Craig Melvin has big shoes to fill.
And, follow up Hoda's departureHe knows it.
In November, under the name NBC Craig Melvin will replace Hoda Kotb on The Today Show.
He freely admits how intimidating it is for such an iconic television host to step up.
Co-hosting 'Today' will be huge for Craig Melvin
Following Hoda Kotb's Friday, January 10 departure from todayCraig Melvin is landing one of the most coveted broadcasting roles on television Naturally he is worried.
“I think I'm as prepared as one can be,” the veteran newscaster said Entertainment tonight before the passage.
“I'm excited. I'm anxious,” he admitted. Then he confirmed: “I'm nervous but I'm honored.”
“It would be nice if I didn't have to follow Hoda Kotb,” Melvin went on to admit. In other words, he set a very high bar in terms of audience engagement – and ratings
“It would be nice if the show didn't do as well as it is doing,” he added. “But I've made peace with it.”
Melvin insisted: “We're going to give it our all. … You just don't want to be the man or woman who screws it up.”
Everyone has advice for Craig Melvin in his new role
the time Entertainment tonight In the interview he received advice: “Don't eat on TV.” Although she has yet to co-host with Savannah Guthrie, she has enjoyed some today Snacks in the air first.
“By the way, you know that's one of my mom's biggest pet peeves,” Melvin shared. “She's like, 'Why are you eating on TV like you haven't eaten all day?'”
He continued, explaining: “And I'm like, 'Some days I'm not, like I've been awake for five hours. This is my lunch.'
This will take more time than dietary moderation (and probably throw out some dance moves, eg ET Also suggests securing Craig Melvin's place in the audience's mind.
Hoda Kotb has been the face of the show for 17 years. He has established relationships With celebrity guests And with viewers who watch at home.
When Melvin makes his official debut on January 13, it may come as a shock to the audience. (Change is hard!)
Ultimately, his success will be measured by ratings
A few weeks ago, an inside source was spoken to nearby About Craig Melvin's New Gig Bet.
“No one questions whether he deserves it, he's a very talented person who has worked very hard for this opportunity,” confirmed the insider.
The source admitted: “But of course, the pressure is really on because she has huge shoes to fill. Hoda is an absolute legend. The audience loved her and so did the network.