5 Shocking Revelations About Craig Melvin's New Today Show Co-Anchor Role And The Lawsuit He Nearly Caused

The landscape of morning television has undergone a significant shift, and no anchor is currently drawing more attention than Craig Melvin. As of early 2025, the veteran journalist officially stepped into his new, high-profile role as the named co-anchor of the flagship *Today Show* broadcast, replacing the beloved Hoda Kotb and joining Savannah Guthrie at the main desk. This promotion marks the pinnacle of his career at NBC News, a journey that began over a decade ago and has been defined by his affable on-screen persona, incisive reporting, and deeply personal storytelling.

The transition is not just a professional milestone; it underscores Melvin's rising influence in American journalism. December 15, 2025, finds Melvin firmly established as a cornerstone of the network, yet his career is not without its dramatic moments. From his powerful memoir detailing his father's addiction to a shocking on-air slip-up that he admits almost got the entire show sued, Melvin’s story is far more complex and compelling than his calm demeanor suggests. This deep dive explores the man, his new role, and the moments that defined his path to the top.

Craig Melvin: Complete Biography and Professional Profile

Craig Delano Melvin is an American broadcast journalist known for his extensive work across NBC News and MSNBC. His career trajectory highlights a steady ascent from local news to one of the most visible positions in national television.

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• Full Name: Craig Delano Melvin
• Date of Birth: May 20, 1979
• Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina
• Education: Wofford College (B.A. in Government, 2001)
• Wife: Lindsay Czarniak (Married 2011), a fellow sports broadcaster and journalist.
• Children: Delano "Del" (Son, born 2014) and Sybil "Sibby" (Daughter, born 2016)
• Current Roles (as of 2025): Co-Anchor of *Today Show* (main broadcast), Co-Host of *3rd Hour TODAY*, and Anchor on MSNBC Live.
• Career Milestones: Started at WIS in South Carolina (2001); moved to NBC’s WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.; joined MSNBC in 2011; named co-anchor of *Today* main broadcast in January 2025.
• Notable Advocacy: Active advocate for Colorectal Cancer awareness, inspired by the loss of his brother, Lawrence, and his father’s cancer diagnosis.

The January 2025 Promotion: Stepping Into a New Era of Today

The announcement that Craig Melvin would officially become the main co-anchor of the *Today Show* in January 2025 sent ripples through the media world. This was not a minor reshuffle; it was a defining moment for the morning show, solidifying the new dynamic at the anchor desk.

Melvin has been a familiar and trusted face on the show for years, having served as a co-host on the *3rd Hour TODAY* and as the news anchor for the main two hours since 2018.

His promotion saw him transition from the news desk to the co-anchor chair, a move that places him directly alongside Savannah Guthrie for the show's most critical hours. This change followed the departure of Hoda Kotb from the co-anchor role, signaling NBC’s faith in Melvin’s ability to lead the broadcast.

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What His New Role Entails

Melvin's increased presence means more than just reading headlines. As co-anchor, he is instrumental in steering the show’s editorial direction, leading major interviews, and providing on-the-ground coverage for breaking news. His background, which includes reporting on major national events like the Asiana Airlines 214 crash and the George Zimmerman trial, has equipped him with the serious journalistic chops necessary for the role.

The new line-up aims to maintain the show's blend of hard news, human-interest stories, and celebrity interviews. Melvin’s genial persona and reputation for empathetic interviewing are key to this strategy. He often brings a personal touch to his reporting, a quality that resonates deeply with the *Today Show*'s loyal viewership.

The On-Air Blunder That Nearly Led to a Lawsuit

Despite his polished professionalism, Craig Melvin once revealed a major on-air mistake that still haunts him—a slip-up so significant he feared it would lead to a major lawsuit against NBC. This admission provides a rare glimpse into the high-stakes, pressure-cooker environment of live network television.

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The incident, which he recounted during a special Fan Fest episode of *Today*, involved a segment where a guest was discussing a sensitive topic. Melvin, attempting to transition to a commercial break, inadvertently used a phrase or piece of information that was legally precarious.

While the exact details of the blunder are guarded, Melvin described the moment as one of pure panic, believing the network's legal team would be swarming the control room. The error was apparently caught and contained before any legal action could materialize, but the memory remains a stark reminder of the need for absolute precision in live broadcasting. This kind of human error, even from a seasoned anchor, highlights the thin line journalists walk every day.

Beyond the Desk: A Deeply Personal Story of Fatherhood and Addiction

One of the most powerful aspects of Craig Melvin’s public life is his willingness to share his personal struggles, particularly through his book, *Pops: Learning to Be a Son and a Father*. Published in 2021, the memoir is a deeply personal exploration of his relationship with his own father, who battled alcoholism and drug addiction.

The book details the complexity of growing up with a parent struggling with addiction and the journey of healing and forgiveness. Melvin uses his own experiences to reflect on what it means to be a father to his own children, Del and Sybil, and to break generational cycles of trauma. The themes of resiliency, recovery, and the enduring bond between a son and his father resonated with millions of readers, further cementing Melvin's status as a relatable public figure.

Melvin's Advocacy and Influence

Melvin’s influence extends far beyond the newsroom. He is a passionate advocate for cancer awareness, particularly colorectal cancer. His brother, Lawrence, passed away from the disease at a young age, and his father is also a cancer survivor. This personal connection has driven him to use his platform to encourage early screening and raise awareness.

His dedication has earned him significant recognition, including the 2021 Marin Mazzie Award for Empowerment and the Blue Star Award from the Colorectal Cancer Alliance. These honors, along with multiple Emmy Awards for his journalism, showcase a career dedicated not just to reporting the news, but to making a tangible, positive impact on public health and discourse.

From a small-town reporter in South Carolina to the main co-anchor desk of the *Today Show*, Craig Melvin’s journey is a testament to perseverance, integrity, and the power of sharing one’s authentic story. His new role in 2025 is not just a career peak, but a new chapter where his journalistic rigor and personal empathy will continue to shape the morning news landscape.