Craig Melvin's Absence From 'Today' Has Fans Wondering: Is He Leaving the Show?

Keeping up with the constant rumors surrounding the on-air team of Today can be quite a challenge! One moment, a fan-favorite presenter is said to be leaving, and the next, a new face is reportedly joining the iconic NBC morning show.

The latest target of this speculation is co-anchor Craig Melvin. Having joined the program in 2018, he was recently promoted to co-anchor the first and second hours of Today.

So, is Craig Melvin actually leaving The Today Show? Here's what you need to know.

As of April 2025, Craig Melvin is not leaving The Today Show! Yes, his recent absence on the Monday, April 14 episode had viewers concerned (and maybe refreshing their social media feeds a little too often), but there's no scandal or secret exit in the works.

Instead, Craig is simply enjoying a well-earned break! His co-anchor Savannah Guthrie put all the rumors to rest during the April 10 broadcast, letting viewers know that Craig would be off the air for the rest of Easter Week to soak up some quality time with his family.

"Craig's going on Easter break with his kids," she explained, easing the minds of worried fans. And fear not, because Today brought in some serious star power to fill in! Savannah revealed that "the one and only" sportscaster Mike Tirico would be stepping in to fill in and co-host after he got his "fill of golf" covering the PGA Tour Masters Tournament.

Mike was clearly up for the challenge: "Melvin showed he can host the Olympics when I was traveling back and forth," he said with a smile. "So, I figure that we can go for an even trade here. I'm looking forward to being with y’all next week."

Craig then joked, "This is literally the only job in television Mike Tirico has not done."

As for where Craig, his wife Lindsay Czarniak, and their kids Delano and Sybil are headed for the spring holiday? That remains under wraps for now. But one thing's for sure — after a whirlwind few months in his newly expanded role, this little getaway is much deserved.

Plenty of folks in the clip's comments section were feeling the same way— missing Craig already but totally pumped to see Mike Tirico step in during his time off. In fact, it didn't take long for fans to flood the Instagram post with love, support, and excitement!

"Have a great vacation Craig but having Mike fill in will be fun to watch," one fan wrote. A second Instagram user chimed in, "Mike is so adorable... Happy [vacay], @craigmelvinnbc."

A third person shared, "I will certainly miss Craig, but Mike is a wonderful fill-in. Craig, have fun with your family but I will still be waiting for your handsome self to return!"

And another fan got a little more heartfelt, adding, "I am anxiously awaiting Craig Melvin's return to the Today show. The Today show has repeatedly replaced hosts for one reason or another, and Craig a perfect fit. Please bring him back soon!"