Briefnow
Apr 09, 2026

LEAKED: Meet the 2 Unexpected Names Who Just Booted Craig Melvin and Hoda Kotb Off The TODAY Show!

The NBC show was missing its regular co-hosts on March 31—both Craig and Hoda Kotb, who has been filling in for Savannah Guthrie, were off

Craig Melvin was missing on Today on Tuesday March 31st, with viewers waking up to see two new faces at the news desk. 

Not only was Craig absent, but Hoda Kotb - who has been filling in for Savannah Guthrie during her leave - was also off. Instead, Laura Jarrett and Willie Geist filled in. 

At the start of the show, Laura said: "Good morning and welcome to Today on this Tuesday morning, so glad you're waking up with us. I'm Laura Jarrett alongside Willie Geist, filling in for Savannah and Craig, who is on assignment." 

Craig Melvin was missing from Today - with Laura Jarrett and Willie Geist stepping in

© NBC

Craig Melvin was missing from Today - with Laura Jarrett and Willie Geist stepping in

Later that day, Craig posted a picture of himself modeling a Today Show polo shirt at The Shop at NBC Studios on his Instagram account. 

Alongside the photo, the star - who lost his brother Lawrence to Colon cancer in 2020, wrote: "As March comes to a close and Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month wraps up, the mission continues. I'm committed to spreading the word and reminding everyone to get screened. 

Hoda Kotb and Craig Melvin on the February 9 2026 episode of TODAY

© NBC

Craig has been hosting alongside Hoda Kotb on Today in Savannah Guthrie's absence

"You can still stop by The Shop at NBC Studios or NBCStore.com to check out the TODAY x Colorectal Cancer Alliance polos and socks. Thank you for being part of this fight as I honor my brother, Lawrence Meadows. 

"In recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, NBCUniversal will be making a donation in support of the Colorectal Cancer Alliance." 

Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin

© Art Streiber/NBCUniversal via Ge

Savannah and Craig have been co-hosting together since January 2026

Craig wasn't the only person absent from Today, as Dylan Dreyer was also missing from the Third Hour, substituted by Savannah Sellers. 

Over on the Fourth Hour, Sheinelle Jones was off, and Willie returned to hosting duties to sit alongside Jenna Bush Hager. 

Hoda Kotb and Savannah Guthrie sit down for the latter's first interview since her mother Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

© TODAY

Hoda interviewed Savannah in her first sit down talk following Nancy Guthrie's disappearance

Next week, the Today family will be welcoming back Savannah, who has been absent from the show since the beginning of February, following the devastating news of her mother Nancy Guthrie's disappearance. 

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