Hoda Kotb to Return to Today Show Next Week as Craig Melvin Takes Vacation

Kotb will fill in for Savannah Guthrie's first week back after leave of absence.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 10:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of shimmering, glittering sequins in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conveying the glamorous and high-profile nature of morning television.Hoda Kotb's return to The Today Show brings a touch of morning show glamour back to the airwaves.Savannah Today

Hoda Kotb will be returning to the Today Show next week to fill in as co-anchor while Craig Melvin takes a vacation. Kotb had previously stepped down from her co-anchor role in 2025 but has been filling in for Savannah Guthrie during her recent leave of absence due to a family tragedy. Guthrie made her much-anticipated return to the show this past week, though Kotb was not present for her first day back. The show is now preparing for Kotb's return as Melvin takes time off.

Why it matters

Kotb's return to the Today Show, even if temporary, is noteworthy given her previous departure from the co-anchor role. Her presence on the show is seen as a welcome sight by viewers, though there have been some rumors of potential tensions with fellow co-anchor Craig Melvin over the shift in hosting duties.

The details

Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today Show this past week after taking a leave of absence due to her mother's disappearance. During Guthrie's absence, Hoda Kotb had been filling in as co-anchor. However, Kotb was not present for Guthrie's first day back on air. It was then announced that co-anchor Craig Melvin would be going on vacation, prompting the show to bring Kotb back to fill in for him starting next week. There have been some rumors that Melvin may have been unhappy about not being chosen to interview Guthrie about her mother's disappearance, but NBC has denied these claims.

  • Savannah Guthrie returned to the Today Show this past week (April 9, 2026).
  • Craig Melvin will be going on vacation starting next week (April 13, 2026).
  • Hoda Kotb will be returning to the Today Show to fill in for Melvin starting on Monday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Savannah Guthrie

Co-anchor of the Today Show who recently returned from a leave of absence due to her mother's disappearance.

Hoda Kotb

Former co-anchor of the Today Show who stepped down in 2025 but has been filling in during Guthrie's recent absence.

Craig Melvin

Current co-anchor of the Today Show who will be going on vacation next week.

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What they’re saying

“Guthrie quipped that the show would try out another host in the form of Kotb.”

— Savannah Guthrie, Co-anchor

“I'd heard of Kotb before.”

— Craig Melvin, Co-anchor

What’s next

Hoda Kotb will return to the Today Show on Monday, April 13, 2026 to fill in for Craig Melvin while he is on vacation.

The takeaway

Hoda Kotb's return to the Today Show, even if temporary, is a welcome sight for viewers who have missed her presence on the show. However, her return has also sparked some behind-the-scenes speculation about potential tensions with fellow co-anchor Craig Melvin, though NBC has denied these claims.