It’s Craig Melvin’s first day on the job!

The presenter made his debut as co-host of the Today show alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday, January 13th. He took over the role from Hoda Kotb, who made her final appearance on January 10 after her 17-year tenure.

Guthrie opened the show by having the show’s announcer repeat Melvin’s name several times to mark the occasion.

“You’ve sat there so many times, but this morning is special,” Guthrie told Melvin from the co-host desk. “Let’s go, it’s going to be a wonderful ride.”

Melvin agreed and told Guthrie, “Let’s go. And there’s no one I’d rather ride with than you. So let’s do this.”

About 38 minutes into the broadcast, before the taped interview with sportscaster Mike Tirico, Guthrie said to Melvin, “You’re awesome!”

The “Melvinators” were out in full force to cheer Melvin on his first day. When the broadcast began at 8 a.m., you could see the many fans who had traveled from all over the country Today Plaza for the occasion.

The morning show then aired a video segment featuring Melvin’s many highlights of his career, including some from his early days in broadcast journalism. Guthrie lent her voice to the segment’s voiceover, raving about Melvin’s ability to “light up the anchor desk” while “lighting up every corner of our studio.”

Afterward, a teary-eyed Melvin learned that Kotb had written an encouraging, pre-recorded message for his first day, revealing that she had written a letter for Melvin, which Guthrie then handed to him live on air to read aloud.

“I’m moving forward, so hold your hand back. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless, the people are so sweet. Great memories await you year after year,” the letter began as Melvin read it aloud. “Day one! You are ready, surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of. Savannah, Al and Carson are here! With partners like these, your runway is clear. From outside the court to inside 30 Rock, your fans are so excited, they’re watching the clock. The time has come to rise like the sun. I’m cheering you on and it’s a fantastic run!”

More surprises were in store for Melvin as his wife Lindsay Czarniak, their two children Delano and Sybil, as well as his mother Betty Jo, father Lawrence and brother Ryan appeared on screen to celebrate his exciting new chapter. Melvin’s former Columbia High School principal, along with Rick Henry and current students and staff, streamed into the gym to cheerfully wish him “good luck.” He then received a warm hello from his colleagues at NBC4 Washington, where he met Czarniak. His former NBC family told him he would “always have a home” there.

Melvin was then greeted by members of his Wofford College community who informed him that January 13 would be officially designated Craig Melvin Day. The Wofford family then sang their college song.

Kotb first announced her departure in September 2024 and Melvin was named her successor two months later. On the November 14 episode, Kotb praised Melvin and expressed excitement to see him in the role.

“You were made for this job,” she told Melvin. “You are literally made for this job. They are that good. You have everything this job needs. You are the right person for it.”

Melvin returned his appreciation and told Kotb, “It means a lot to me to inherit this from you. You helped save the show and being able to sit next to someone I knew was smart for years, and all of a sudden you start working with her and you’re like, ‘Wait a minute, she’s funny too !’”

In 2018, Melvin was promoted to a Today Weekday news anchor and third hour host of Today alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer. Now he will compete for three hours straight.

During the announcement on November 14th, Melvin took time to reflect on everything and everyone who helped him get to this place.

“I am beyond excited and grateful,” he said. “I want to thank NBC and the people here who found me worthy. And I must begin by thanking the man above, thank you, my Lord above, and his son Jesus. I have simply enjoyed a life full of blessings and this is the latest from a I spoke to Mom and Dad yesterday and am grateful that they are still young enough to see this and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

He then thanked his father, who was born in prison and overcame addiction, and his mother, who worked a part-time job and “made sacrifices” to provide for his family. He also credited his children and wife for being there for him during the “long days and short nights” of his career.

“(Lindsay) has been there for me from the beginning,” Melvin enthused, adding, “People see us on TV every morning, what they don’t see are the people behind those cameras and downstairs.” We have the best team in the world television news field and it’s an honor to be a part of it.”

Before going to commercial break, he joked, “I’ll try not to screw it up!”

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The Today The show airs weekdays at 7 a.m. ET on NBC.