Beloved Today Show Star Departs After 14 Years

Peter Alexander exits NBC News to spend more time with his family.

Mar. 28, 2026 at 2:23pm

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Peter Alexander, a longtime co-host of the Today Show, has announced his departure from the NBC network after 22 years. Alexander cited a desire to spend more time with his two young daughters as the primary reason for his exit, noting he has been away from home over 200 nights in the past seven years due to his demanding work schedule.

Why it matters

Alexander's departure marks the end of an era for the Today Show, as he has been a familiar face on the program for over a decade. His exit also highlights the challenges that high-profile media personalities can face in balancing their careers with family life, especially as their children grow older.

The details

In his emotional announcement, Alexander shared that he wants to 'carve out a better balance' between his professional and personal commitments before his daughters 'lose interest in hanging out' with him. The veteran journalist first joined NBC News in 2004 and has covered major global events during his tenure, including an early career interview with former Cuban president Fidel Castro.

  • Peter Alexander joined Saturday TODAY in October 2018.
  • In 2021, he was named NBC's co-chief White House correspondent alongside Kristen Welker.
  • Alexander and Welker co-hosted Saturday TODAY from 2020 to 2023.
  • Welker succeeded Chuck Todd as moderator of NBC's Meet the Press in 2023.
  • Alexander announced his departure from NBC News on March 28, 2026.

The players

Peter Alexander

A longtime co-host of the Today Show who is departing NBC News after 22 years to spend more time with his two young daughters.

Laura Jarrett

Peter Alexander's co-star on the Today Show, who shared an emotional message in response to his departure.

Alison Starling

Peter Alexander's wife, with whom he shares two daughters, Ava and Emma.

Kristen Welker

NBC News correspondent who co-hosted Saturday TODAY with Peter Alexander from 2020 to 2023 before becoming the moderator of Meet the Press.

Chuck Todd

The previous moderator of NBC's Meet the Press, whose role was taken over by Kristen Welker in 2023.

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What they’re saying

“Peter: We love you, we are going to miss you. You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father. You only get one shot to be Ava and Emma's dad...they are lucky to have you as their father.”

— Laura Jarrett, Peter Alexander's co-star on the Today Show

“I've been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years. So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me...I'm eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.”

— Peter Alexander

“What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller. I really feel like we have a higher responsibility doing this for a living. Being journalists, you have the trust of the audience, the trust of the people whose stories you're telling. That's something that I take so seriously.”

— Peter Alexander

What’s next

Peter Alexander's last day on the Today Show has not been announced, but NBC is expected to honor his long tenure with the network in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

Peter Alexander's departure from the Today Show after 22 years with NBC News underscores the challenges that high-profile media personalities can face in balancing their demanding careers with the need for quality time with their families, especially as their children grow older. His exit marks the end of an era for the iconic morning program.