on-air check-in reassured viewers that he would soon be back.
Fans React to Craig Melvin’s Assignment in Italy
As soon as the show aired, fans took to social media to share their thoughts on Melvin’s overseas assignment. Many expressed their excitement for the upcoming Olympics, while others couldn’t help but admire how much effort NBC puts into covering the games.
“Boy, Craig Melvin has been sent to Italy already. NBC is so emotional. #Today,” one viewer joked on X (formerly Twitter), pointing out the network’s deep enthusiasm for Olympic coverage.
Others praised Jarrett’s appearance at the desk, with some commenting on how seamlessly she fit into the dynamic alongside Guthrie.
Craig Melvin’s Growing Role on Today
Melvin’s temporary absence comes amid a period of transition for the Today show. Since taking over for Kotb, he has continued to be a central figure on the morning program, balancing his anchoring duties with high-profile assignments like this Olympic preview.
His trip to Milan showcases NBC’s commitment to the Olympics and highlights Melvin’s status as a trusted correspondent for major events. As anticipation builds for the 2026 Winter Games, fans can expect to see more exclusive coverage from Melvin in the coming months.
What’s Next for Today?
With the Winter Olympics now just a year away, NBC will likely ramp up its coverage, with more special segments and behind-the-scenes looks at the preparations in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. As for Melvin, he’ll continue to provide updates from Italy before returning to his seat at the Today desk.
In the meantime, viewers can enjoy the temporary shake-up with Jarrett stepping in—proving that no matter who’s at the desk, Today continues to bring exciting, must-watch moments to its audience.
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