Craig Melvin worried, excited to replace Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’
Craig Melvin worried, excited to replace Hoda Kotb on ‘Today’


Craig Melvin has big shoes to fill.

And, after Hoda leaves, he knows it.

In November, NBC named Craig Melvin to replace Hoda Kotb. the today show,

He’s freely admitting how intimidating it is to step in for such an iconic television host.

Craig Melvin on January 7, 2025.Craig Melvin on January 7, 2025.
Craig Melvin attends the 2025 National Board of Review Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on January 07, 2025. (Photo credit: Mike Coppola/Getty Images)

Co-hosting ‘Today’ would be huge for Craig Melvin

Following Hoda Kotb’s departure on Friday, January 10 TodayCraig Melvin is getting one of the most desirable broadcast roles on television. Naturally, he is worried.

“I think I’m as prepared as anyone can ever be,” the veteran newscaster explained. entertainment tonight ahead of infection.

“I’m excited. I’m anxious,” he admitted. Then he confirmed: “I’m nervous but I’m honored.”

Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin on November 30, 2022.Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin on November 30, 2022.
NBC anchors Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb pose during the 2022 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at Rockefeller Center on November 30, 2022. (Photo credit: John Lamparski/Getty Images)

Melvin admitted, “It would be nice if I didn’t have to follow Hoda Kotb.” In other words, it has set a very high bar in terms of striking a chord with the audience – and in terms of ratings.

He added, “It would have been nice if the show had not performed as well as it is doing.” “But I made peace with it.”

Melvin insisted: “We’re going to give it our all. …You don’t want to be the man or woman who screws it up.

Craig Melvin on May 8, 2024.Craig Melvin on May 8, 2024.
Craig Melvin attends the annual Night of Opportunity Gala hosted by The Opportunity Network at Cipriani Wall Street on May 08, 2024. (Photo credit: Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for the Opportunity Network)

Everyone Has Advice for Craig Melvin in His New Role

during entertainment tonight In interviews, he received the advice: “Don’t eat on TV.” Although he was not yet co-host with Savannah Guthrie, he has enjoyed some Today Snacks on air first.

“By the way, you know he’s one of my mom’s biggest pet peeves,” Melvin shared. “She says, ‘Why are you always on TV eating like you haven’t eaten anything all day?'”

He continued, explaining: “And I’m like, ‘Some days I don’t wake up, like, I’m awake for five hours. This is my lunch.'”

This will require more than dietary restraint (and maybe busting out some dance moves). at It also suggested) to secure Craig Melvin’s place in the minds of the audience.

Hoda Kotb has been the face of the show for 17 years. She has established relationships with celebrity guests and viewers watching at home.

When Melvin makes his formal debut on January 13, it may be a shock for the audience. (Change is hard!)

Craig Melvin on November 10, 2023.Craig Melvin on November 10, 2023.
Craig Melvin on stage during the Omega panel discussion with Olympic Ambassadors at the launch of The Planet Omega exhibition at the Chelsea Factory on November 10, 2023. (Photo credit: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images for Omega)

Ultimately, its success will be measured in ratings

Spoke to an insider a few weeks ago close to About the stakes of Craig Melvin’s new show.

The insider confirmed, “No one is questioning whether he deserves it, he’s a very talented person who has worked very hard for this opportunity.” “The entire team is behind him taking on this role.”

The source admitted: “But of course, the pressure is real because he has huge responsibilities to fill. Hoda is an absolute legend. The audience liked him and so did the network.

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