PHOTOGRAPHY BY NBC TODAY / NATHAN CONGLETON
Less than 24 hours after the heartbreaking and devastating crash of an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter into the Potomac River near Ronald Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C., the weight of the day is undeniable. Craig was originally scheduled to fly to D.C. for a 6 a.m. segment to report on the tragedy, but as is the nature of live television news, plans shifted. Still, our interview remained on schedule, and it quickly becomes clear that Melvin is a creature of habit—something he later acknowledges. There’s a certain satisfaction in the fact that, despite the chaos of the day, our conversation stays on track, making the interview all the more dynamic.
As the newest and most highly anticipated co-anchor of TODAY—a show known for its mix of celebrity and culture—Melvin’s true passion remains rooted in news reporting. He thrives in moments that highlight both unimaginable tragedy and the heroes who emerge from it. It’s how he started, and it’s a calling he refuses to let go of, even in his new role. I deeply admire his unwavering commitment to storytelling—capturing the resilience of ordinary people who rise to extraordinary circumstances. As we discuss his humble beginnings, it becomes even more apparent that his dedication to sharing these stories isn’t just a job; it’s a responsibility he holds sacred.
Samantha Yanks: Congratulations on your new role as co-anchor of TODAY! What excites you most about stepping into this position alongside Savannah Guthrie?
Craig Melvin: Oh my God, you know, I grew up watching this show! That’s the crazy part. A couple of months ago, I had lunch with Bryant Gumbel, and I told him, this is surreal for me. Back in middle school, as I was getting ready to hop on the bus to St. Andrews, I timed my entire morning routine by TODAY. I knew that by the 7:55 a.m. break, I had to be out of the house and on my way.
There are so few truly venerable institutions left in television, and being part of one isn’t something I take lightly. It’s the professional honor of a lifetime. Honestly, I never thought I would be the guy to sit in this seat—I was happy in my role. But then one day, I got the call that Hoda Kotb was leaving, and I just thought, Wow, this might actually be happening.
SY: And then everything changed…
CM: Yeah. You don’t fully grasp the magnitude of the show’s reach until you experience it firsthand, you know? It hits you when a random person in Ohio or an airport in Florida stops you and says, I remember your first show. Seeing your mom on was such a beautiful moment. And that’s when it really sinks in—Oh my God. People watch. Millions of people are watching and listening every morning.
SY: Craig, this interview is about you, but I have to share something because what you’re saying resonates deeply. Years ago, I worked for Oprah Winfrey, and I remember experiencing something very similar. I used to structure my afternoons around The Oprah Winfrey Show—it was part of my daily rhythm. And then, when I started working there, I couldn’t believe I was part of that institution. Seeing the impact she had on people’s lives in real time was extraordinary. I’ve always heard that you never take this role for granted, and now, sitting with you, I can see that it truly doesn’t get lost on you.
CM: I grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. My mom was a schoolteacher, my dad was a mail clerk—none of what has happened in my life was ever supposed to happen. It’s all just wild. And every few years, I find myself stepping back, thinking, Holy crap. This is amazing.
And when I open the plaza in the morning at 8:30 a.m. I joke with Al Roker about this all the time—someone will come up to him and say, My grandma watched you 30 years ago! And we both know their grandma has been gone for 10 years. But that’s when you realize—you’re part of something bigger. TODAY isn’t just a show; it’s a generational experience. And that means a lot.
SY: TODAY is an institution—it has a well-established format and formula. But Craig, you have the opportunity to make it your own. What excites you most about that? I heard you say something really interesting—that you’re not here to fill Hoda’s shoes. That’s not what this is about. You’re stepping into this role to leave your own mark. So, what do you really want to do with it?
CM: That’s a great question—thank you. Honestly, a few things. First and foremost, I’m a news guy. I always have been. From the time I started in local news in Columbia, South Carolina, at 22, covering car wrecks, house fires, and robberies—that’s who I am at my core. Then I moved into cable news, and now I’m here. I love news.
Even in 2025, when people can get information from countless sources, I still believe there’s real value in having people help make sense of what’s happening in the world. That’s always been my role, and I plan to continue doing that. We’re going to be on the ground where the news is happening. I was at the inauguration last week, I’ll be in Milan soon to preview the Winter Olympics, and just last night, we debated whether I should go to D.C. to cover the plane crash. That’s what excites me—being where the story is.
But beyond that, I’m also excited to bring in more sports coverage. TODAY has had a strong relationship with the NFL for over a decade, and we’ve really leaned into that. Now, with the NBA returning to NBC this fall, we’re going to do a lot more there, too. I’ve always loved sports—it’s a huge part of my life. My wife, Lindsay, is a sports journalist, so in our house, we spend a lot of time talking about and watching sports. It’s something I’m passionate about, and I want to bring more of it to the show, especially in the third hour.
And finally, I want to continue highlighting fatherhood. We know that TODAY’s morning audience is largely women—our research tells us that. But I’d argue there are a lot of guys watching, too, and I want to reach them. Fatherhood is something I care deeply about, and I think there’s space for more conversations around it.
SY: Tell me about how your day runs. You’re on air for three hours, which is an extraordinary amount of time to stay focused on live television. Walk us through your morning as you head in to start the day with Savannah.
CM: I’m up at 3:45 a.m. for my new assignment. The night before, I lay out my outfit for the car—jeans and a hoodie—so that from the moment my alarm goes off, I can be in the car within 22 minutes. It’s a skill I’ve mastered over the years. I get dressed for being on air in my dressing room at work.
One of the first things I do when I get in the car from Westport to New York City is send messages to my children and Lindsay using an app called Lovebox. That way, when they wake up and I’m not there, they have a message from me, customized to the morning.
After that, I read what’s called the “overnight note.” It’s a collection of scripts, articles and notes on live interviews. If there are questions or concerns, I’ll call into the newsroom—usually about twice a week. Today was a bit of an exception. I spent extra time on the phone talking to producers about the plane crash.
The commute to the city is about an hour, and at about forty minutes in I listen to my gospel music playlist. I’m a spiritual fellow, as you probably know. After a few songs, I put on this bizarre massage eye mask that massages my temples and adds some heat while I keep listening to the music.
As I get off the exit at 53rd Street, I really start to focus on the show. Hydration is important to me, so I consume 32 ounces of Mountain Valley Water on the ride in. I’m a creature of habit, and my morning routine is sacrosanct. Once I get into my dressing room, I light a candle—I make the candles myself. I usually have my outfit ready, and the wardrobe team has already reviewed it. I alternate between journaling and using an app called Headspace. By 5:25 a.m., I’m in my dressing room, and by 5:30 a.m., I’m in hair and makeup.
Savannah is usually there by then, and we’ll chat about the night before, our kids, or any noteworthy news. If the news warrants, we’ll discuss that too.
What you just got, Samantha, is probably the most detailed, minute-by-minute breakdown of my morning routine that any interviewer has ever gotten from me.
SY: I love the details! I’m super ritualistic myself and don’t negotiate on my mornings, so I really appreciate you sharing yours. Truly. Now, we talked about your love of news, but what are the stories that you feel most passionate about telling?
CM: I’m always moved when we can highlight ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And today, with the plane crash, is a perfect example of that. Unfortunately, terrible things happen in our world every day, but what constantly amazes, inspires and sometimes even awestrikes me is how, in the face of tragedy, ordinary people somehow find the courage and bravery to act in ways that are just remarkable.
We saw it during the wildfires in California and nearly a decade ago during the Charleston church shooting. There was a woman named Jennifer Pinckney—her husband was a state senator at the time and a clergyman at the church, leading the Bible study that night. Jennifer was a schoolteacher, and when tragedy struck, she didn’t hesitate. She was called to save her daughter and lead others to safety.
Stories like that remind me that we all have the potential to do things we might not think we’re capable of doing in everyday life. But when the unthinkable happens, that’s when people spring into action. It really moves me.
What gets me really excited is spending time with regular people who are doing extraordinary things. And I believe now, more than ever, our audience connects with those stories. We do a great job of highlighting the helpers.
SY: You’ve been a leader in your industry. People I am sure often ask, “How did you get into this field?” Do you have any tips? What do you think has contributed to your longevity and the trajectory that’s brought you to this new role?
CM: [Laughs.] You just did what I often do when I’m running out of time—a clever technique! You asked three questions in one. Well played, Samantha. I’m going to answer all three!
While I’ve had some success in my career, I’ll admit I didn’t follow the traditional path. I only took two journalism classes at the University of South Carolina between my junior and senior year. My introduction to journalism was all I had. I never learned the ins and outs of being on TV or the mechanics of traditional broadcast television. As a result, I was forced to—thankfully—be myself.
I think that’s been a key part of my longevity. Over the years, I’ve never been able to fake it. And, in the end, I think that’s been a blessing. You can’t pretend to be someone else. You just have to be yourself, and I think that’s what’s worked for me.
Craig’s Top Westport Favorites
1
GREENS FARMS CHURCH
As a family, we attend church here on Sundays, and it’s always a meaningful way to start the week. Afterward, we love heading to Hudson Malone for brunch.
2
THE BRIDGE AT SAUGATUCK
Lindsay and I have really enjoyed the new spot, it’s become a favorite for us.
3
TARANTINO
When Lindsay and I go out for dinner ourselves, we love Tarantino. Fun fact: We’ve never sat at a table; we always sit at the bar, and we’ve never brought our kids here.
4
TERRAIN
I can’t get enough of Terrain. It’s one of my absolute favorites.
5
MITCHELLS
Bill and I are dear friends, and 80% of what I wear on the show comes from Mitchells. Dan Pinto is my suit guy.