Regular Today viewers noticed a change at the news desk on February 11, 2025, as Craig Melvin was missing from his usual spot alongside Savannah Guthrie. 

Instead, Peter Alexander stepped in to co-anchor the episode, prompting questions about Craig’s whereabouts. 

Savannah quickly addressed his absence, revealing that he was on a special assignment overseas.

Where Is Craig Melvin?

Savannah kicked off the episode by introducing Peter and explaining that Craig was in Milan for an exciting reason.

“Nice to have you with us, Peter. Craig is on assignment in Milan,” she shared. 

“Tomorrow on Today, he’s going to give us a first look at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The countdown is already underway, so he’s going to show us around the beautiful host city.”

Craig himself had hinted at this trip the previous week, jokingly saying that he would be “taking one for the team” by heading to Italy for a sneak peek at the upcoming Olympics.

His assignment in Milan comes just a month after he officially took over co-anchor duties from Hoda Kotb in January 2025, following her decision to step away from the show. Craig, a well-respected journalist, has been a familiar face on Today for years, and his role as co-anchor has only solidified his presence on the morning news program.

Peter Alexander Steps In

While Craig was away, NBC News journalist Peter Alexander filled in as co-anchor alongside Savannah. Before his appearance on Today, Peter took to Instagram to share a nostalgic throwback video from his early days in journalism.

“Just dug up this classic Medill Evening News clip from @northwesternu @medillschool. Thinking it’s 1998. Long way from @nbcnews. What a journey! Fill-in anchoring @todayshow alongside @savannahguthrie tomorrow. Hope you’ll watch,” he wrote on February 10, 2025.

Fans were excited to see him take the weekday Today spot, with many leaving encouraging comments. One supporter wrote, “I think you are great. One of the few reporters who ask the hard questions and keep at it.” Another added, “You were born to anchor!”

Who Is Peter Alexander?

Longtime Today viewers are already familiar with Peter Alexander, who co-anchors Weekend Today alongside Laura Jarrett. His career with NBC News began in 2004, and over the years, he has covered major global events, earning recognition for his sharp reporting and in-depth storytelling.

In 2012, Peter was named an NBC News White House correspondent, a role that saw him reporting on significant political events and interviewing high-profile figures. After years of filling in as a weekend host, he was officially named co-anchor of Weekend Today in 2018.

When he stepped into his Weekend Today role, Peter expressed his deep appreciation for the opportunity.

“I’ve been watching this show since I was a kid, and I am so honored, I’m so grateful to share this set with you guys,” he said at the time. “I’ve learned so much from so many people in this system.”

A Celebrated Career at NBC

In August 2024, Peter marked 20 years with NBC News, reflecting on the impact of his career.

“What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller. I really feel like we have a higher responsibility doing this for a living,” he said in an interview about his two decades with the network. “Being journalists, you have the trust of the audience, the trust of the people whose stories you’re telling. That’s something that I take so seriously.”

Now a seasoned journalist, Peter recalled his early years at NBC, where he joined the network at just 27 years old. He humorously acknowledged how time has passed, saying,

“So the idea that now, I’m one of the old guys around—I got the grey hair to show it—that I get to have these experiences and hopefully, sort of inspire or at least motivate this new generation of journalists is something that I’m really enjoying.”

Encouraging aspiring reporters, he added, “For any of those young people that I met on the plaza or maybe those who are watching from home right now, I promise you, I’m keeping the seat warm and you’re up next.”

Craig Melvin’s Exciting Assignment Continues

While fans missed Craig Melvin’s presence on Today, his trip to Milan is for a good reason. With the 2026 Winter Olympics just around the corner, Craig is set to provide exclusive coverage and an early look at the preparations in the host city. Viewers can look forward to his segment, where he’ll showcase the excitement building up for one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

In the meantime, Peter Alexander’s presence as a fill-in anchor has been well received, and fans continue to enjoy his contributions to Today. Whether reporting on global events or sharing heartfelt moments with viewers, Peter remains a trusted voice in broadcast journalism.

Craig will be back in his Today chair soon, but until then, audiences can enjoy his Olympic coverage from Milan while appreciating Peter’s seamless transition into the weekday show.

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