The Today Show Shakeup: 5 Major Cast Changes And Departures Rocking NBC In 2025

The landscape of morning television is undergoing a seismic shift, with NBC’s The Today Show facing one of its most significant anchor shakeups in years. As of today, December 12, 2025, the biggest confirmed change revolves around a beloved main anchor who is preparing to step away from her iconic seat in the new year. This highly publicized departure, coupled with a recent contributor exit and a major promotion, signals a new era for the long-running morning program.

The changes are not just about who is leaving, but also who is stepping up to fill the void, demonstrating that even a powerhouse like Today is constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing media environment. Fans are buzzing about the new dynamic that will define the show’s crucial first hours, as well as the future of its popular spin-off segments.

The Key Players: Biographies of the Departures and the New Co-Anchor

The recent cast changes involve three prominent figures who have each left an indelible mark on The Today Show. Here is a brief look at the careers of the anchors and contributors at the center of the shakeup.

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Hoda Kotb: The Beloved Co-Anchor

• Born: August 9, 1964, in Norman, Oklahoma.
• Heritage: American broadcast journalist of Egyptian heritage.
• Education: Virginia Tech (B.A. in Broadcast Journalism).
• Career Highlights: Began her broadcasting career in 1986, working for news stations across the country before joining NBC News in 1998 as a correspondent for Dateline NBC. She is best known for her role as co-host of the fourth hour of Today (with Kathie Lee Gifford and later Jenna Bush Hager) and as the main co-anchor of the 7-9 AM slot of Today from 2018 to 2025.
• Departure Role: Main co-anchor of the flagship Today Show (7-9 AM).

Craig Melvin: The Promoted News Anchor

• Born: May 20, 1979.
• Education: Wofford College.
• Career Highlights: An award-winning news anchor for NBC News, Melvin has been a fixture on the network for years. His roles include co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today, anchor on MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), and host of syndicated Dateline NBC broadcasts. He has also served as a weekend co-anchor and an early morning news anchor.
• New Role: Main co-anchor of the flagship Today Show (7-9 AM), replacing Hoda Kotb.

Donna Farizan: The Longtime Contributor

• Career Highlights: Farizan is a former Today and NBC intern who worked her way up to a full-time assistant role. She became a popular on-air contributor on the fourth hour, Today with Jenna & Friends (formerly Hoda & Jenna), and was affectionately known as "Donna-dorable." She was a correspondent for the show for eight years and spent a total of 12 years with Today.
• Departure Role: Contributor and correspondent for Today with Jenna & Friends.

The Shocking Exit: Hoda Kotb Steps Down from Main Anchor Desk

The most significant news to hit the Today Show in the 2024-2025 season is the announcement that Hoda Kotb is stepping down from her role as the main co-anchor of the flagship 7-9 AM broadcast. Kotb, who has been a fixture at NBC for over two decades, confirmed she would be leaving her morning perch early in 2025. Her last day is scheduled for Friday, January 10, 2025.

Kotb's decision marks the end of a remarkable run as the co-anchor of the main show, a role she took on in 2018. The move is part of a larger change, as she revealed she is beginning a "new journey" and ending a 26-year career at NBC. At the 2025 Forbes Power Women's Summit, Kotb opened up about the surprising decision, admitting that leaving the show is "scary" but necessary as she pursues a new chapter in her life.

Her departure means the end of the popular Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb co-anchoring pairing, which has defined the show for the last seven years. This shift has understandably generated a huge amount of buzz and speculation among viewers and industry insiders alike, as the chemistry of the main anchor desk is crucial to the show's success.

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The New Lineup: Craig Melvin’s Big Promotion

With a major anchor stepping away, the question of "Who is replacing Hoda?" was quickly answered. NBC announced that veteran anchor Craig Melvin would be stepping into the main co-anchor role alongside Savannah Guthrie. This promotion is a significant one for Melvin, who has been a consistent presence across NBC News platforms, including as a co-host of the 3rd Hour of Today and anchor of MSNBC Live.

Melvin will officially take over the co-anchor seat beginning January 13, 2025. The new main anchor team for the 7-9 AM broadcast will be Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin. This shift is a strategic move by NBC to elevate a seasoned journalist who is already familiar and trusted by the Today Show audience. The move also highlights the network's commitment to promoting talent from within its existing family of anchors.

While Melvin’s new role means a change in the 7-9 AM dynamic, he is expected to continue his work on the 3rd Hour of Today, ensuring continuity for viewers across the morning block. The transition has been described as a "host shakeup," as Melvin's new responsibilities will undoubtedly impact the scheduling and roles of other anchors like Al Roker, Dylan Dreyer, and Sheinelle Jones.

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Beyond the Main Desk: Donna Farizan's Farewell

While Hoda Kotb’s exit dominates the headlines, another significant departure quietly occurred in the fall of 2024. Longtime contributor Donna Farizan announced her departure from Today with Jenna & Friends in September, ending her 12-year tenure with the show.

Farizan, who started her journey with Today as an intern, grew into a beloved correspondent known for her engaging on-air segments and unique personality. She made the emotional announcement on-air, stating that she was leaving to "pursue new opportunities" and "find her next adventure." Her farewell was a bittersweet moment, with her co-hosts and viewers sharing a "heartwarming love letter" to the popular contributor. Her departure, though from the later hours of the show, still represents a loss of a fan-favorite personality and a key behind-the-scenes voice who had grown up within the NBC family.

The Future of The Today Show and Unconfirmed Rumors

The changes at The Today Show have inevitably fueled speculation about other anchors. The media landscape constantly generates rumors, and the current shakeup is no exception. Entities like Savannah Guthrie, Jenna Bush Hager, and Craig Melvin have all been the subject of rumors regarding their long-term status.

• Jenna Bush Hager: There has been speculation about whether Jenna Bush Hager is planning to leave the show in 2025. However, the star has been "honest" about her plans, indicating that while she contemplates her next chapter, there is no confirmed departure. Her continued presence on the fourth hour is a key factor in its ongoing success.
• Savannah Guthrie: Guthrie stunned her co-stars with a "retirement revelation," confessing she has retirement in her sights. However, this was a general confession, not a formal announcement, and she remains the co-anchor of the 7-9 AM show, now paired with Craig Melvin.
• Al Roker: The beloved meteorologist and anchor remains a steadfast presence on the show, providing stability and continuity amidst the changes.

The new line-up featuring Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin is poised to take the Today Show into 2026. The shift represents NBC's effort to refresh the main desk while maintaining the show's core identity of warmth, trust, and journalistic integrity. Viewers will be tuning in on January 13, 2025, to witness the start of this new chapter and see how the new co-anchor dynamic shapes the future of morning television.