In a surprising twist that left Today Show fans buzzing, regular co-anchors Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin were replaced by familiar faces Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander on Monday, May 26. The duo, typically seen on Weekend Today, stepped in to cover for Guthrie and Melvin, who were granted a long Memorial Day weekend. This unexpected change has sparked curiosity about the reasoning behind the shake-up, as well as what it means for the future of the show’s anchor team. What’s going on behind the scenes at Today? Fans are eager to know!

Today Show Faces a Shake-Up as Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin Are Replaced by Familiar Faces

The Today Show experienced a surprising shake-up on May 26, 2025, when longtime co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin were notably absent from their usual spots. In their place, viewers were greeted by Weekend Today co-hosts Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander, alongside regular weather host Dylan Dreyer, who stepped in for the duo on Monday’s broadcast. This unexpected change raised questions among viewers, many of whom are used to the familiar faces of Savannah and Craig.

Why the Absence?

For those who have been watching Today for years, seeing Savannah and Craig off-screen was a rare sight. The pair had taken over co-anchor duties together after Hoda Kotb left the show in January 2025. Their partnership had been well-received by audiences, and many had become accustomed to their dynamic hosting style.

However, as it turns out, Savannah and Craig were taking some time off for the Memorial Day weekend, which led to the temporary replacement. Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander, who are regulars on Weekend Today, were brought in to cover for the pair, ensuring that viewers still had their daily dose of Today’s signature blend of news and light-hearted banter.

To make the most of their time off, the show’s Third Hour segment was pre-recorded, allowing Dylan Dreyer and Al Roker to also enjoy the long weekend with their families. This move allowed the Today team to maintain the show’s regular schedule while providing its anchors with much-needed downtime.

The Background on the New Hosts

Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander may be familiar faces to regular Today viewers, but they are typically seen on Weekend Today. Their appearance on Monday’s broadcast marked a rare moment for them to fill in for Savannah and Craig. The pair wasted no time in explaining their temporary role, with Laura humorously noting that they were helping to give the regular anchors some time off.

Their chemistry with Dylan Dreyer, who continues to serve as the show’s weather expert, was evident throughout the episode. While the transition was smooth, fans couldn’t help but wonder when their usual anchors would return.

Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie’s Success Story

Savannah and Craig’s partnership has been a hit among Today viewers. After Hoda Kotb’s departure, Craig replaced her as the co-anchor alongside Savannah. The decision to bring Craig on as the co-anchor was hailed by both the team and the audience. Savannah expressed her delight in welcoming Craig to the role, calling the decision one of NBC News’ most popular in recent years.

Craig, who had already been part of the Today team for several years, was excited about the new opportunity. In a joint interview with Parade, Savannah praised Craig’s ability to handle any situation, from interviewing world leaders to introducing lighter segments. She described him as having an “infectious, magnetic personality” that resonated with audiences. Craig’s natural charisma was evident when he made his debut in January 2025, and his family’s surprise appearance in the studio added a personal touch to the milestone.

A Quick Change of Pace for the Show’s Hosts

While the absence of Savannah and Craig may have caused some surprise, it wasn’t long before viewers were reassured by the presence of Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander. Both anchors have been staples in the Weekend Today lineup and are familiar faces to many viewers. Their easy-going approach, paired with Dreyer’s dependable weather reports, helped the show maintain its pace while providing a refreshing change for the long weekend.

The team’s ability to switch things up and keep the show running smoothly demonstrated the versatility of the Today Show’s talented hosts. It also showcased the behind-the-scenes collaboration that ensures the show remains entertaining and informative.

What’s Next for Savannah and Craig?

Though viewers were temporarily without their beloved co-hosts, the break was well-earned. Both Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin have become key figures in the Today Show lineup. Their professional and personal chemistry has resonated with audiences, making them one of the most popular duos in daytime television.

As the Memorial Day weekend comes to a close, it’s likely that viewers will soon see the return of Savannah and Craig. The duo’s strong presence on the show, along with their balanced approach to hard news and light-hearted moments, makes them a formidable team. They will be back at the helm, ready to continue delivering Today’s signature content and news coverage.

Final Thoughts: A Successful Shift and a Bright Future for Today

The absence of Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin from Today was a temporary change, but it offered a chance for fans to see the show’s flexibility. The dynamic duo of Laura Jarrett and Peter Alexander, alongside Dylan Dreyer, filled in seamlessly, maintaining the show’s vibrant energy.

While Savannah and Craig’s return is eagerly awaited, it’s clear that Today has the depth and talent to continue delivering for its audience. The seamless switch between anchors highlights the versatility of the team, and fans can rest assured that the show’s future remains bright.

As the holiday season approaches and the show’s programming continues to evolve, viewers will be excited to see what’s next for the iconic Today Show lineup and its stellar hosts.