By Daily Mail (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-15 22:49:02 | Updated at 2024-11-16 01:47:24
3 hours ago
Savannah Guthrie will 'call the shots' with regards to how long Craig Melvin lasts as her Today show co-host, according to sources who say that NBC will 'make a change fast' if Guthrie doesn't believe the chemistry is there.
It was announced on Thursday morning that the anchor, 45, would be taking over from long-serving presenter Hoda Kotb, 60, after her last episode on January 10.
During the announcement, Guthrie was full of praise for her new co-host, while Today show fans flocked to social media to express their delight about Melvin's promotion.
However, an insider exclusively revealed to DailyMail.com that Melvin's time in the position would very much be down to whether Guthrie goes on to give her complete seal of approval.
'NBC and the show love Craig. He is beloved, but when it comes down to it, Savannah calls the shots and has the upper hand,' the source explained. 'They are now going to wait and see if the chemistry is there. If the chemistry isn't there, then they will change it up and the one that will not be there is Craig.'
The insider continued: 'Anyone in that position has to mesh with Savannah, and they are hoping it is Craig but they will make a change pretty fast if it doesn't work out.'
Savannah Guthrie will 'call the shots' with regards to how long her new co-host Craig Melvin last as her Today show co-host
It was announced on Thursday morning that the anchor, 45, would be taking over from long-serving presenter Hoda Kotb , 60, after her last episode on January 10
Further highlighting the level of power Guthrie currently enjoys at the network at present, the source dished: 'When Savannah Guthrie goes for her next contract, she is looking to want a major raise, and all signs point to her getting it.
'She has a lot of power at NBC, they want to keep her around for a long time.'
The source noted that Hoda has had no part in the decision-making process, stating: 'Hoda will still be around and will do things from time to time but she is definitely looking forward to her next chapter.
'She has no say in replacements and doesn't want to, she is ready to move on, even though she loved every minute of it.'
Elsewhere, the insider gave further insight into the decision to allow Jenna Bush Hager to headline her own new show in the fourth hour.
Renamed Today with Jenna & Friends, it will see the 42-year-old joined by 'a rotating cast of fill-in co-hosts until a permanent host is named'.
The insider explained how inspiration was taken from Live! as they stated: 'Jenna and Friends is going to be used to find Hoda's permanent replacement, kind of like what was done with Kelly Ripa, when they were looking for her new co-host on Live!
'Hoda made that show, and with her not being there, it will be a huge uphill battle, but they are going to give it a chance and NBC are looking for someone with a big following.
The source explained: 'NBC, and the show love Craig. He is beloved, but when it comes down to it, Savannah calls the shots and has the upper hand'
The source noted that Hoda has had no part in the decision-making process: 'She has no say in replacements and doesn't want to, she is ready to move on'
The source continued: 'They want to make a Ryan Seacrest type splash, someone with star power to eventually get the gig.
'Whoever gets it will have some massive shoes to fill from what Hoda brought to the show but they will find the person.'
So far, it is believed that Sheinelle Jones will likely nab the coveted position as the source explained: 'Sheinelle Jones has the best chance to take the gig in house for Jenna and Friends. They will have Kaylee Hartung, Savannah Sellers and Laura Jarrett on the show, but they likely won't get the gig.
'They just love those three and know that they would be great for the show and with Jenna but not the permanent replacement. Sheinelle or some outside star are the frontrunners.'
Amid the changes announced this week, fans made it clear that they could not be more delighted that Melvin will be taking over from Hoda.
They flooded social media with their congratulations as one enthused on X: 'A GREAT choice! Congratulations Craig! So happy for you and the Today Show fans!'
Elsewhere, the insider gave further insight into the decision to allow Jenna Bush Hager to headline her own new show in the fourth hour as they hunt for a new co-host
The source said: 'Hoda made that show, and with her not being there, it will be a huge uphill battle... NBC are looking for someone with a big following'
Another said: 'Congratulations, Craig! Well deserved. I think you will do a great job, although, I still think you would have been a perfect pick for Jeopardy host.'
A third continued: 'Congratulations to South Carolina's own Craig Melvin! Such a huge accomplishment!'
'Craig Melvin is the perfect person to fill this role. So many congratulations!' a fourth said.
During Thursday's episode, Guthrie noted that Melvin's new role has been 'one of the most popular decisions NBC news has ever made'.
Addressing Kotb, she said: 'Though you are irreplaceable, we are so excited about the news in our Today family and that is the person sitting right next to me, our dear friend and talented, wonderful, hard-working, most worthy of this, Craig Melvin is the new anchor of the Today show.
'And let me just say that the staff, the larger staff found out this morning, and people broke into applause. This is the one of the most popular decisions NBC news has ever made.'
