Harry Smith Returns to ‘Today’ & ‘NBC Nightly News’ 2 Years After His Exit

Harry Smith is back at NBC News as a regular contributor, two years after departing the network following a 12-year run at the company.

As reported by People, the veteran journalist will contribute what the network calls “Common Good” feature stories for Today, NBC Nightly News, and NBC News live events. Smith’s return kicks off today, Monday, September 28, at NBC News’ live Common Ground event, hosted by Savannah Guthrie and Mike Tirico.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to do what I have done for so long: tell America’s story,” Smith said in a statement, per People. “I have long believed that there is more that unites us than divides us. It’s in our bones. It’s part of America’s DNA.”

As part of his first day back on the job, Smith will speak one-on-one with professional violinist and Music Kitchen founder Kelly Hall-Tompkins about her work as a doctor and musician.

Smith previously served as a correspondent at NBC News for 12 years, interviewing the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Julia Roberts, Cher, Madonna, Paul McCartney, Steven Spielberg, and many more. He also presented the weekly “Sundays with Harry” segment on Today and sometimes filled in as anchor for NBC Nightly News.

He ended his 12-year tenure at NBC News back in March 2024 with an emotional sendoff on the Today show. During his farewell, he told his colleagues that he had “nothing but gratitude” for his time at the network.

“Every time I would come on this show, I was welcomed so generously,” he shared. “I’ve had just this unbelievable array of phenomenal experiences since coming to NBC, and so I’m really full of nothing but gratitude. Every time I’d come on, everyone would drop their phones, pay attention to the story, and then respond.”

After leaving NBC News, Smith returned to his alma mater, Central College in Iowa, to teach. Prior to joining NBC, Smith served as a contributor at CBS News, featuring on CBS Evening News, 48 Hours, and various documentaries. He went on to anchor CBS This Morning and later The Early Show before leaving the network in 2011.