Lester Holt Steps Into A Bigger Role At Dateline After Leaving NBC Nightly News

Lester Holt stepping away from NBC Nightly News is a big deal for anyone who watches daily news. After a decade of leading the flagship broadcast, he is focusing full-time on Dateline, a show he has been part of for years. This move means news fans will see a new face delivering the evening headlines starting June 2, but it also promises more in-depth storytelling from Holt.

Holt has been a constant presence in daily news. He was a co-anchor of the weekend edition of Today starting in 2003. He has been in the fast-paced world of breaking stories for a long time. Now, at 66, he is looking at what the later part of his career will be like. He told Today hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin that "long form is something I really wanted to get my teeth into." It sounds like he is ready for a new kind of challenge.

He admitted he will miss the intense deadline pressure of daily TV and the energy of breaking news. He also said he would miss "running to the airport." These are things that sometimes made him crazy but also gave him energy. He assured viewers that he is joining "the best storytellers in the business" at Dateline. It is clear he is excited about this fresh start.

Lester Holt Reflects on His Decade Leading NBC Nightly News and What Made Him Proud

The Iconic Anchor Shares Memories and the Origin of His Memorable Sign-Off Line

Holt has many moments from his time anchoring at NBC that make him proud. He specifically mentioned how the team handled reporting during the pandemic. They quickly figured out how to get back on TV. They had to "reinvent the wheel." These were tough times. He remembered telling stories about freezer trucks on the streets of New York holding the remains of people. It was a dark period.

It was during these difficult moments that Holt's famous sign-off line was born. He said he needed some kind of signal or message to the audience. He wanted to show that he understood what everyone was going through. He wanted to say, "Hey, I get it. We're all in this together, and this is tough." That is how he started saying, "Take care of yourself and each other." He later found out he might have accidentally picked up the line from Jerry Springer. But it became a lasting part of his time hosting Nightly News. It was a simple message that truly connected with people during a hard time.

Now, as he gets ready for his new role as the main anchor for Dateline, Holt looks forward to making new impacts in the world of news. He joked that he feels like "the new kid on campus" with all his study notes ready. He also said that they have "some really important projects in the very near future." It sounds like he is eager to get started and bring his unique approach to the longer-form stories Dateline is known for.

What Is Dateline and Why Does It Continue to Capture So Many Viewers?

A Look at the True Crime Format and This Week's Featured Cases

For many, Friday nights on NBC mean an episode of Dateline is coming. The show is famous for its team of correspondents. They put a spotlight on some of the most confusing true crime stories. From shocking murders to mysterious disappearances, the show has a way of pulling you in. It explores the darker side of human nature, often focusing on deceit, betrayal, and lost love.

Even if there is no new episode tonight, you can still catch a Dateline rerun. For instance, on May 30, the episode "Losing Faith" from Dateline Season 32 aired. Josh Mankiewicz reported on the 2020 murder of Jamie Faith. Jamie was shot multiple times while walking his dog outside his Dallas home. Homicide detective Chris Walton noted that the number and placement of the shots did not feel like a robbery. It felt like "something else." Mankiewicz also pointed out that the case took a "dramatic twist." These kinds of details keep viewers hooked trying to figure out "Who would have wanted Jamie dead, and why?"

You might also catch a Dateline episode on Saturday night. Andrea Canning reported on "Return to the Landing" from Dateline Season 29. This episode looked into the 2013 disappearance of 20-year-old Heather Elvis in South Carolina. More than five years later, a husband and wife were convicted of kidnapping and conspiring to kidnap Heather. These cases show the show's ability to follow complex investigations and bring justice to light, even years later.

Where and How You Can Watch Dateline Episodes, Both New and Old

Your Guide to Catching Up on True Crime Stories From Anywhere

If you want to watch Dateline, you have many options. New episodes usually air on Friday nights on NBC. However, they also often show reruns throughout the week, including on Saturday nights. You can check your local listings for specific times. The show often comes on at 9 PM ET/PT or 10 PM ET/PT depending on the night and your region.

For those who prefer streaming, there are many ways to watch. You can find hundreds of past Dateline episodes on Peacock. This includes every episode from the newest season. Recently, Dateline reported on the ongoing trials of Sean "Diddy" Combs and Bryan Kohberger. Both of these reports from Dateline Season 33 are ready to stream on Peacock right now. The NBC App is also a good place to catch up on the most recent season. You can watch live TV and stream movies there as well. For even more Dateline content, you can sign up for their official newsletter. You can also listen to the Dateline NBC podcast every week.

This widespread availability makes it easy for true crime fans to stay connected to the show. Whether you are watching live on NBC, catching up on Peacock, or listening to the podcast, Dateline continues to deliver its unique blend of investigative journalism and dramatic storytelling. It has built a strong reputation for uncovering truths and keeping audiences gripped by real-life mysteries.

How Lester Holt's Expanded Role Will Change Dateline's Future Stories

The Anchor's Plans for More In-Depth Reporting and His Continued Passion

Lester Holt is ready to dive even deeper into the stories that matter to him. He explained that his new full-time role will let him "expand my footprint on the broadcast." He plans to "craft Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about." This means we could see more long-form specials that go beyond the typical true crime format. He once spent two nights in prison for a Dateline episode. He has also done heartbreaking stories on issues like the asthma crisis and the economy. These examples show his desire to tackle a wide range of important subjects.

Holt's new schedule will give him more flexibility. He will be able to tell a producer, "Yes, I’ll be there for that interview next week." This is because he will not be constantly jumping after whatever breaking news is happening for Nightly. He said it was not an "epiphany" moment to make the change. He never saw himself doing the Nightly News job forever. He decided he needed to step away from that demanding role. But he still feels like he has "gas in the tank" for reporting. He emphasized that he is "still running." He is not retiring. He is just shifting his focus.

This move is a win for Dateline viewers. It means more time for Holt to dedicate to these complex investigations. His experience and thoughtful approach will surely bring even more depth to the show's already compelling narratives. It is exciting to think about the kind of impactful storytelling he will bring to our screens in the months and years to come.