'Today' Fans Wondering Who Will Replace Hoda Finally Have an Answer
When one door closes on the Today show, it leaves another one open.
For the last two decades, viewers of the NBC morning series have seen Hoda Kotb grace their TV screens. But on September 26, she shocked viewers by revealing her plans to leave Today in early 2025. At the time of her big announcement, she shared a few reasons for deciding to exit, with one being her desire to spend more time with her daughters, Haley and Hope.
For months, folks have speculated about who would replace her as co-anchor in the early hours of Today. Given how she works alongside Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker and Craig Melvin, it would take someone already comfortable with being part of a team... and who knows their way around a news studio.
Who will replace Hota Kotb on the Today show?
We now have an answer: Craig Melvin will become the next news anchor of the Today show.
While Craig has been a part of the daytime series since 2018, the show officially announced on November 14 that he will take over Hoda's role as co-news anchor during the flagship hours of the Today show. What's more, he will start his new position at Today on Monday, January 13, 2025, three days after Hoda leaves.
"I am beyond excited and grateful," Craig said in a clip posted on Instagram. "I had a lot of conversations yesterday with a lot of people who mean a lot to me. I want to obviously thank NBC and the folks here to 'deem' me worthy... I've enjoyed just a lifetime of blessings, and this is the latest in a long line of blessings."
We're so thrilled to see what Craig does in this new role!
Who did fans think would replace Hoda Kotb on the Today show?
Although talks of who would replace Hoda were kept under wraps at NBC News, there were a number of candidates who would've also fit perfectly in the role. Here are some of the other candidates fans thought were in the running:
Jenna Bush Hager
As one half of Today With Hoda and Jenna, it felt perfect for Jenna Bush Hager to take over as a co-anchor. She's already well-liked by viewers and is a familiar face on Today's fourth hour.
Given how Hoda has a unique capability to go from delivering hard news to sharing her dating opinions, Jenna would've potentially been able to do the same thing. Plus, she'd have had Savannah there to help her with sharing the latest in current events.
Laura Jarrett
Working on Today on Saturday mornings, Laura Jarrett also serves as NBC's senior legal correspondent. Plus, she occasionally fills in for other co-hosts when they can't be on the air during the week.
If Laura had been chosen, she would've already been familiar with how to share the latest in world events with viewers. Coupled with Savannah being NBC News' chief legal correspondent, these two would've been dynamite at explaining the laws our country upholds.
Carson Daly
As someone who got his start as an MTV personality, Carson Daly knows all the ins and outs of pop culture. Given how Hoda loves to be in on the latest trends, it wouldn't have been a surprise to have seen him try his hand at delivering the big celebrity news stories.
Sheinelle Jones
Already a host of Today's third hour, Sheinelle Jones is someone fans know and love to see on TV. Whether she's joking around with the other co-hosts or getting emotional in various segments, she's well-liked and comes with a decade of working on Today. Plus, her easygoing, friendly attitude is one that would've fit in perfectly with the rest of the cast.
Willie Geist
A member of the Sunday edition of Today, fans may recognize Willie Geist for his work during the week as well. Along with his job on NBC, he goes to MSNBC as a co-anchor on Morning Joe. He also occasionally fills in for other co-hosts when they need to take a hiatus from being on the air.
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