Anchoring a morning news show comes with a unique set of challenges—one of the biggest being an early wake-up call before the sun rises.
For Today show co-anchor Craig Melvin, adjusting to this schedule has proven to be a bit of a struggle, leading to a stern warning from his colleague, Savannah Guthrie.
Late-Night Habits Raising Concerns
Melvin, who recently joined the first hour of Today as an anchor on January 13, admitted that he stayed up late to watch the College Football National Championship.
His love of sports is no secret, and his dedication to watching games extends well beyond his professional obligations.
During a conversation on the show, Melvin revealed, “I was up late last night. I had to see if the Ohio State Buckeyes could vanquish their opponents,
the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.” The game ended in Ohio State’s favor, with a final score of 34-23.
While Melvin was enthusiastic about the outcome, Guthrie was quick to voice her concerns. She reminded her co-host that maintaining such a schedule while balancing early-morning responsibilities would not be sustainable in the long run.
“Again? You know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay up every night watching football and getting up early, this cannot last,” Guthrie cautioned.
Realizing the truth in her words, Melvin agreed, admitting that he needs to “recondition” himself to adapt to the demands of his new role.
A New Chapter in His Today Career
Though Melvin has been a well-known presence during the third hour of Today for several years, his transition to the first hour is a significant change. The shift brings added responsibilities, including a much earlier start time, which requires a major lifestyle adjustment.
Before joining Today, Melvin built a strong foundation in journalism, working as an evening anchor for WIS in Columbia, South Carolina. He later became a weekend anchor at WRC in Washington, D.C., in 2008, where he met his wife, sports reporter Lindsay Czarniak. Given their shared passion for sports, it’s not surprising that Melvin finds it difficult to resist late-night games.
However, balancing his love of sports with the early-morning demands of his role is something he will need to navigate carefully, as Guthrie pointed out.
The Influence of Hoda Kotb’s Departure
Melvin’s new role came after longtime Today anchor Hoda Kotb made the decision to step back from the anchor desk. In an interview, Melvin shared how he first learned of Kotb’s departure and how it took him by surprise.
“My dressing room is two over from hers, and she knocks on my door one morning, which was unusual. And she’s like, ‘You have a moment?’ She came in, and she said, ‘I just wanted to tell you something. I’m leaving.’”
Initially, Melvin was taken aback and questioned whether Kotb was being forced out of her role. When she reassured him that the decision was hers alone and that she simply wanted to leave on her own terms, Melvin was still stunned.
“I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No, Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving,’” he recalled.
Melvin later checked in with Kotb again, making sure she was truly at peace with her decision. He admired her bravery in stepping away while still at the height of her career, acknowledging that it takes a certain kind of courage to walk away from a high-profile position.
Adjusting to His New Routine
As Melvin settles into his new schedule, he is quickly learning that discipline will be key to his long-term success. Guthrie’s warning serves as a reminder that maintaining a healthy balance between personal interests and professional commitments is crucial—especially when working in an industry as demanding as morning television.
While his passion for sports is unlikely to fade, it seems Melvin may need to make some compromises in order to ensure he’s at his best when the cameras start rolling each morning. His journey as a first-hour anchor is just beginning, and only time will tell if he can successfully adjust to the rigorous schedule required for one of television’s most high-profile morning shows.
