The Massive TODAY Show Shake-Up Of 2025: 5 Key Changes That Are Redefining NBC’s Morning Television

The landscape of morning television has undergone a dramatic transformation in early 2025, with NBC’s iconic *Today Show* at the center of a major host shake-up and programming overhaul. After decades as a fixture of American media, the show has made strategic moves aimed at solidifying its position against competitors like ABC’s *Good Morning America* (GMA), resulting in a fresh on-air team and new segment dynamics that are redefining the morning routine for millions of viewers across the nation. This is not just a change of faces; it's a strategic evolution of the entire *Today* brand.

The changes, which took effect in January 2025, are a direct response to the natural evolution of the morning news cycle and the long-term career goals of its most beloved anchors. From the flagship 7 a.m. slot to the popular 10 a.m. hour, the new line-up has introduced a palpable energy, focusing on strengthening the chemistry between the remaining core hosts while elevating long-time contributors into permanent, high-profile roles. The ripple effect of these departures and promotions is the most significant restructuring the show has seen in years.

The 5 Biggest Changes Redefining the NBC TODAY Show in 2025

The start of 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the *Today Show*, ushering in a new era of co-anchors and brand extensions. These five key changes are the most crucial updates for any devoted viewer or industry observer.

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1. Hoda Kotb’s Official Departure and the End of a Beloved Duo

One of the most significant shifts to hit the *Today* show in 2025 was the departure of veteran anchor Hoda Kotb. Kotb, a beloved figure who had been with NBC News for nearly three decades, made the decision to step away from her daily co-anchor duties on the main 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. broadcast. Her exit marked the end of the highly successful co-anchor pairing with Savannah Guthrie, a duo that had guided the flagship morning program through numerous national events and solidified *Today’s* ratings in the key Adults 25-54 demographic. While her presence is still felt, her transition has allowed the show to strategically realign its top talent.

Kotb's departure also necessitated a change in the 10 a.m. hour, where she had co-hosted with Jenna Bush Hager. This move created a dual vacancy that NBC News leadership, including executive vice president Libby Leist, quickly moved to fill with existing, trusted talent, ensuring a smooth transition for the audience.

2. Craig Melvin’s Elevation to Flagship Co-Anchor

In a major promotion that cemented his status as a leading voice in morning television, Craig Melvin was officially named the new co-anchor of the main *Today Show* broadcast (7 a.m. to 9 a.m.) in January 2025. Melvin, who had previously co-anchored the 3rd hour (9 a.m. segment), now sits alongside Savannah Guthrie, forming the new anchor team for the show's most crucial hours.

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Melvin’s promotion is seen as a strategic move to leverage his extensive experience in breaking news and hard-hitting interviews, a balance to Guthrie’s authoritative presence. His long history with the *Today* family, having also anchored *Dateline NBC* and covered major political events, provides a sense of continuity for viewers following Kotb’s exit. This new partnership aims to keep the flagship show competitive in the morning ratings war.

3. The Permanent Pairing of Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones

The 10 a.m. hour, long known for its lighter, more conversational format, saw a permanent change in its co-hosting lineup. Following a period of rotating guest hosts—dubbed *Today with Jenna & Friends*—Jenna Bush Hager officially welcomed Sheinelle Jones as her permanent co-host in January 2025. The show was subsequently rebranded as *Today With Jenna & Sheinelle*.

Jones, who had been a key anchor on the 9 a.m. hour alongside Al Roker, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer, stepped away from that role to join Hager. This new pairing is a strategic effort to capitalize on the natural, warm chemistry the two hosts share, focusing on lifestyle, pop culture, and intimate conversations. The move was widely celebrated by the other hosts, underscoring the collaborative nature of the *Today* team.

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4. A New Dynamic in the 9 a.m. '3rd Hour Today'

Sheinelle Jones’s move to the 10 a.m. hour created a vacancy in the popular 9 a.m. segment, often referred to as the "3rd Hour Today." With Craig Melvin also moving to the main show, the 9 a.m. dynamic has been significantly altered. The core team for this hour now primarily consists of veteran anchors Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer, who are often joined by Carson Daly and other rotating contributors.

This hour has historically relied on a strong, multi-person panel dynamic, offering a mix of news, human interest stories, and lighthearted banter. The new configuration emphasizes the established and enduring rapport between Roker and Dreyer, two of the show's most recognizable and comforting personalities. This segment remains a crucial bridge between the hard news of the early hours and the lifestyle focus of the 10 a.m. broadcast.

5. Ratings Dominance in the Key Demographic Continues

Despite the major changes in its on-air talent, the *Today Show* has maintained its competitive edge in the highly-coveted Adults 25-54 demographic. This key ratings metric, which advertisers value most, saw *Today* consistently hold the top spot over its main rival, *Good Morning America* (GMA), throughout the transition period of late 2024 and early 2025. This ratings success suggests that the audience has embraced the new host lineup and the strategic shifts in programming.

The show's ability to retain its core viewership during a period of significant change speaks volumes about the strength of the *Today* brand and the loyalty of its audience. While total viewer numbers are always a close race, the demographic win is a major victory for NBC News and a validation of the decisions made by executive producer Talia Parkinson-Jones and the rest of the leadership team.

The Enduring Legacy of Studio 1A

The *Today Show* has been an institution in morning television since its debut in 1952, making it one of the longest-running programs in television history. Its home, Studio 1A in Rockefeller Plaza, is an iconic location that serves as a visual touchstone for viewers. The 2025 shake-up continues a long tradition of evolving the anchor desk while maintaining the show's core mission: delivering the day's news, weather, and interviews.

• The Core Team: Even with the changes, the foundational pillars of the show remain Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Carson Daly.
• Topical Authority: The show continues to leverage its deep roster of correspondents and contributors to cover everything from breaking global events to health and consumer reports.
• Historical Context: The show has navigated numerous high-profile departures and transitions over the decades, including the controversial firing of Matt Lauer, always managing to rebound and maintain its relevance in the competitive morning news space.

The strategic promotions of Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones are a clear message from NBC: they are investing in their proven talent and focusing on strengthening the chemistry that viewers tune in for every morning. The new dynamic of *Today With Jenna & Sheinelle* promises a fresh, engaging hour, while the pairing of Guthrie and Melvin ensures the flagship broadcast remains a powerhouse of news and information.

As the year progresses, the focus will be on how the new teams settle into their roles and how the ratings battle with *GMA* plays out. For now, the *Today Show* has successfully executed a major transition, securing its future with a refreshed, dynamic, and highly experienced team ready to greet the nation from Studio 1A.