Craig Melvin’s ‘Today’ Debut: Tears, Tributes & a Family Surprise

The Today Show

Craig Melvin’s first day at the helm of the “Today” show was anything but dry. The seasoned journalist, now officially sitting in Hoda Kotb’s vacated chair, found himself awash in emotion early Monday morning. A tribute video, a typical morning show staple, started the waterworks, but it was just the beginning. A pre-recorded message from Kotb, bubbly as ever, lauded Melvin and promised a secret letter to kick off his first broadcast.

The “secret” missive was tucked away, and retrieved by Savannah Guthrie, and it turned out to be a poem crafted by Kotb, herself a children’s book author. The verse, filled with warm encouragement, served as a sort of blessing, welcoming Melvin into his new role. As he read it aloud, the raw emotion was impossible to ignore, the man becoming audibly choked up.

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The show’s producers weren’t done pulling on heartstrings. A sudden on-set appearance by Melvin’s wife, Lindsay Czarniak, their two children, and his parents and brother turned the dial up to eleven. Wiping away tears, Melvin was clearly moved by the public support from his family. His parents’ pride, laid bare for the world, seemed to deeply affect him. Adding to the emotional rollercoaster, video messages from his high school and college further hammered home the impact of his journey. All this, capped by a sweet exchange between Melvin and Guthrie before the show’s start, set the tone for what promises to be a genuinely human tenure.

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Alastair James is the editor-in-chief of Memorable TV, leading the charge in covering today's must-see television. A lifelong television enthusiast, his passion began with a deep dive into the world of classic sci-fi, culminating in his role as editor of "Beyond the Static," a publication devoted to celebrating iconic sci-fi series. While his love for classic television remains, Alastair's focus at Memorable TV is firmly on the present, analyzing the latest trends in the television landscape, from gripping crime dramas to the ever-evolving strategies of Survivor. His insights have been featured in numerous publications. At Memorable TV, Alastair's goal is to provide readers with sharp commentary, engaging reviews, and in-depth analysis of the shows dominating the current conversation.