Waking up and realizing your favorite morning person is gone feels like showing up to a party where you don't know the host. It’s awkward. For a long time, the Today show hosts felt like a moving target. If you’ve tuned in recently and felt a little lost, you aren't alone. Between Hoda Kotb’s emotional exit and the game of musical chairs that followed, 30 Rockefeller Plaza has seen a lot of change.
Honestly, the "New Era" everyone kept talking about is finally here. It officially kicked in this January, and for the first time in over a year, the desk doesn't feel like it has a "Reserved" sign for a guest.
The Main Desk: Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin
Let’s talk about the heavy hitters. Savannah Guthrie remains the anchor of the ship. She’s been there since 2012, which in morning TV years is basically an eternity. She recently had a bit of a scare with vocal cord surgery—she was literally communicating via whiteboard for a minute there—but she’s back and as sharp as ever.
Beside her, the face has changed. After Hoda Kotb stepped away in early 2025 to focus on being a mom to her girls, Haley and Hope, the network didn't rush. They waited. Then, they promoted from within. Craig Melvin is now the official co-anchor for the 7 a.m. and 8 a.m. blocks.
It was a smart move. People already liked Craig. He’s been with NBC for 14 years, so it wasn’t like they were bringing in a stranger. He has this way of being serious enough for breaking news but loose enough to laugh at Al Roker’s jokes. Speaking of Al, he’s still the weather and features anchor. At this point, Al Roker is the Today show. He’s the glue.
The 3rd Hour: A Little More Crowded
At 9 a.m., things get a bit more conversational. This used to be the "ensemble" hour where everyone kind of piled onto the couch. It still is, mostly.
- Craig Melvin (He pulls double duty, staying on from the early hours).
- Al Roker (Again, the man is everywhere).
- Dylan Dreyer (The fan-favorite meteorologist who has become a powerhouse host in her own right).
Up until a few weeks ago, Sheinelle Jones was the fourth pillar here. But she recently moved (more on that in a second), leaving a bit of a gap. For now, the 3rd hour is leaning on a rotating cast of NBC News correspondents like Peter Alexander or Laura Jarrett to fill that fourth seat. It keeps the energy fresh, though some viewers miss the consistent four-person banter.
The Big Switch: Today with Jenna and Sheinelle
If you were watching during 2025, the 10 a.m. hour was a bit of a wildcard. It was called Today with Jenna & Friends. Jenna Bush Hager hosted with a revolving door of celebs—everyone from Scarlett Johansson to her own husband, Henry Hager. It was fun, sure, but it felt temporary.
That changed on January 12, 2026.
Sheinelle Jones officially became the permanent co-host. The show is now officially titled Today with Jenna & Sheinelle. If you saw the debut, it was a total tear-jerker. Hoda Kotb and Kathie Lee Gifford actually showed up to "pass the wine torch." It felt like a real full-circle moment for the fourth hour.
Sheinelle’s move was a big deal personally, too. She had taken some time off in 2025 following the tragic passing of her husband, Uche Ojeh. Seeing her back in a lead role, laughing with Jenna, feels like the show finally has its heart back.
The Weekend Crew
Don't forget the Saturday and Sunday folks. They usually get less press, but they’re the ones who keep the lights on while the weekday team sleeps in.
- Saturday Today: Hosted by Peter Alexander and Laura Jarrett. They’ve developed a really solid rhythm. Laura, who is the Senior Legal Correspondent, brings a lot of gravitas, while Peter is the seasoned pro who knows everyone in D.C.
- Sunday Today: This remains Willie Geist’s kingdom. The "Sunday Sitdown" is still one of the best interview segments on television. It hasn't changed because, frankly, it doesn't need to. Willie has a specific vibe that just works for a Sunday morning.
Why the Lineup Matters
You might wonder why we care so much about who sits in those chairs. It’s because morning TV is habitual. We watch these people while we’re burnt-out, caffeinated, or rushing to get the kids to school. When the Today show hosts change, it disrupts that routine.
The 2026 lineup is interesting because it’s the most "NBC" the show has felt in years. They didn't go out and hire a massive Hollywood star to replace Hoda. They looked at Craig and Sheinelle—people who have put in the work for over a decade—and said, "It’s your turn."
What to Watch For Next
If you're trying to keep up with the show's new rhythm, keep an eye on the 3rd Hour. That's where the next "permanent" face will likely emerge. NBC loves to test people out in that 9 a.m. slot before moving them to the main desk.
Also, Jenna Bush Hager is expanding her empire. She just started a new scripted TV project with NBC, so don't be surprised if she’s occasionally absent from the 10 a.m. hour to film. When that happens, expect to see Dylan Dreyer or maybe even a returning favorite like Savannah filling in.
Actionable Insights for Viewers:
- Check the 10 a.m. Title: If your DVR still says Jenna & Friends, you might need to update your series recording to Today with Jenna & Sheinelle.
- Follow the "Third Hour" Rotation: If you like the news-heavy side of the show, watch the 9 a.m. slot; that’s where NBC is currently auditioning their next generation of talent.
- Streaming Options: If you miss the live broadcast, the Today All Day stream on Peacock carries segments from the new Savannah/Craig duo almost immediately.