It’s Craig Melvin’s first day on the job!
The anchor made his debut as co-anchor of the At present present alongside Savannah Guthrie on Monday, Jan. 13. He took over the function from Hoda Kotb, who made her ultimate look after her 17-year-run on Jan. 10.
Guthrie kicked off the printed by having the present announcer repeat Melvin’s identify a number of instances to mark the event.
“You’ve sat there so many instances however this morning is particular,” Guthrie informed Melvin of the co-anchor desk. “Let’s go, that is going to be a lovely experience.”
Melvin agreed, telling Guthrie, “Let’s go. And there’s nobody I’d relatively experience with than you. So let’s do that.”
Roughly 38 minutes into the printed, earlier than the pre-recorded interview with sports activities commentator Mike Tirico, Guthrie informed Melvin: “You are crushing it!”
The “Melvinators” have been out in full pressure to cheer Melvin on for his first day. Because the 8 a.m. started, the printed confirmed the numerous followers who traveled from throughout the nation to be on At present Plaza for the event.
NBC
The morning present then aired a video section that includes Melvin’s many profession highlights, even some from his early days in broadcast journalism. Guthrie lent her voice to the section’s voiceover, raving about Melvin’s capability to “mild up the anchor desk” as he “brightens each nook of our studio.”
Afterward, a teary-eyed Melvin realized that Kotb made an encouraging, pre-recorded message for his first day and revealed that she wrote a letter for Melvin, which Guthrie then handed to him stay on air to learn aloud.
“I am shifting ahead, so attain again your hand. Seize the baton, your world will broaden. The adventures are limitless, the folks so pricey. Nice reminiscences await, yr after yr,” the letter started as Melvin learn it aloud. “Day One! You’re prepared surrounded by love. Your staff is the sort you’ll be able to solely dream of. Savannah, Al and Carson are right here! With companions like these, your runway is evident. From out on the plaza, to inside 30 Rock, your followers are so keen, they’re watching the clock. The time has arrived to rise just like the solar. I’m cheering for you, and a wonderful run!”
Extra surprises have been in retailer for Melvin as his spouse Lindsay Czarniak, their two youngsters Delano and Sybil, plus his mom Betty Jo, father Lawrence and brother Ryan all appeared onscreen to have a good time his thrilling new chapter. Melvin’s former Columbia Excessive Faculty principal, joined by Rick Henry and present college students and employees, flooded the gymnasium to want him a cheery “good luck.” He then obtained a heat hey from his colleagues at NBC4 Washington, the place he met Czarniak. His former NBC household informed him he’d “all the time have a house” there.
Melvin was then greeted by members of his Wofford Faculty group, who knowledgeable him that Jan. 13 would formally be declared Craig Melvin Day. The Wofford household then sang their collegiate music.
Nathan Congleton/NBC by way of Getty
Kotb first introduced her departure in September 2024 and Melvin was named as her alternative two months later. On the Nov. 14 episode, Kotb praised Melvin and expressed pleasure to see him within the function.
“You’re made for this job,” she informed Melvin. “You’re actually made for this job. You’re that type of good. You might have all of the issues that this job wants. You are the precise particular person for it.”
Returning the appreciation, Melvin informed Kotb: “It means lots to inherit this from you. You helped save the present and to have the ability to sit subsequent to somebody who I knew was sensible for years and unexpectedly you begin working along with her and you are like, ‘Wait a minute, she’s humorous too!’”
In 2018, Melvin was promoted to a At present weekday information anchor and host of the third hour of At present alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones and Dylan Dreyer. Now, he will probably be taking up three hours in a row.
Throughout the Nov. 14 announcement, Melvin took time to mirror on every part and everybody who helped get him to this place.
Kristy Sparow/Getty
“I’m past excited and grateful,” he stated. “I need to thank NBC and the parents right here who deemed me worthy. And I’ve to start out by thanking the person upstairs, thanks my Lord above and his son Jesus. I loved only a lifetime of blessings and that is the newest in a protracted line of blessings. I talked to mother and pop yesterday and I am grateful they’re nonetheless younger sufficient to see this and benefit from the fruits of their labor.”
He then thanked his father, who was born in jail and overcame addiciton, and his mom, who labored a second job and “sacrificed” to supply for his household. He additionally acknowledged his youngsters and spouse for being there for him in the course of the “lengthy days and quick nights” all through his profession.
“[Lindsay’s] been there for me from the start,” Melvin gushed, including: “Folks see us on TV each morning, what they do not see are the parents behind these cameras and downstairs. We’ve got the very best staff in tv information and it is an honor to be part of that.”
Earlier than slicing to business break, he joked, “I will strive to not screw it up!”
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The At present present airs weekdays on NBC starting at 7 a.m. ET.
