Craig Melvin is no stranger to the TODAY show, but as he officially steps into the co-anchor seat alongside Savannah Guthrie,
he’s embracing this new career milestone with excitement, gratitude, and a touch of nervousness.
Describing the moment as one of the most thrilling experiences of his life—second only to his wedding day
and the birth of his two children—Melvin acknowledges the significance of his new position.
Speaking about the opportunity, he shares, “It’s the most excited I’ve ever been about anything. It’s also the most nervous I’ve ever been about anything.”
As he embarks on this new journey, Melvin reflects on what this role means to him, what he hopes to bring to the show,
and how he plans to remain true to himself while stepping into a seat previously occupied by some of television’s most respected journalists.
Joining a Prestigious Legacy
Melvin now joins the ranks of legendary TODAY co-hosts such as Bryant Gumbel, Katie Couric, and Hoda Kotb, taking over the position after Kotb moved on to the next phase of her career. Understanding the weight of this role, Melvin expresses deep respect for the show’s history and the people who have shaped it over the past seven decades.
“There are very few venerable institutions left in television,” he says. “But ours is a little show that’s been around for more than 70 years. And in that 70 years, there’s only been a handful of hosts. It’s not lost on me that I’m joining this exclusive club.”
While following in the footsteps of such iconic journalists might seem daunting, Melvin sees it as an opportunity to contribute to the show’s ongoing success rather than an obligation to fill someone else’s shoes.
“I want to do my level best to make the team proud,” he states. “I get the chance now to stand on the shoulders of a few hundred people who work for the show at NBC News, and I want to make them proud.”
Staying True to Himself
Despite stepping into a high-profile position, Melvin is determined to remain authentic. He acknowledges that a common mistake some people make when moving into new roles is feeling pressured to change, but he has no plans to alter who he is.
“I can’t remember who gave me the advice, but it was one of my colleagues who said, ‘Sometimes when people get big new jobs or do some sort of a change, they feel like they have to change. And if you think about it objectively, that’s ridiculous,’” he recalls.
The advice resonated with him, reinforcing his belief that the qualities that brought him to this point in his career are the same ones that will help him succeed moving forward.
“If doing what you’ve done has gotten you to where you are, once you get there, why would you change it up?” he adds. “Why not continue to be the person that you’ve always been? Do the things you’ve always done, if that’s what’s led to any sort of modicum of success for you professionally.”
With that in mind, his goal is to “stay the course,” be a strong partner to Guthrie, and most importantly, maintain the trust of the TODAY audience.
“I want our viewers and listeners to continue to trust me and come to us every morning. I don’t want to betray that trust,” he says.
A Special Family Moment
Melvin’s first day as co-anchor was made even more memorable by a surprise visit from his family. His wife, Lindsay Czarniak, and their two children, Delano, 10, and Sybil, 8, played a small but meaningful role in the big day by picking out a special tie for him to wear.
While his professional world is evolving, his approach to both work and life remains grounded in the values that have always guided him. His passion for journalism, commitment to authenticity, and deep appreciation for the people around him are what make him a perfect fit for his new role.
As he embarks on this next chapter, Melvin is ready to bring his signature warmth, professionalism, and dedication to the TODAY audience—without changing a thing.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
