As Craig Melvin embarks on his new role as co-anchor of the Today show’s 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours, Savannah Guthrie, his co-host 

and seasoned veteran of morning television, is offering some words of wisdom.

Following his first week on the job, Melvin admitted to struggling with sleep, leading Guthrie to share some valuable advice about the demanding nature of their work schedules.

On January 21, Melvin, 45, confided in Guthrie during the Today broadcast that he hadn’t been getting much rest.

He shared, “I was up late last night,” to which Guthrie quickly responded with a dose of reality: “Again?”

She went on to remind him, “You know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay up every night watching football and getting up early, this cannot last.”

Melvin, known for his laid-back style, jokingly acknowledged that he would need to “recondition” himself. He added, “I had to see if the Ohio State Buckeyes could vanquish their opponents!”

Despite his lighthearted comment, the conversation highlighted the adjustments Melvin is making to balance his newfound role with the demands of his personal life.

Craig Melvin Takes on New Today Role

Melvin’s new role as co-anchor for the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. hours of Today began on January 13. Although Melvin had already been hosting the third hour of the show, his promotion to anchor for the earlier timeslot marked a significant career milestone.

This transition came after Hoda Kotb’s departure from the role in September 2024. The announcement was made in November, with Kotb, who had been with the network for 17 years, personally offering her congratulations to Melvin.

Guthrie, who had worked closely with Kotb for many years, welcomed Melvin’s new role with enthusiasm. To celebrate his first day as anchor, Guthrie kicked off the show by having the announcer chant Melvin’s name several times to commemorate the occasion.

“You’ve sat there so many times, but this morning is special,” Guthrie said, acknowledging the significance of Melvin’s promotion. She added, “Let’s go, this is going to be a beautiful ride,” to which Melvin replied, “Let’s go. And there’s no one I would rather ride with than you. So let’s do this.”

Emotional Moments and Support from Colleagues

Melvin’s first day as co-anchor was filled with touching moments. The Today team aired a special video segment showcasing his career highlights, with Guthrie providing a voiceover.

In the segment, she praised Melvin for his ability to “light up the anchor desk” and “brighten every corner of our studio.”

Fans, affectionately known as the “Melvinators,” turned out in full force to support him, with many traveling from across the country to be present in the Today Plaza for his debut.

In a heartfelt moment, Hoda Kotb, who had announced her departure earlier in the year, wrote a letter to Melvin, offering words of encouragement.

The letter read, in part, “I’m moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand.

The adventures are endless, the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year.” Kotb expressed her confidence in Melvin’s abilities, saying, “You are made for this job. You are literally made for this job. You have all the things that this job needs. You’re the right person for it.”

A New Chapter and a Demanding Transition

Melvin’s appointment as co-anchor of the Today show was a major career step, and it was clear that his colleagues, both past and present, believe in his ability to thrive in the role.

However, as Guthrie’s reminder makes clear, the early mornings and high expectations of the role come with challenges.

Melvin’s humorous admission about staying up late and his efforts to adjust to the new schedule are indicative of the personal sacrifices required in the world of morning television.

While Melvin is clearly excited about his new role, he faces the difficult task of balancing the pressures of live television with the realities of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Guthrie’s advice underscores the need for balance in a job that demands both mental and physical endurance.

As Melvin settles into his new role, he will likely take this advice to heart, ensuring that the “marathon” of morning television doesn’t burn him out.

For Melvin, this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter, and with the support of his Today family and a growing fanbase, it’s clear that he’s poised to thrive in this new role—on his terms.