Savannah Guthrie, a seasoned host on NBC’s *Today*, knows exactly what it takes to thrive on an early morning show.
With over 14 years of experience on the program, she’s had her fair share of early mornings, countless cups of coffee, and a rigorous routine to keep up with the demanding schedule.
Recently, Guthrie shared some valuable advice with her new co-anchor, Craig Melvin, who stepped into a bigger role on the show after Hoda Kotb’s departure.
Her message? Get enough sleep!
On a recent Tuesday broadcast, Craig confessed to Savannah that he had stayed up late the previous night.
“I was up late last night,” he admitted, explaining his struggles to adjust to the earlier hours required for his new position.
Savannah, always the supportive friend and colleague, immediately chimed in with a knowing look. “Again?” she asked, emphasizing the importance of a well-rested body and mind for the long haul. “You know this is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay up every night watching football and getting up early, this cannot last.”
Craig, who had recently transitioned from hosting the third hour of *Today* to the 7 and 8 AM slots, acknowledged the challenge of adjusting to this more demanding schedule. “I’m gonna have to recondition myself,” he admitted, adding that he needed to “see if the Ohio State Buckeyes could vanquish their opponents” — a nod to his late-night football watching habits.
Despite the fun banter, Savannah’s advice was clear: balancing the early hours with sufficient sleep is essential. A shift from late-night football games to a more manageable bedtime is something Craig will need to embrace to ensure he remains energized and focused on air.
Savannah, who has worked alongside *Today* hosts like Al Roker and Craig for years, knows firsthand the challenges of a breakfast show. With early starts and an exhausting schedule, she’s learned the hard way that sleep is vital to sustain energy and clarity on the job. Her concern for Craig came from a place of genuine experience.
Craig, who officially replaced Hoda Kotb in the 7 and 8 AM time slots on January 10, has spent less time on the earlier hours of the show and more on his late-night commitments. As he adjusts to the new schedule, Guthrie’s advice is a welcome reminder of the importance of finding a balance in this fast-paced job.
Hoda Kotb’s departure in early January left a gap that Craig quickly stepped into. Hoda had been with *Today* for over 17 years, and her decision to step back from her role was influenced by her desire to spend more time with her two young daughters, Haley and Hope. In her farewell message to Craig, Hoda wrote a heartfelt poem, wishing him the best in his new role and expressing confidence in his ability to thrive.
“I’m moving forward, so reach back your hand. Grab the baton, your world will expand. The adventures are endless, the people so dear. Great memories await, year after year,” Hoda penned, encouraging Craig to embrace his new journey.
She continued with warm words for Savannah, Al Roker, and Carson Daly, expressing how they would support Craig every step of the way. “Day One! You are ready surrounded by love. Your team is the kind you can only dream of,” Hoda wrote, offering her blessings as Craig took over the reins of the early morning show.
Since stepping into the role, Craig has opened up about the difficulty of adjusting to the early hours. In an interview with *Parade*, he confessed to still grappling with the challenges of waking up earlier than he’s used to. “I’m sleeping right now with my eyes open; I’m exhausted,” Craig joked, showing that he’s still getting the hang of his new routine.
Despite the adjustments, Craig couldn’t be happier with his new role, particularly his chemistry with Savannah. “We’ve become legit friends,” he said, explaining how their personal bond makes their on-screen partnership even stronger. The two have kids who are close in age, and they’ve spent a lot of time together outside of work, making their interactions natural and unscripted.
Savannah echoed the sentiment, expressing how easy it has been to work with Craig. “The audience can tell when the chemistry is manufactured, and we haven’t had to manufacture anything,” she explained, adding that their genuine friendship shines through on camera. “Which makes it even easier. I’m really excited to be on this adventure with my sister.”
Meanwhile, Hoda is savoring her newfound time with her daughters, who are now able to stay up later. She joked about her strict bedtime routine when she was working on *Today*, explaining how she often had to enforce an early bedtime so she could get enough rest herself. “I’m like, ‘Goodnight! Everyone’s going to bed,’” she said, reflecting on her more relaxed routine now that she has more time at home.
As Craig settles into his new role on *Today*, the supportive words from both Savannah and Hoda will undoubtedly help him navigate the early mornings ahead. But one thing is certain: it’s going to take more than football games and coffee to keep up with the demands of the job — and Savannah’s advice on getting enough sleep will surely be something Craig takes to heart as he adjusts.
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