The Today Show had a fresh look on Tuesday morning as longtime co-anchor Craig Melvin was noticeably absent from his usual seat beside Savannah Guthrie. 

In his place, NBC’s Chief White House Correspondent and Today’s Saturday co-anchor, Peter Alexander, stepped in to help lead the broadcast.

Savannah quickly addressed the switch at the top of the show, reassuring viewers that Craig was not gone for good but rather on assignment in Milan.

“Nice to have you with us, Peter. Craig is on assignment in Milan,” she said.

She then teased an exciting segment for the following day’s broadcast, adding, “Tomorrow on Today, he’s going to give us a first look at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The countdown is already underway, so he’s going to show us around the beautiful host city.”

Peter Alexander Fills in Once Again

While stepping in for Melvin, Alexander is no stranger to the Today desk. Just last month, he made headlines when he co-hosted the show for the first time alongside former anchor Hoda Kotb, who said farewell to her weekday hosting duties in January.

Following his milestone moment on the show, Alexander took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the opportunity and appreciation for his longtime colleague, Kotb. “What an absolute highlight to host @todayshow – for the first time ever – alongside @hodakotb this morning,” he wrote. “That was some of the most fun I’ve ever had on TV.”

He continued by reflecting on his two-decade friendship with Kotb, calling her both a mentor and a friend. “As I shared with her before air today, I’m so grateful for how incredibly kind and supportive of me she has been since the day we met, 20+ years ago. Like the rest of America, I’ll be celebrating her next week, and I’ll always cherish sharing the desk with her today.”

Fans were quick to react with overwhelming support in the comments, praising Alexander for his smooth transition into the co-anchor role. “Peter, you have been one of our favorites for years and years!” one fan wrote, while another added, “Great team! Amazing job!”

A Familiar Face for NBC Viewers

Ahead of Tuesday’s Today broadcast, Alexander gave his followers a heads-up about his guest co-hosting gig. “Fill-in anchoring @todayshow alongside @savannahguthrie tomorrow,” he announced on social media. “Hope you’ll watch.”

Excited viewers immediately responded with enthusiasm. “I’ll be watching tomorrow!!!” one fan replied, while another chimed in, “Nice!! Will see you tomorrow!!”

Though Alexander is widely recognized for his work as NBC’s Chief White House Correspondent, his career with the network spans over 20 years. He joined NBC News in 2004 and quickly gained national recognition when he landed an exclusive interview with Fidel Castro, then the president of Cuba.

Looking back on that pivotal moment, Alexander reflected on the unexpected journey his career has taken. “That was the beginning of a ride that I never imagined, could only have dreamed of, and couldn’t be more grateful for,” he said during a special segment marking his 20th anniversary with NBC.

A Journalist’s Perspective on Storytelling

With decades of reporting experience, Alexander has developed a deep appreciation for the responsibility that comes with being a journalist. In a recent interview, he spoke about the lessons he’s learned throughout his career, emphasizing the importance of trust in storytelling.

“What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller,” he shared. “I really feel like we have a higher responsibility doing this for a living. Being journalists, you have the trust of the audience, the trust of the people whose stories you’re telling. That’s something that I take so seriously.”

What’s Next for ‘Today’?

With Melvin set to return soon, fans can look forward to his special Today report from Milan, offering an early glimpse into the excitement of the 2026 Winter Olympics. Meanwhile, Alexander continues to prove himself as a reliable and engaging presence on the morning show, further solidifying his place within NBC’s elite team of broadcasters.

Whether filling in for a co-anchor or delivering breaking news from the White House, Alexander’s adaptability and professionalism make him a favorite among Today Show viewers. As his career continues to evolve, fans will undoubtedly be watching to see where his journey takes him next.