Craig Melvin's Hilarious Confession Shocks Jenna Bush Hager on "Today with Jenna & Friends"

Get ready for some morning show drama! Fan-favorite anchor Craig Melvin made a surprising on-air admission during his "Today with Jenna & Friends" debut that left host Jenna Bush Hager (and us!) completely stunned.

TL;DR: The Lowdown on Craig's "Today" Truth Bomb!

• Craig Melvin confessed he'd never watched "Today with Jenna & Friends" during his first time as a guest co-host.
• Jenna Bush Hager playfully called him "rude," leading to a hilarious on-air exchange.
• Melvin praised Bush Hager's incredible ability to host with over 50 different guests since Hoda Kotb's departure.

A Shocking Admission During a Special Guest Co-Host Appearance

Hold onto your coffee mugs, "Today" fans, because this past Monday, November 3, 2025, brought a moment of pure, unscripted gold to your screens! The usually composed Craig Melvin, a familiar face from the earlier hours of NBC's "Today" show, stepped into the guest co-host chair for the very first time on "Today with Jenna & Friends." What started as a seemingly normal segment quickly turned into a laugh-out-loud exchange, all thanks to a confession no one saw coming.

As the show kicked off, Melvin, looking around the vibrant studio, casually remarked, "This is a nice set. You know, I've never seen the show."

Jenna Bush Hager's Unforgettable "That Is So Rude!" Reaction

You could almost feel Jenna Bush Hager's shock reverberating through the screen! Her initial surprise quickly morphed into a playful indignation, and she didn't hesitate to call out her colleague. "That is so rude!" she exclaimed, turning to the producers with a mock-offended look. "Did you just hear him say he's never watched the show?" The studio was filled with laughter, perfectly setting the stage for the delightful banter that followed.

"That is so rude! Did you just hear him say he's never watched the show?"

— Jenna Bush Hager, on Craig Melvin's confession

Craig Melvin's Candid, Yet Understandable, Explanation

Of course, Craig had an explanation for his surprising lack of viewership, and it's one many "Today" viewers can probably relate to. He pointed out the logistical challenges of his busy morning schedule, explaining, "Well, because usually, we're just getting off [of The Today Show] because usually I'm in transit." As an anchor for the first two hours and a co-host for the "3rd Hour of Today" alongside Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer, his mornings are packed. He's literally finishing his duties as Jenna's show is starting.

But Jenna, ever the quick-witted host, wasn't letting him off the hook that easily. She playfully countered, "Here's the thing about it: It's a full hour." Trapped by his own admission and Jenna's logical comeback, Melvin conceded with a laugh, "I know, I could probably watch some of it." It was a moment that perfectly encapsulated the lighthearted, familial vibe that "Today with Jenna & Friends" has cultivated.

Jenna's Remarkable Journey Since Hoda Kotb's Departure

This humorous exchange also highlighted a significant shift in the "Today" show's dynamic. Since Hoda Kotb officially retired from her role as lead anchor of the fourth hour in January 2025, Jenna Bush Hager has been at the helm, navigating a unique format: hosting with a rotating cast of celebrity guest co-hosts. This innovative approach has seen over 50 different personalities join her at the desk, transforming each episode into a fresh and unpredictable experience.

It's a testament to Jenna's incredible adaptability and genuine warmth that this format has not only survived but thrived. She's created an environment where guests, whether long-time colleagues or brand-new faces, feel comfortable and can truly shine, fostering spontaneous and engaging conversations that resonate with viewers.

Craig Melvin Offers Heartfelt Praise for Jenna's Hosting Prowess

Despite his initial "rude" confession, Craig Melvin didn't shy away from offering genuine admiration for Jenna's success. Later in the show, he took a moment to laud her remarkable ability to handle the ever-changing co-host lineup. "What you have managed to do over the last few months on this show, from just a purely broadcasting perspective, as the kids would say, real recognize[s] real," he gushed. "To be able to sit next to someone different every day or two and do this, that's a feat."

This praise speaks volumes. In the high-stakes world of live television, consistency and chemistry are paramount. For Jenna to forge a new, engaging dynamic day after day with a different co-host is indeed a "feat," showcasing her immense talent and dedication. It's clear that while the banter was all in good fun, there's a deep respect among the "Today" family for each other's work.

The "57 First Dates" and Craig's Humorous Induction as #58

Jenna herself has humorously described her experience with the rotating co-hosts as "57 first dates," a charming analogy that perfectly captures the unique challenge and excitement of her role. So, when Craig Melvin finally made his debut, the obvious question arose, which he playfully posed to Jenna:

"Should I be honored that I am 58? It's taken 58 friends to finally be like, 'You know, there's a guy who literally has a dressing room across the street.'"

— Craig Melvin, on being Jenna's 58th guest co-host

This witty jab highlighted the affectionate, teasing relationship they share, even if he had confessed to never watching her show. It's this kind of authentic interaction that makes "Today with Jenna & Friends" so appealing to its audience, blending the professionalism of morning news with the warmth of a chat among friends.

Behind the Scenes and Craig's Takeaway from His Debut

The "Jenna & Friends" official Instagram page gave fans a peek behind the curtain with some candid clips from Craig's debut. Before the show, Melvin joked, "I feel like I should have said no. I'm feeling like I want to know who canceled. Like, when did Jenna actually run out of friends, that she called on me? I think this is actually the only show I've never done at NBC." His self-deprecating humor only added to the charm of his appearance.

After the broadcast, a visibly pleased Melvin admitted, "This was a lot more fun than I thought it would be." When asked about a return, he tempered expectations with a smile, saying, "No, no, no. I think moderation's the key. It's a lot of fun. You get to flex different muscles." While he might not be a permanent fixture, his willingness to step outside his usual role clearly paid off.

A Star-Studded Week of Guest Co-Hosts on "Today with Jenna & Friends"

Craig Melvin's hilarious debut was just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting week for "Today with Jenna & Friends." Viewers can look forward to an incredible lineup of guest co-hosts, proving that Jenna's "friends" list runs deep and wide:

• Tuesday, November 4, 2025: The one and only Michelle Obama will grace the stage, surely bringing insightful conversations and inspiring stories.
• Wednesday, November 5, 2025: Dylan Dreyer, another beloved "Today" personality, will join Jenna for a day of fun.
• Thursday, November 6, 2025: Carson Daly, known for his laid-back charm and sharp wit, will take a turn in the co-host seat.
• Friday, November 7, 2025: Dylan Dreyer returns to round out the week, promising another dose of their delightful chemistry.

This diverse roster ensures that each day offers something fresh and engaging, keeping the show vibrant and compelling for its loyal audience.

Fan Reactions: Calling for More Craig Melvin!

The audience's response to Craig Melvin's debut was overwhelmingly positive, with social media buzzing with praise. Fans absolutely loved the dynamic between him and Jenna, and many were quick to express their desire for his return:

• "Craig Melvin!! A breath of fresh air! Please ask him to host again!!!" one Instagram user pleaded.
• "Love both of You! Jenna And Craig nailed it today," another commented, clearly enjoying the synergy.
• "So glad to finally have Craig on!" shared a delighted viewer.
• "Maybe he needs to be co host!!" suggested another, highlighting the strong impression he made.

While Craig might prefer "moderation," it's clear his charisma and genuine personality left a lasting mark on viewers, proving that sometimes, the best moments are the most unexpected ones.

Understanding the "Today with Jenna & Friends" Dynamic

"Today with Jenna & Friends" airs weekdays at 10/9c on NBC. This hour has become a unique space within the "Today" franchise, focusing on more in-depth conversations, lifestyle segments, and, crucially, the engaging chemistry between Jenna and her rotating co-hosts. The decision to embrace this format after Hoda Kotb's departure was a bold one, moving away from a traditional permanent co-anchor setup. It has allowed for a refreshing variety of voices and perspectives, keeping the show dynamic and unpredictable. It's a testament to Jenna's skill that she can adapt to each new personality, making every guest feel like a true "friend."

This evolving format not only keeps things fresh for viewers but also provides a platform for various celebrities and "Today" family members to showcase different sides of their personalities, engaging in more relaxed and personal discussions than might be possible in the more news-focused earlier hours. Craig Melvin's appearance, with its blend of humor and genuine respect, perfectly embodied the spirit of the show.

The Enduring Appeal of Unscripted Morning Television Moments

Ultimately, Craig Melvin's "rude" confession on "Today with Jenna & Friends" was more than just a funny moment; it was a reminder of the enduring appeal of live, unscripted television. In an age of perfectly curated content, these genuine interactions—the surprise, the playful reprimand, the honest explanation—are what truly connect with audiences. They show that even seasoned broadcasters are human, capable of both lighthearted blunders and profound appreciation for their colleagues. This kind of authentic banter is the magic ingredient that makes us tune in day after day, eager to see what unexpected joy the "Today" family will bring.

Frequently Asked Questions About "Today with Jenna & Friends" When does "Today with Jenna & Friends" air? "Today with Jenna & Friends" airs on weekdays at 10 a.m. ET/9 a.m. CT on NBC. Who are the main co-hosts of "Today"? The main "Today" show features anchors like Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin, with the "3rd Hour of Today" including Al Roker, Sheinelle Jones, and Dylan Dreyer. "Today with Jenna & Friends" is the fourth hour, hosted by Jenna Bush Hager with rotating guest co-hosts. Why does "Today with Jenna & Friends" have guest co-hosts? Following Hoda Kotb's retirement from her role as lead anchor of the fourth hour in January 2025, Jenna Bush Hager transitioned to hosting with a rotating lineup of celebrity and "Today" family guest co-hosts. Is Craig Melvin a regular on "Today with Jenna & Friends"? No, Craig Melvin is not a regular co-host on "Today with Jenna & Friends." He made his debut as a guest co-host on Monday, November 3, 2025, as part of the show's rotating guest format.

Sources

• Context from provided articles (Various news outlets covering "Today with Jenna & Friends" segments, published on November 3, 2025, or referencing events in late October/early November 2025).