Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Craig Melvin replaced Hoda Kotb as co-anchor of Today’s 7–9 a.m. hours in January 2025. Before NBC made that choice, Laura Jarrett was mentioned in speculative coverage as a possible contender—but she was never presented as an official finalist. Kotb’s separate fourth-hour role alongside Jenna Bush Hager followed a different path.
Who took over Hoda Kotb’s main Today role?
NBC chose Craig Melvin to co-anchor the flagship 7–9 a.m. hours with Savannah Guthrie. The appointment was reported in November 2024 and took effect in January 2025. Melvin was already part of Today, serving as a host and as an anchor during the first two hours.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
The Good Night Show: Goodnight Stories | $14.04 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Kenna James:: Wild 18+ #74 with Alexa Grace & Carmella Bing 2026 + DVD | $25.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![Today You Die [DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51t-2kWa1wL._SL160_.jpg)
|
Today You Die [DVD] | $16.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![The T.A.M.I. Show (Collector's Edition)[DVD]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51I437nxAgL._SL160_.jpg)
|
The T.A.M.I. Show (Collector's Edition)[DVD] | $9.09 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
HP DVD+R DL Double Layer 8X 8.5GB Logo 50 Pack in Cakebox | $28.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Kotb announced her departure in September 2024, with her final day scheduled for January 10, 2025. The Associated Press reported that NBC’s rationale emphasized Melvin’s experience with breaking news, presidential interviews and major events. Libby Leist, Today’s senior vice president, called him “an integral and beloved part of our family” and praised his “talent and range to cover all that we do here at ‘Today.’” Those comments describe NBC’s public rationale; they are not a published hiring scorecard. The AP’s appointment report has the fuller context.
Was Laura Jarrett in the running?
Laura Jarrett was named as a possible candidate in pre-appointment coverage by TV Insider, citing an unnamed NBC insider. That makes her part of the speculation around Kotb’s flagship seat, not a confirmed member of an official shortlist. NBC ultimately selected Melvin. TV Insider’s report reflects what was being discussed before the appointment, rather than NBC’s final choice.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
It is therefore more accurate to describe Jarrett as a floated possibility than as a runner-up. No formal slate of finalists is established in the available reporting, and there is no basis for ranking other people as though NBC had published one.
Was the fourth-hour co-host job the same position?
No. Kotb’s role in the 7–9 a.m. broadcast alongside Savannah Guthrie was separate from her fourth-hour partnership with Jenna Bush Hager. Coverage of Kotb’s departure and the show’s history distinguishes those roles; CBS News’ departure report provides that context.
Rank #2
- Kenna James:: Wild 18+ #74 with Alexa Grace & Carmella Bing 2026 + DVD
- 2026 Adult magazine
After Kotb left, the fourth hour was described in June 2025 coverage as using rotating guest co-hosts. That was a different arrangement from Melvin’s permanent appointment to the flagship hours. TV Insider also reported that Kotb valued rapport with Bush Hager—a point about Kotb’s preference, not a confirmed NBC hiring rule. Its fourth-hour coverage concerns the separate Today with Jenna & Friends role.
The latest permanent fourth-hour lineup cannot be confirmed from the cited reporting. Readers looking for the current co-host should check a recent official NBC or Today announcement rather than assume the 2025 rotation is still in place.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
Did Kotb return to the anchor chair?
Kotb filled in for Melvin in April 2026, according to NBC New York’s report. That was a temporary fill-in, not evidence that she resumed the permanent 7–9 a.m. position.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- remier brand: Hewlett‑Packard discs are back in stock with top-grade quality. Save files quickly—burning time is about 20–25 minutes when used with 8X capable DVD Double Layer writers.
- Compatible with most DVD burners, DVD players, and DVD-ROM drives on Windows and Mac systems. Perfect for: Data backup, Video storage, Music libraries, Photo archiving, System recovery discs, Business data storage
- 8.5GB storage capacity per disc, nearly double the capacity of standard single-layer DVDs.
- DVD+R DL (Double Layer) format, ideal for high-capacity data storage and video recording.
- Low cost per megabyte, making them ideal for file backups before accidental deletion. Designed for long-term data archiving and storage, supporting over one million read cycles to ensure extended data protection.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
