Craig Melvin is grateful for his new role on Today, but he admitted there’s one part of the job that seriously “stinks.” The TV personality opened up about his early wake-up time and getting used to his new schedule as Hoda Kotb’s replacement.

“I was like, ‘Are they forcing you out?’ She’s like, ‘No Craig, I’m OK. I’m leaving,’” he recalled. “I was legit stunned, so much so that after she left, I went back to her dressing room, and I was like, ‘Are you sure you’re OK?’ It takes a certain kind of courage to leave anything when you’re at the height of your game.”

Dressed in a navy suit and yellow tie that his wife and kids picked out for the occasion, Craig stands at the TODAY desk reading over copy when music begins playing. He looks up, surprised, as the first verse of Hootie & the Blowfish’s “Let Her Cry” comes through the studio speakers.

Today's new co-anchor Craig Melvin opens up in this week's PEOPLE cover story about the new hobby that he can't stop gushing about.

Melvin has been with NBC and MSNBC since 2011, joining as an MSNBC Live anchor through 2022, and an NBC News correspondent since 2012, according to a USA TODAY article. The Emmy-winning journalist is also a "Dateline" anchor and has been with "Today" since 2018.

They will have to come in with boxes and security and say, you're done,' Melvin joked while exclusively chatting with Parade for the Jan. 17 cover story.

Fans can vote on the loser's punishment: chug from a shoe, wear a sign in the subway or get a temporary tattoo of the other's face.

Craig Melvin has officially taken the helm of his new role as a co-anchor of NBC’s “Today” show. But not before thanking his mom and dad. The 45-year-old TV anchor closed his sentimental first broadcast on Monday, Jan. 13, with a dedication to his ...

Hoda Kotb may have officially departed the Today Show, but exiting the show may have set her up to take home an even bigger paycheck. Kotb announced in September that she would leave the show in the new year.

And while it was a tearful goodbye, co-anchor Savannah Guthrie opened up and reflected on her beginnings of being an NBC morning anchor, which kicked off over a decade ago. It turns out the seniored broadcaster and journalist wasn't just fearful,

"Totally ignoring us," Savannah captioned the tongue-in-cheek image. It's been a busy time for Savannah, who recently said goodbye to her good friend and co-star, Hoda Kotb, who left the show after 17 years, seven of which alongside Savannah as her co-anchor.