Hoda Kotb has exited the NBC studio at 30 Rock, and Craig Melvin has taken over her role.

Melvin, a familiar face at NBC, began hosting the morning show alongside longtime “Today” co-host Savannah Guthrie starting Monday.

He opened his first show expressing his gratitude and excitement about his new position.

“You’ve occupied that chair many times, but today is different. Let’s embrace this journey together!” Guthrie encouraged him.

“And I can’t think of a better person to share this ride with than you, so let’s get started,” Melvin replied.

Guthrie narrated a tribute video that highlighted Melvin’s career progression to this new role.

“Craig’s most memorable stories remind us that life’s greatest moments often come with a touch of humor,” she said while showcasing clips of Melvin’s reporting experiences.

Since 2011, Melvin has been a part of NBC and MSNBC, starting as an anchor for MSNBC Live until 2022, and has worked as an NBC News correspondent since 2012. This Emmy-winning journalist also anchors “Dateline” and has been featured on “Today” since 2018.

Hoda Kotb surprises viewers on ‘Today’ show

Kotb shared a screenshot on Instagram showing her alarms for 3:00, 3:15, and 3:30 am all turned off with the caption, “No alarm…whaaaaaaaattttt???”

She also appeared on the show via video message to wish Melvin well on his first day, revealing that she had left him a letter in the office.

Additionally, Melvin’s family surprised him, with heartfelt messages from his wife and parents bringing him to tears.

“He’s an amazing dad and truly deserves this,” his son Delando expressed.

Who are the ‘Today’ show hosts?

Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie pair up as co-anchors on the morning show.

Alongside Kotb since 2019, Jenna Bush Hager, who co-hosts the fourth hour of “Today” (known as “Hoda & Jenna”), announced on Tuesday that actress Scarlett Johansson will be a special guest host. This change comes as part of a fresh approach following Kotb’s departure, with Johansson being among several celebrity guest hosts scheduled to join the show.

When was Craig Melvin named Hoda’s successor?

On November 14, NBC announced that Craig Melvin would succeed Kotb. During the announcement on-air, he expressed gratitude to his parents for their perseverance, along with thanks to the “Today” team, his wife, and children. Melvin has been married to sports anchor and reporter Lindsay Czarniak since 2011, and together they have two children, Sybil and Delano.

“I’m incredibly grateful for her,” Melvin noted about his wife. “These days can be long, but she has supported me from the start.” In her farewell message on November 14, Kotb praised Melvin, saying,

“Craig, this role is tailor-made for you. You possess all the qualities necessary for this job. You’re truly the right choice.” Longtime “Today” show weatherman Al Roker also recognized Melvin’s new role via video, saying, “I anticipated this! I’ve seen your growth as a journalist, but more importantly, as a father. You truly deserve this opportunity—words fail me.”

Craig Melvin expressed admiration for Hoda Kotb before her departure

In the lead-up to Kotb’s exit from the beloved morning show on Friday, both Melvin and Guthrie acknowledged her contributions.

A tribute video showcased Kotb’s highlights throughout her time on the show, including memorable interviews, light-hearted segments, and heartwarming moments with fans.

Guthrie humorously remarked, “If I don’t conduct this interview, does that mean she’ll stay?” recalling how they often needed touch-ups from the makeup artist after emotional behind-the-scenes moments.

“She’s incredibly special; it’s hard to describe,” Guthrie concluded. They shared another emotional moment after viewing the video.

“Instead of conducting interviews, Hoda engages in conversations,” Melvin added.

Contributing: Anna Kaufman