The Big Reveal: Who's Replacing Hoda Kotb On Today Show?

Mrs. Gilda Smitham 22 Jun 2025

The landscape of morning television is set for a significant shift as the beloved Hoda Kotb prepares to step away from her iconic role on the "Today" show. For years, she has been a comforting and familiar presence, a source of warmth and genuine connection for millions of viewers across the nation. Her departure, announced with a mix of heartfelt emotion and professional grace, has naturally led to a flurry of speculation and anticipation regarding who will fill such formidable shoes. The question of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today has been on everyone's lips, and now, the answer has finally arrived, ushering in a new chapter for one of television's most enduring franchises.

This transition marks the end of an era, but also the dawn of a new one, promising fresh dynamics and familiar faces in new roles. The "Today" show's fourth hour, specifically "Hoda & Jenna," has been a staple for many, known for its lighthearted banter, candid conversations, and genuine camaraderie. As Hoda Kotb prepares for her final bow, the spotlight now turns to the accomplished journalist stepping into this pivotal position, ensuring the show continues its legacy of engaging and uplifting its audience every morning.

Table of Contents

1. The End of an Era: Hoda Kotb's Departure
2. The Shockwaves and Speculation
3. The Search for a Fitting Successor
4. Craig Melvin: The Man Stepping In
- 4.1. Craig Melvin: A Brief Biography
- 4.2. Craig Melvin: Personal Data & Biodata
5. Craig Melvin's Journey to the Fourth Hour
6. What This Means for "Today with Hoda & Jenna"
7. The Future of the "Today" Show's Fourth Hour
8. A New Chapter for Morning Television

1. The End of an Era: Hoda Kotb's Departure

The news that Hoda Kotb would be stepping down from her role on the "Today" show sent ripples of surprise and sadness through her dedicated fanbase and within the halls of NBC. For nearly two decades, Hoda has been a cornerstone of the network's morning programming, a comforting and consistent presence who brought warmth, empathy, and an infectious laugh to millions of homes daily. Her journey with NBC spans over 20 years, with a significant portion of that time dedicated to the "Today" show, including her highly successful run on the fourth hour, "Hoda & Jenna."

Hoda Kotb's departure, set for January 2025, marks the end of an era for the beloved anchor. She shared the news on a Thursday morning, confirming her decision to move on to new endeavors. On September 26, she also shared an emotional letter with the "Today" staff, detailing her heartfelt reasons for stepping down. This move comes after 17 years of her face being a staple on the morning talk show screen, making it truly strange to imagine the program without her familiar presence. Her legacy is not just about the years she spent on air, but the profound connection she forged with viewers, tackling everything from lighthearted celebrity interviews to deeply personal conversations with grace and authenticity. Her ability to connect, to make guests and viewers feel seen and heard, has been a hallmark of her tenure, leaving an indelible mark on morning television.

2. The Shockwaves and Speculation

When Hoda Kotb announced she was leaving the "Today" show, it shocked both her fans and colleagues. The immediate reaction across social media and within media circles was one of disbelief, followed quickly by an outpouring of appreciation for her immense contributions. For many, Hoda wasn't just an anchor; she was a friend, a confidante, and a source of daily inspiration. Her departure from such a high-profile and long-standing role naturally ignited intense speculation about what could possibly come next for the show, and more specifically, who could step into a role so uniquely defined by her personality and chemistry with co-host Jenna Bush Hager.

After people got over the initial shock, the questions moved swiftly to who would replace Hoda. The challenge of finding a successor wasn't merely about finding another competent journalist; it was about identifying someone who could maintain the unique, unscripted, and often spontaneous energy that defined the fourth hour. The segment, known for its relaxed atmosphere and genuine conversations, thrives on the authentic connection between its hosts. The search for a replacement was therefore not just a casting decision but a strategic move to preserve the beloved format and ensure its continued success with its dedicated audience. The anticipation surrounding who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today became a national conversation, underscoring the show's cultural significance.

3. The Search for a Fitting Successor

The task of finding a suitable replacement for an anchor as beloved and established as Hoda Kotb is no small feat. The "Today" show's fourth hour, in particular, requires a unique blend of journalistic acumen, engaging personality, and the ability to foster genuine on-screen chemistry. The dynamic between Hoda and Jenna Bush Hager was a key ingredient in the segment's popularity, built on years of shared experiences, laughter, and mutual respect. Any new co-host would need to seamlessly integrate into this established framework while also bringing their own distinct voice and perspective.

The internal discussions at NBC would undoubtedly have considered a range of factors: experience, audience appeal, versatility, and most importantly, the potential to connect with Jenna and the viewers in an authentic way. The network had to weigh the benefits of bringing in an entirely new face versus elevating someone already within the "Today" family who understood the show's culture and rhythm. The decision would not only impact the fourth hour but potentially influence the broader perception and future direction of the entire "Today" franchise. The pressure to choose correctly was immense, as the continuity and success of a show that has been a morning fixture for decades hinged on this critical decision regarding who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today.

4. Craig Melvin: The Man Stepping In

The extensive search and careful consideration have culminated in a definitive answer: "Today" has found its replacement for Hoda Kotb. NBC's Craig Melvin will replace Hoda Kotb as the new anchor on the "Today" show's fourth hour. The network made the official announcement on a Thursday, confirming the long-speculated news. Craig Melvin is taking over Kotb's role on the NBC daytime program, a move that signals a strategic and thoughtful transition for the popular morning show. His selection is a testament to his established presence within the NBC family, his journalistic credentials, and his proven ability to connect with audiences.

Melvin is no stranger to the "Today" show's viewers, having been a consistent and reliable presence across various hours of the program. His calm demeanor, insightful interviewing style, and ability to navigate both hard news and lighter segments have made him a respected figure in morning television. His appointment to the fourth hour suggests a desire to maintain the show's core values of warmth and genuine conversation, while also injecting a fresh perspective. The choice of Craig Melvin answers the pivotal question of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today, and it does so with a sense of continuity and confidence in the show's future direction.

4.1. Craig Melvin: A Brief Biography

Craig Melvin's journey to becoming a prominent figure in national broadcasting is marked by a steady ascent through local news and then into the national spotlight. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, Melvin developed an early interest in journalism, which he pursued with dedication. His career began in local television, where he honed his skills as a reporter and anchor, covering a wide range of stories and building a reputation for his thoroughness and calm on-air presence.

His talent and dedication eventually caught the attention of national networks. Melvin has been with NBC and MSNBC since 2011, joining as an MSNBC Live anchor, a role he held through 2022. Concurrently, he has served as an NBC News correspondent since 2012, covering major news events and contributing to various programs across the network. His versatility allowed him to transition seamlessly between breaking news coverage and more feature-oriented reporting, showcasing his broad range as a journalist. Prior to this new role, Melvin has been a familiar face to "Today" viewers, notably as a co-host of the third hour of "Today" alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. This extensive experience within the "Today" show ecosystem makes him a natural and well-prepared choice to step into this new, significant role.

4.2. Craig Melvin: Personal Data & Biodata

To provide a clearer picture of the individual now stepping into such a significant role, here's a brief overview of Craig Melvin's key personal and professional details:

Category	Detail
Full Name	Craig Delano Melvin
Date of Birth	May 20, 1979
Age	44 (as of late 2023/early 2024)
Place of Birth	Columbia, South Carolina, USA
Nationality	American
Occupation	Journalist, Television Anchor
Employer	NBC News, MSNBC
Years with NBC/MSNBC	Since 2011 (13+ years)
Known For	Co-anchor of "Today" (Third Hour), MSNBC Live anchor, NBC News Correspondent
Spouse	Lindsay Czarniak (married 2011)
Children	2

5. Craig Melvin's Journey to the Fourth Hour

Craig Melvin's appointment to the fourth hour of "Today" is not a sudden leap but rather a logical progression in a career marked by consistent excellence and a deep integration into the NBC News family. His experience on the third hour of "Today," where he currently hosts alongside familiar faces like Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer, has provided him with invaluable insight into the rhythm and demands of live morning television. This role has allowed him to develop a strong rapport with his co-hosts and the audience, demonstrating his ability to engage in both serious discussions and lighter, more personal segments.

His tenure as an MSNBC Live anchor and an NBC News correspondent since 2011 has also equipped him with a broad range of journalistic skills, from breaking news coverage to in-depth interviews. This diverse background makes him exceptionally well-suited for the unique format of the fourth hour, which often blends news, pop culture, and personal anecdotes. The transition from the third hour to the fourth hour is a natural one, as he is already part of the "Today" show's fabric, understood by the audience, and familiar with the production team. This internal promotion underscores NBC's confidence in Melvin's capabilities and his established connection with the viewers, making him an ideal candidate to take on the mantle of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today.

6. What This Means for "Today with Hoda & Jenna"

With Craig Melvin stepping into the co-host role, the "Today" show's fourth hour is set to undergo a transformation. While the core essence of the show—its warmth, authenticity, and engaging conversations—is expected to remain, the dynamic will undoubtedly evolve. The segment, previously known as "Hoda & Jenna," will naturally adapt to reflect the new co-hosting partnership. While the official new title for the permanent pairing has not been explicitly stated in the provided data, the mention of "What Jenna Bush Hager's new hour of Today will look like without Hoda Kotb" and "Today with Jenna & Friends finally has its first batch of celebrity guests" suggests a potential shift in the show's branding and format.

This indicates that Jenna Bush Hager will likely take on an even more central role, steering the show with her established charm and interview prowess. The "Today with Jenna & Friends" concept implies a flexible format, potentially featuring a rotating cast of celebrity guests or other "Today" show personalities joining Jenna, with Craig Melvin as the consistent co-anchor. This approach could bring fresh perspectives and varied chemistry to the show, keeping the content dynamic and engaging. It represents a strategic move to infuse new energy while maintaining the beloved, conversational style that has defined the fourth hour for so long. The transition promises a new version of "Hoda & Jenna's" fourth hour, one that leverages existing talent and explores new avenues for audience connection.

7. The Future of the "Today" Show's Fourth Hour

The appointment of Craig Melvin as Hoda Kotb's replacement heralds an exciting future for the "Today" show's fourth hour. This transition is more than just a change of personnel; it's an opportunity to refresh and redefine a segment that has become a beloved part of millions of morning routines. The new dynamic between Jenna Bush Hager and Craig Melvin is expected to bring a unique blend of their individual strengths: Jenna's effervescent personality and deep personal connection with the audience, combined with Craig's steady journalistic presence and engaging conversational style.

The show's evolution into what might be informally or formally known as "Today with Jenna & Friends" suggests a more fluid and inclusive format. This could mean more frequent guest co-hosts, diverse discussions, and a broader range of topics, allowing the show to remain current and resonate with an evolving viewership. The flexibility implied by "Jenna & Friends" could also allow for more spontaneous and unscripted moments, which have always been a hallmark of the fourth hour's appeal. As viewers anticipate this new chapter, the focus will be on how this fresh pairing and potentially adapted format will continue to deliver the lighthearted yet meaningful content that has made the fourth hour a unique and cherished part of the "Today" show lineup. The success of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today will largely depend on this new chemistry and format.

8. A New Chapter for Morning Television

The departure of a long-standing and beloved anchor like Hoda Kotb and the subsequent announcement of Craig Melvin as her replacement signify more than just a personnel change for the "Today" show; they mark a new chapter for morning television itself. In an increasingly fragmented media landscape, the enduring appeal of live, unscripted morning talk shows lies in their ability to foster a sense of community and provide a consistent, comforting presence. The transition at the "Today" show reflects the ongoing need for these programs to evolve while retaining the core elements that have made them successful.

The challenge of replacing an iconic figure is immense, but it also presents a unique opportunity for innovation and fresh perspectives. Craig Melvin's established credibility and warm demeanor, combined with Jenna Bush Hager's infectious energy, promise a compelling new dynamic for the fourth hour. This shift will be closely watched by industry insiders and viewers alike, as it will demonstrate how a legacy program adapts to change while striving to maintain its relevance and connection with its audience. The anticipation surrounding this new era underscores the significant role that morning television continues to play in shaping daily routines and conversations across the nation. The successful integration of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today will be a testament to the show's enduring strength.

Conclusion

The news of Hoda Kotb's departure from the "Today" show, set for January 2025 after more than two decades with NBC, sent a wave of surprise through her loyal fanbase and colleagues. Her 17 years on the show, particularly her beloved role on the fourth hour, "Hoda & Jenna," marked an era of warmth, laughter, and genuine connection. The inevitable question of who is replacing Hoda Kotb on Today has now been definitively answered: Craig Melvin, a respected journalist and familiar face within the NBC family, will step into this pivotal role.

Melvin's extensive experience, including his current co-hosting duties on the third hour of "Today" and his long tenure as an MSNBC Live anchor and NBC News correspondent since 2011, makes him a well-prepared and fitting choice. His transition will usher in a new version of the fourth hour, potentially evolving into a format like "Today with Jenna & Friends," which promises fresh dynamics and continued engaging content. This change signifies not just a new chapter for the "Today" show but also a fascinating evolution in morning television, as it adapts to maintain its unique appeal and connection with viewers. We invite you to share your thoughts on this significant change in the comments below. What are you most looking forward to in the new era of the "Today" show's fourth hour? Feel free to share this article with fellow "Today" show enthusiasts and explore other related content on our site.

Hoda Kotb Emotionally Announces She's Leaving 'Today' Show After 17

Hoda Kotb Leaving Today 2025 Today - Layne Mathilda

Today fill-in host breaks silence on replacing Hoda Kotb and Savannah

Digital Solargraphy