The “Today” show had a different lineup on Tuesday morning as two of its prominent hosts, Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin,
were noticeably absent from their usual spots behind the desk. Their absence, which also extended to Monday’s broadcast, led to some temporary adjustments in the anchor team.
Stepping in for the duo were Willie Geist, the regular host of the Sunday edition of “Today,” and Laura Jarrett, who usually co-anchors the Saturday broadcast.
The two seamlessly took on hosting duties, ensuring the show proceeded smoothly without interruption.
At the start of the program, Willie took a moment to acknowledge the missing anchors, explaining that Savannah and Craig were simply enjoying a well-deserved day off.
“Good Tuesday morning and welcome to ‘Today,’ thank you for joining us,” he began. “I’m Willie Geist alongside Laura Jarrett. Savannah and Craig are enjoying the day off.”
Their absence came just days after they attended the star-studded “SNL 50: The Homecoming Concert” at Radio City Music Hall on Friday night. The event celebrated the legendary comedy show’s 50th anniversary and featured past and present cast members in a memorable three-hour spectacle.
Craig shared highlights from the evening on his social media, posting several pictures from the concert. “So enjoyed being in the house for the @nbcsnl 50th concert,” he wrote. “Was a great Valentine’s Day date night for me and @lindsaycz. If you haven’t watched it, check it out on @peacock. Concert for the ages.”
Meanwhile, Craig has been making waves at “Today” since stepping into his new role as a permanent co-anchor earlier this year. His promotion in January came after Hoda Kotb’s departure, following a 26-year career with NBC News.
Hoda made the decision to leave in September of last year, citing a desire to shift her focus to family and personal endeavors. “I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60 and try something new,” she explained. “Obviously, I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have. I feel like we only have a finite amount of time.”
Craig’s transition into the role was met with widespread enthusiasm. Savannah previously commented on his appointment, describing it as “one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made.” She further shared, “The larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause. This is one of the most popular decisions NBC News has ever made. Congratulations.”
Craig himself expressed immense gratitude and excitement about his new position. “I am beyond excited and grateful,” he said. “I talked to Mom and Dad yesterday, and I’m thankful they’re still young enough and healthy enough to be able to see this.”
With Craig and Savannah momentarily off the air, Willie and Laura stepped up to keep the morning show’s dynamic energy alive. Willie, a familiar face on “Today,” has hosted the Sunday edition since 2016 and frequently fills in during the weekday broadcasts. Laura, on the other hand, joined the “Today” weekend team in 2023, bringing with her years of legal and political reporting experience.
Though their time off was brief, Savannah and Craig’s return to the show will undoubtedly be welcomed by viewers who have come to appreciate their chemistry and insightful reporting. The duo has been working together seamlessly since January, bringing their own strengths to the morning program.
For now, the “Today” audience can rest assured that their favorite anchors will be back soon, refreshed from their well-earned break. In the meantime, Willie and Laura proved that the show’s success relies on a strong team, capable of stepping up whenever needed.
