Lester Holt is leaving NBC Nightly News after a decade in the anchor chair, but he’s not retiring. Instead, Holt is stepping into a new role at Dateline, focusing on longer, more in-depth stories that he’s passionate about. In a candid interview, Holt revealed his desire to shift from the nightly grind to a more immersive journalistic approach. What prompted this change, and what can viewers expect from his new journey at Dateline? Find out why Holt is excited for this next chapter in his career.

Lester Holt Announces Sudden Departure from NBC Nightly News

Lester Holt, the long-standing anchor of NBC Nightly News, shocked both fans and colleagues when he announced his decision to step down from the role in February 2025 after a decade of steering the network’s flagship evening news program. Holt, who has been a trusted face in American journalism for years, explained that while he would be leaving Nightly News, he wasn’t retiring and would continue to contribute to NBC News, albeit in a different capacity.

Holt’s departure from NBC Nightly News marks a significant shift in his career, raising questions about his motivations and what prompted him to step away from one of the most coveted positions in television journalism. However, despite the suddenness of his announcement, Holt made it clear that his passion for journalism was far from over. He is instead pivoting toward a more fulfilling and flexible role on Dateline NBC, the long-running newsmagazine show, where he has served as a host for nearly 15 years.

A New Chapter: Holt Moves to Dateline for In-Depth Reporting

Rather than opting for retirement, Holt has chosen to transition into a more investigative role at Dateline, where he will focus on long-form, in-depth reporting. Dateline, known for its compelling storytelling in the true crime genre, has grown into a major player in the world of news programming, attracting millions of viewers. Holt’s new role will allow him to craft investigative pieces that explore stories over a longer period, providing him with the opportunity to engage with complex issues and provide audiences with detailed and nuanced reporting.

In an interview, Holt shared his excitement about the shift in his career, stating, “I’ll be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about. I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at Dateline as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers.” This new venture will allow Holt to tackle more challenging subjects, diving deeper into investigative journalism and crafting stories that require months of work, something Holt expressed he was eager to do.

A Passion for Storytelling and Personal Growth

Holt’s decision to step away from NBC Nightly News was not driven by dissatisfaction or burnout, but rather by his desire to explore a different aspect of his journalistic career. As he explained in a statement to Variety, “I want to be able to tell a producer, ‘Yes, I’ll be there for that interview next week,’ because I won’t be jumping.” This sentiment reflects Holt’s desire to slow down and focus on producing work that is deeply meaningful to him, without the constant pressure of daily news coverage.

Holt, who has been a fixture of NBC Nightly News since taking over for Brian Williams in 2015, explained, “I never saw myself doing this job forever.” His comments suggest that while the position of evening news anchor was a major part of his career, it was never meant to be a permanent one. Instead, Holt is choosing to evolve and grow in a way that aligns with his passions. “People say it’s been a great run,” he said. “It’s like, well, I’m still running.”

Tom Llamas to Take Over: A New Era at NBC Nightly News

While the news of Holt’s departure has left many wondering what’s next for NBC Nightly News, the network has already named his successor: Tom Llamas, a 45-year-old veteran journalist. Llamas, who has worked for ABC News and been a major anchor for several years, is poised to take over the coveted role at NBC Nightly News. In his statement about the transition, Llamas paid tribute to Holt’s legacy, calling him “a great man and one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time.” Llamas emphasized that, like Holt, he would be “devoted to our viewers and dedicated to the truth.”

Llamas’s appointment is part of the broader shift at NBC News, as the network looks to continue its leadership in evening news. As the face of NBC Nightly News, Llamas will carry on Holt’s commitment to delivering reliable, factual news to millions of viewers while adding his own flair to the program. Fans will be watching closely to see how Llamas adapts the show to his own style and how he builds on the foundation that Holt established.

Why Did Holt Leave Now? The Timing of His Decision

Holt’s decision to leave NBC Nightly News may seem sudden, but it reflects broader shifts in both his career and the media landscape. As the demands of 24-hour news cycles and the pressures of breaking news coverage continue to increase, many seasoned journalists like Holt are finding that they want to focus on more long-term, investigative projects that allow them to delve deeper into stories. Dateline, with its emphasis on investigative reporting and storytelling, provides Holt with the opportunity to explore this aspect of journalism on a larger scale.

The shift in Holt’s focus also comes at a time when news consumption habits are changing. Viewers are increasingly turning to digital platforms and podcasts for news, and long-form journalism is seeing a resurgence in popularity. Holt’s transition to Dateline allows him to align his career with these changes, offering his expertise in a format that has the potential to attract new audiences.

The Future of Dateline and Investigative Journalism

As Dateline continues to thrive as a true-crime powerhouse, Holt’s involvement will help cement its place as a leader in investigative reporting. With more people tuning into long-form journalism, Holt’s presence will continue to elevate the show, giving it an authoritative voice and providing insight into some of the most compelling stories in the news today.

Holt’s new role will likely bring fresh energy and perspectives to Dateline, while also allowing him to maintain his legacy as one of the most trusted voices in American journalism. His passion for in-depth reporting and storytelling will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the show, keeping it relevant in an increasingly competitive media market.

Conclusion: Holt’s Legacy Continues

Lester Holt’s decision to step away from NBC Nightly News to pursue a more focused career in investigative journalism marks a new chapter in his distinguished career. While his time as the anchor of NBC Nightly News will be remembered as one of the most successful in the history of the program, Holt’s move to Dateline offers him the opportunity to expand his journalistic impact and tell deeper, more compelling stories. As fans and colleagues wish him well in his new role, the future of NBC Nightly News and Dateline looks promising, with Holt continuing to shape the world of broadcast journalism in his own unique way.