The Definitive Answer: 5 Things To Know About Lester Holt's New Chapter After 'Nightly News'

The widespread speculation about Lester Holt leaving "NBC Nightly News" reached its definitive conclusion in the spring, with the veteran anchor officially signing off from the weekday broadcast in May 2025. This move, which was announced earlier in the year, was not a full retirement from the network, but a strategic transition to a massive, expanded role within the NBC News division, signaling a new and exciting chapter in his already legendary career.

For over a decade, Holt was the trusted face of evening news, a calm and authoritative presence guiding millions of viewers through some of the most turbulent times in recent history. His departure from the daily newscast desk on Friday, May 30, 2025, ended a significant era, but it was done on his own terms and amid strong ratings, allowing him to pivot to a different, more in-depth form of journalism that he has long championed.

Lester Holt: A Full Biography and Landmark Career Profile

Lester Don Holt Jr. has had one of the most distinguished careers in modern broadcast journalism. His journey from local radio to becoming the principal anchor of one of the "Big Three" network nightly newscasts is a testament to his dedication, integrity, and journalistic prowess.

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• Full Name: Lester Don Holt Jr.
• Born: March 8, 1959, in Marin County, California, U.S.
• Education: Attended California State University, Sacramento, but left in 1979 to begin his career.
• Early Career (1979–2000): Started as a radio disc jockey (DJ) and news reporter in San Francisco. He spent 19 years at CBS affiliate WBBM-TV in Chicago as an anchor and reporter, becoming a highly respected figure in Chicago news.
• Joining NBC News (2000): Holt joined MSNBC and was a key player in their coverage before becoming a substitute anchor for "NBC Nightly News" and a co-anchor for "Weekend Today."
• "NBC Nightly News" Tenure (2015–2025): He was named the permanent anchor of the weekday broadcast in 2015, succeeding Brian Williams. He was the first solo Black person to anchor a weekday network nightly news broadcast.
• Key Roles: Anchor of "NBC Nightly News" (2015-2025), Principal Anchor of "Dateline NBC" (since 2011), and moderator of several Presidential Debates.
• Final "Nightly News" Broadcast: May 30, 2025.

The Real Reason Lester Holt Left the 'Nightly News' Desk

The question of "when is Lester Holt leaving" was answered by a clear, non-controversial transition plan. Unlike some high-profile anchor changes, this was not a firing, a contract dispute, or a sudden retirement due to health issues. Holt’s departure from the daily evening news broadcast was a deliberate choice to shift his focus and energy to long-form, investigative journalism.

In his announcement to staff, Holt explained that he was not leaving the network but rather "expanding" his work on "Dateline NBC." This move allows him to trade the demanding, daily grind of a 6:30 p.m. news program for the deeper, more focused reporting that a newsmagazine format provides. The decision was about professional passion and a desire to commit fully to the kind of storytelling that has become a hallmark of his career.

A Full-Time Commitment to 'Dateline NBC'

His new role is a significant expansion of his duties as the principal anchor of "Dateline NBC," a role he has held since 2011. While he was previously balancing the two major anchoring jobs—"Nightly News" and "Dateline"—the new arrangement sees him dedicating his full attention to the newsmagazine.

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This commitment is not merely a title change; it involves being on the ground and reporting more of the in-depth stories that occupy "Dateline’s" hours. This shift allows the veteran journalist to pursue complex, multi-layered narratives, conduct more extensive interviews, and travel for on-location reporting, which is less feasible with the constraints of a daily, live, national newscast.

The move to a full-time "Dateline" focus is a clear indication that Holt is not slowing down. Instead, he is redirecting his considerable talent toward a format that offers more creative and journalistic freedom, ensuring his presence remains a fixture on NBC News for years to come.

The Legacy of a Decade at 'NBC Nightly News'

Lester Holt’s ten-year tenure as the anchor of "NBC Nightly News" is marked by a legacy of trust, stability, and groundbreaking moments. He took over the broadcast during a turbulent period in network news and successfully guided it with a steady hand, maintaining its standing as one of the most-watched news programs in broadcast history.

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His presence was particularly significant as a trailblazer. As the first solo Black person to anchor a weekday network nightly news program, he broke a major barrier in American media.

Key Moments and Achievements

During his time at the desk, Holt covered virtually every major global event. His legacy is defined by a commitment to fair and objective reporting, often traveling internationally to deliver the news directly from the scene.

• Presidential Debate Moderator: He was widely praised for his role as the moderator of the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton in 2016.
• On-the-Ground Reporting: Holt anchored from dozens of locations, including war zones, disaster areas, and international summits, reinforcing a tradition of going where the story is.
• "Justice for All" Franchise: He championed the "Justice for All" series, a major initiative focusing on criminal justice reform and social equity issues, demonstrating his commitment to impactful journalism beyond the headlines.
• Ratings Success: He stepped down while the broadcast was still performing strongly, a testament to his connection with the American viewing public.

Meet the New Face: Tom Llamas Takes the Anchor Chair

With Lester Holt’s transition, NBC News quickly appointed his successor, ensuring a seamless handover to the next generation of network news leadership. The new anchor of "NBC Nightly News" is Tom Llamas, a highly regarded national correspondent and anchor within the NBC News organization.

Llamas officially took over the anchor duties on Monday, June 2, 2025, just days after Holt’s final broadcast. His appointment signals a new era for the broadcast, which aims to maintain its traditional audience while also appealing to younger viewers and those who consume news on streaming platforms.

Llamas' Background and Expanded Role

Tom Llamas is a Loyola University New Orleans graduate who has a strong background in both network and local news. Prior to his promotion, he served as an NBC News National Correspondent and was the anchor of "Top Story with Tom Llamas" on the NBC News NOW streaming service.

His new role as the "NBC Nightly News" anchor is not exclusive. Llamas will continue to host "Top Story," effectively bridging the gap between traditional nightly news and the network's growing digital and streaming offerings. This dual role is a strategic move by NBC to unify its news brand across multiple platforms, leveraging Llamas' proven ability to connect with audiences in both broadcast and digital spaces.

The transition from Holt to Llamas was handled with the utmost respect and professionalism, reinforcing the stability and depth of talent within the NBC News division. While viewers will undoubtedly miss Holt's nightly presence, his expanded role at "Dateline" and Llamas' fresh perspective ensure that the network's commitment to quality journalism remains strong.