TodaySet 'Cheered' When Craig Melvin Was Named Co-Anchor: 'Whole Staff Loves Him'

Mar. 15, 2025

Craig Melvin.Photo:Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty

Craig Melvinis beingwelcomed to his newTodayshowgig with open arms.

On Nov. 14, it was announced that Melvin would betaking overforHoda Kotbas co-anchor onToday.A source tells PEOPLE this decision was well-received and gave insight into how the staff reacted to the news.

“Everybody on the set cheered when the announcement was made,” the source says. “The whole staff loves him.”

Savannah Guthrie, who Melvin will be hosting alongside, shared a similar sentiment while announcing the news on-air, noting that the staff “broke out into applause” when they found out.

Craig Melvin, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb.Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Kristy Sparow/Getty Images

Kotb, who’s leavingTodayafter 17 years,praised Melvinas herreplacement.

“You are made for this job,” she told him live on air. “You are literally made for this job. You are that kind of good. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

Melvin, who will be starting his new position in January, returned the praise to Kotb, saying, “It means a lot to inherit this from you. You helped save the show and to be able to sit next to someone who I knew was smart for years and all of a sudden you start working with her and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, she’s funny too!'”

He also called Kotb and Guthrie “sisters that I never knew that I needed.”

“I knew this day would come,“Al Rokeradded. “I am so proud and so happy for you right now. You are so worthy of this. I almost don’t have the words. I love you.”

Al Roker and Craig Melvin.Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBC/Getty

This isn’t Melvin’s first role on the NBC talk show—he currently hosts the third hour ofTodayalongsideAl Roker,Sheinelle JonesandDylan Dreyer. With this new role, he will be hosting three hours in a row.

During the announcement on Nov. 14, Melvin looked back on his journey as a host, sending thanks to all his co-anchors.

Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb.Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

Nathan Congleton/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal/Getty

He then reflected on his family, commending his father for being born in prison and overcoming addiction and calling him one of his “favorite human beings.” He also acknowledged his mother for all she “sacrificed” to provide for her children.

Melvin went on to thank his kids, sonDelanoand daughterSybil, and his wifeLindsay Czarniak, a sports broadcaster, for being there for him during the “long days and short nights” working his job.

Before cutting to commercial break he added, “I’ll try not to screw it up!”

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Todayairs weekday mornings on NBC (check local listings).

source: people.com