In a move that has left morning television viewers stunned, NBC’s The TODAY Show has undergone a dramatic and unexpected overhaul, shaking up its iconic lineup of hosts and ushering in a new era for the beloved program. As of April 7, 2025, the changes have sparked a frenzy of excitement, curiosity, and a touch of nostalgia among fans who’ve grown accustomed to the familiar faces greeting them each weekday. So, who’s now in control, and what’s happening to the anchors we’ve come to love? Buckle up—this revamp is nothing short of seismic.
The biggest headline is the departure of Hoda Kotb, a cornerstone of TODAY for 17 years, who bid an emotional farewell in January 2025 to focus on her family and new ventures within the NBC umbrella. Her exit left a void that many thought impossible to fill, but the network wasted no time naming Craig Melvin as her successor. Melvin, a seasoned news anchor and co-host of the Third Hour, stepped into the lead role alongside Savannah Guthrie on January 13, 2025, bringing his signature warmth and journalistic chops to the 7 a.m. slot. Fans have praised the transition, with many calling Melvin “destined” for the gig, but this was just the beginning of the shake-up.
The Fourth Hour, once the domain of Kotb and Jenna Bush Hager, has also seen a radical shift. After Kotb’s exit, Bush Hager kicked off TODAY with Jenna & Friends, a temporary format featuring a rotating cast of celebrity co-hosts like Eva Longoria, Taraji P. Henson, and Scarlett Johansson. But whispers from the studio suggest NBC is close to locking in a permanent replacement, with rumors swirling around rising star Savannah Sellers, who’s already been filling in across the show’s hours. Could she be the fresh face to join Bush Hager long-term? The suspense is palpable as viewers await an official announcement.
Meanwhile, the Third Hour—previously anchored by Melvin, Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer—hasn’t escaped the overhaul. With Melvin now juggling duties in the main broadcast, the Third Hour has welcomed Vicky Nguyen as a more regular presence, injecting new energy alongside Roker’s unflappable charm. Jones and Dreyer remain fixtures, but their schedules have flexed to accommodate special assignments, like Dreyer’s recent jaunt to France for a cruise ship feature airing April 9. The result? A Third Hour that feels both familiar and revitalized, though some fans miss the old quartet’s chemistry.
So, who’s really in control now? On the surface, it’s Melvin and Guthrie steering the ship from 7 to 9 a.m., with Roker holding court as the veteran weatherman across multiple hours. But behind the scenes, NBC execs are clearly betting on a blend of continuity and reinvention to keep TODAY competitive against rivals like Good Morning America and CBS Mornings. The network’s strategy seems to hinge on Melvin’s versatility—he’s sticking with the Third Hour despite his new gig—and Bush Hager’s ability to adapt to a yet-to-be-named partner, all while leaning on Roker as the glue holding the chaos together.
What about the other fan favorites? Carson Daly, Willie Geist, Peter Alexander, and Laura Jarrett remain in the mix, popping up across weekend editions and special segments, ensuring no one’s completely sidelined. Still, the revamp has left some wondering if this is a bold step forward or a risky gamble. Posts on X reflect the split sentiment: some cheer the “upgrade” with Melvin, while others pine for Kotb’s irreplaceable heart. One thing’s for sure—this TODAY Show overhaul has everyone talking, and as the dust settles, it’s clear the morning TV landscape will never be the same. Tune in—the new era is just getting started!
