Fans can normally expect Craig Melvin during Today‘s first three hours. However, he recently made a surprise appearance during the fourth hour. However, this moment, in which Melvin was caught being sneaky, appeared to come out of the blue.
Craig Melvin Previously Joked About Never Being Able To Watch Today‘s Fourth Hour
Melvin joined Today back in 2018, previously joining NBC News in 2011. He later took over hosting duties for the third hour, being promoted to co-anchor in 2025, following the departure of Hoda Kotb.
Typically, Melvin is done for the day after the first three hours on Today. Famously, he once joked that he never watched the show because he was in transit when it aired. Despite this, there are times when he’s appeared as a guest.
More recently, however, Melvin made a surprise appearance during the hour, live and on the air after signing off. This took place when co-hosts Jenna Bush Hager and Sheinelle Jones were conducting a live cooking segment alongside chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
As the segment started, it was Guarnaschelli who shared, “Before we get into this recipe, though, I have to… we have a thief!” The three tuned in time to see a dressed-down Melvin grabbing a snack, a fried chicken drumstick, and attempting to leave the studio without being seen. When he was caught, Melvin looked to her co-stars with a bashful expression. He then asked, “Are you on?”
Sheinelle and Jenna were shocked by what they saw, with both asking if it was a joke. Melvin then shared a simple defense: “It’s great chicken. I’m sorry! I’m so sorry.”
Many Fans Felt That Melvin Indirectly Paid Alex Guarnaschelli A Huge Compliment
Jenna then told him, “I would have brought you some!” Melvin then tried to make an exit through the door, crouching down as he continued to apologize. Jones shared, “Try the dip!” She then asked, “Why you ducking?”
Jenna agreed, sharing, “The dip is the best part.” Melvin then came back to grab some more dip with another apology. The dish at the center of the story was skinless fried chicken with a pickle juice brine. The dip was also a sauce made from sour cream, buttermilk, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic powder, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and dill.
The moment was then shared on Today‘s Instagram page. Thanks to this, fans were able to share their reactions to the story on social media. Of course, many didn’t fault Melvin completely, instead taking what happened as a testament to Guarnaschelli’s cooking skills. Some comments included:
- “Craig is always eating the food instead of participating in the creative process. We take bets on how long he can last before grabbing the food.”
- “I’m literally cackling out loud ‘are you on’ like yes?????”
- “It’s Alex! I would have done the same thing!”
- “Alex is my girl so I feel ya Craig.”
What is your reaction to this recent moment on Today? Have you been following this story? Are you keeping up with Today? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.
John Witiw has been a writer since at least 2015. He’s covered a variety of topics, especially when it comes to film and television.