Craig Melvin Was Expected Back On Today, But It Wasn’t His Extended Absence That Caught Viewers Off Guard. After Sheinelle Jones assured fans he would return to the morning show, Craig was nowhere to be seen when the cameras rolled again, leaving many wondering what had changed. His empty seat quickly became the biggest talking point as familiar faces stepped in to keep the show moving. With questions continuing to swirl, Craig has finally shared a glimpse of what he’s really been doing away from Studio 1A—and the update is very different from what many viewers first assumed.

by

‘Today’: Craig Melvin Unexpectedly Absent From Show: Here’s What Sheinelle Jones Told Viewers

Craig Melvin on the January 13, 2025, episode of NBC's 'Today.'
Nathan Congleton/NBC

What To Know

  • Craig Melvin missed NBC’s Today after Sheinelle Jones previously confirmed his return date.
  • Melvin has been off for over a week, enjoying a summer break with his family.
  • Several other Today hosts have been absent this week, including Savannah Guthrie, Al Roker, Carson Daly, and Dylan Dreyer.

Craig Melvin seemingly extended his current break from Today.

The anchor was absent from the NBC morning show for the entirety of last week, as he was confirmed to be on summer break with his family. Melvin’s hiatus continued into this week, as he missed the show on Monday, July 27, and Tuesday, July 28.

On Tuesday, Sheinelle Jones revealed when Melvin would return to Studio 1A. “​​Welcome back to Today. So glad you’re with us on this Tuesday morning. Hallie [Jackson] and I are covering for Savannah [Guthrie], who remains on assignment for NBC, and Craig will be back here tomorrow,” she said at the top of the show’s 8 a.m. ET hour.

Despite Jones’ Tuesday announcement, Melvin was once again absent from Today on Wednesday, July 29. “Welcome back to Today. We certainly appreciate you being with us on this Wednesday morning. Hallie Jackson is helping us out. Savannah’s on assignment for NBC. Craig’s missing this crowd,” Jones said on Wednesday, referring to the fans gathered on 30 Rockefeller Plaza for Mumford & Sons’ Today concert.

Several hosts have filled in for Melvin over the past week, including Jones, Jackson, Willie Geist, and Laura Jarrett. Melvin is one of several Today hosts currently on a break from the show. Dylan Dreyer is also enjoying time off with her family, and Al Roker previously teased that he would be traveling for an upcoming Today assignment. Carson Daly is currently filming new episodes of The Voice, while Guthrie is working on NBC’s upcoming Wordle game show.

 

Melvin recently teased via Instagram that he would be back on Today sooner rather than later. “Last full day of paradise and the scruff just got approved by my most important critic,” he captioned a beach selfie on Monday. “Apparently growing it out is a vacation win. Hair growing, soul restored, daughter approves — what more could you ask for? Soaking in every moment before we have to leave this place.”

Roker approved Melvin’s new, bearded look in the post’s comments, writing, “Looks good, Brother. And be thankful you can still grow it. Miss you.” NBC News’ Emilie Ikeda wrote in a comment of her own, “Nothing is more rejuvenating than time by the water!”

Melvin’s wife, Lindsay Czarniak, shared several photos from the family’s beach getaway on Instagram on Sunday, July 26, simply captioning them “Family.” The post’s first slide featured a sweet family photo the couple took with their son, Delano, and daughter, Sybil. Other slides included a snap of Melvin out on the ocean in a boat with loved ones, as well as a group photo from a family dinner.

Last week, Today fans poked fun at Melvin for sharing an Instagram photo of his feet while relaxing on the beach. “Out of office… Nothing like hanging with the family. Hope you’re enjoying this summer too,” he wrote alongside the July 21 upload.

In the comments, one user quipped, “In this economy? Feet ain’t free, Craig!” Another added, “Good for you and your family… Kid, time for a pedicure.” Someone else shared, “Hope no one tries to sell this foot pic!”

Today, Weekdays, 7 am/6c, NBC