Craig Melvin Says It ‘Stinks’ to Wake Up at 3:45 A.M. for Today After Replacing Hoda Kotb

Craig Melvin is thrilled about his new role as co-anchor of NBC’s Today show, but there’s one aspect of the job he’s still adjusting to—his extremely early wake-up time. 

Since replacing Hoda Kotb, the longtime journalist has had to shift his entire schedule to accommodate his new morning routine, and he admits it hasn’t been easy.

An Early Start to the Day

In a recent interview with TODAY.com, Melvin, 45, opened up about the drastic change in his sleep schedule. 

“My alarm used to go off at 4:15 a.m. if there was something big happening that morning, 4:30 a.m. if it was a slow morning,” he shared.

However, his new role alongside Savannah Guthrie has required an even earlier start. “I have to get up at 3:45 a.m.,” he revealed. “Which, when you say it out loud, it’s like, ‘Ooh, that stinks. That stinks.’”

Adjusting to a New Routine

To cope with his grueling schedule, Melvin has had to make significant lifestyle adjustments, including an earlier bedtime. He credits his wife, sports journalist Lindsay Czarniak, for helping keep their household running smoothly, particularly when it comes to their two children, Delano and Sybil.

“My wife is going to get a medal at some point for putting the kids down most nights, except weekends,” he said. “I’ll pick up the slack on weekends. But that’s the thing about the shift—you really have to commit to a regimen to make it work.”

One of the biggest challenges has been ensuring he wakes up on time. To prevent oversleeping, Melvin has developed a foolproof “triple alarm system.”

“I’ve got my radio alarm clock that’s on my nightstand,” he explained. “Then I set two alarms on my phone, as well, just in case I oversleep one. It’s hard to oversleep all three.”

A Simple but Effective Morning Routine

Despite the challenges of waking up before dawn, Melvin has streamlined his morning routine to make the process as efficient as possible.

“I take my multivitamin, I’ve got this electrolyte mix that I use, I take my allergy meds, and I shave every morning. That’s it. That’s the end of the routine,” he said.

His disciplined approach helps him get out the door quickly and prepared for the high-energy demands of morning television.

The Road to Today

Melvin officially took over for Hoda Kotb on January 13, joining Guthrie at the anchor desk. While he was excited for the opportunity, the transition was not without its surprises. He recalled the moment Hoda privately told him she was stepping away from the show before making the public announcement.

“I was shocked,” he admitted. “Hoda is such a beloved part of this team, and I knew her departure would be a big change for all of us.”

Fans React to Melvin’s New Role

Melvin’s promotion to full-time co-anchor was met with enthusiasm from Today fans, many of whom have followed his career for years. Social media was flooded with messages of support, with viewers praising his warmth, professionalism, and journalistic skills.

However, many also sympathized with his struggle to adjust to the early-morning schedule.

“I love Craig, but 3:45 a.m.? Yikes! I don’t know how they do it,” one fan tweeted.

Another added, “Craig is such a great addition to Today! But waking up that early really does stink.”

Looking Ahead

While the early wake-up call may not be his favorite part of the job, Melvin remains grateful for the opportunity. His dedication and strong work ethic have made him a standout on Today, and he continues to bring his signature charm and energy to the show each morning.

Though he might never get used to that 3:45 a.m. alarm, Melvin is committed to making the most of his new role—and fans are loving every minute of it.

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