When Craig Melvin disappeared from the Today show, viewers were left wondering why. Savannah Guthrie stepped in to shed light on his sudden absence, sparking curiosity about his future on the beloved morning show.

Craig Melvin’s Unexpected Absence from the Today Show
Craig Melvin is a familiar face for millions of viewers tuning into the Today show every morning. So, when he was suddenly missing from his usual spot, fans were quick to notice and question where he had gone. The unexpected absence led to a wave of speculation — but Savannah Guthrie was quick to step in and clear things up. According to Savannah, Craig wasn’t off on vacation or pursuing another opportunity. He was home recovering after testing positive for the flu.
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Savannah explained the situation on air, reassuring viewers that Craig was doing well and resting. In his place, Peter Alexander stepped in to cover the spot temporarily. Savannah even lightened the mood with a playful remark, suggesting Craig’s illness conveniently lined up with his alma mater, Wofford, winning the Southern Conference Tournament championship. This sparked a bit of laughter, with Savannah joking that Craig might have stayed up late celebrating. The lighthearted explanation helped ease fans’ concerns while keeping the mood upbeat — a hallmark of the Today show’s charm.

Craig Melvin’s Rise on the Today Show
Craig Melvin’s journey on the Today show has been nothing short of impressive. Originally working as a news anchor and co-host of the third hour, Craig steadily became a more prominent figure on the show. His warmth, charisma, and journalistic skills quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to more opportunities.
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- NBC announced they signed another “special deal” with Hoda Kotb after she officially left Today: “She deserves to shine more than in that place.”
- Sheinelle Jones and Craig Melvin mocked Dylan Dreyer for being late to the Third Hour, calling it “another boycott” against the “poor girl”: “She’s so broke she had to take the bus here.”
- Al Roker shared that his daughter Leila “never ceases to amaze me” as he revealed she now has a “partner,” and it’s someone of the same gender!
Recently, he stepped in to fill Hoda Kotb’s role after her emotional departure from the program. Hoda, a beloved mainstay of the show for nearly 18 years, chose to step down in January following her milestone 60th birthday. Craig expressed his gratitude for being asked to step into such an important role, calling it an “honor” and a career-defining moment.
In interviews, Craig has shared his genuine surprise at how his career unfolded. He admitted he never expected to land such a significant spot on one of America’s most-watched morning shows. Reflecting on the moment he got the call about Hoda’s departure, Craig revealed he was stunned. He recalled thinking, “Wow, this might actually be happening.”

A New Era for Craig Melvin and the Today Show
Now, as he appears alongside Savannah Guthrie each morning, Craig Melvin continues to win over audiences. He’s opened up about the weight of the role and the responsibility he feels to uphold the show’s legacy. Calling it the “professional honor of a lifetime,” Craig acknowledged that being part of such an iconic show is something he doesn’t take lightly.
Craig also admitted that he underestimated the show’s impact until he experienced it firsthand. He shared anecdotes about being recognized in unexpected places — from small-town Ohio to bustling airports in Florida — by people who remembered his earliest appearances on the show. It’s moments like these that made Craig realize the true magnitude of the Today show’s reach.
Beyond his professional growth, Craig hopes to bring a more personal touch to the show. He’s passionate about highlighting the joys and challenges of fatherhood, believing it’s a conversation worth having. Craig has spoken openly about his experiences as a dad, emphasizing the importance of family and balance. He wants to create a space where these conversations feel authentic and relatable to viewers from all walks of life.
Craig Melvin’s journey from news anchor to morning show mainstay is a testament to his talent and determination. His authenticity and warm presence continue to resonate with fans, and his recent rise to a more prominent role signals an exciting new chapter for the Today show.
As Craig settles into his new position alongside Savannah Guthrie, viewers are eager to see how he’ll shape this next era of the beloved program. One thing’s for sure — Craig Melvin’s future on the Today show looks brighter than ever.

Stay tuned to see what’s next for Craig, and don’t miss a moment of the Today show’s evolving lineup!