Fan-Favorite ‘Today’ Replacement Fills in for Craig Melvin Amid Absence

A familiar face stepped in for Craig Melvin on Today amid the host’s latest absence.

Melvin has been missing from Studio 1A since Monday, October 19. Sheinelle Jones joined Savannah Guthrie at the anchors’ desk on Monday and Tuesday, October 18, while NBC News’ Savannah Sellers filled in for Melvin on the third hour of Today‘s Monday episode.

On Tuesday’s episode of the third hour of Today, Apple TV Major League Soccer lead match analyst Taylor Twellman returned to the NBC morning show to fill in for Melvin. “Good morning, everybody. Welcome to the third hour of Today. I’m Al, along with Dylan [Dreyer],” Al Roker said at the top of the episode. “And look who we’ve got sitting in with us. Taylor Twellman!”

Twellman went on to joke, “[The teleprompter] says ‘our friend,’ but I don’t really believe that from you two.” Dreyer poked fun at Roker, stating, “He also didn’t read that.”

Roker noted that he didn’t read the teleprompter script verbatim because he wanted to share his own compliments for Twellman. “Well, there was something I said on the other side. We so enjoy having you here, when you’re here during the soccer, that we thought, ‘Let’s bring him back as much as possible,’” he said.

Twellman thanked his cohosts, saying, “Good to see you two.”

NBC

Twellman later brought the laughs while interviewing The Terminal List stars Chris Pratt and Tom Hopper, noting that he watched the show’s first season while traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier this year.

“Chris, let’s embarrass [Tom] real quick. When did you know he was perfect for that role?” he asked Pratt, who replied, “Immediately. Embarrass him? I still don’t know. There’s a chance we’re gonna recast, but the show does come out Wednesday. But we’re hoping to maybe find someone. With CGI now, we’re hoping to get [someone].”

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Pratt jokingly asked Twellman, “Do you mind reading for the role?” He answered, “Yeah, no problem. Perfect. I’d be really good for that role for that show to completely flop. Look at him and look at me. I don’t think I portray Navy SEAL.”

Twellman previously stepped in for Melvin on the third hour of Today for two shows in July. During his guest-hosting stint, Twellman joined his co-hosts for celebrity interviews and informative segments, as well as shared his soccer insight during the World Cup.

“Who would have thought work is fun?! @todayshow,” he captioned behind-the-scenes photos via Instagram on July 21. “This crew is so much fun and tight it’s a joy to see it in person. And I love being a makeup dummy. Until next time….stay classy.

At the time, Today fans expressed their desire to see Twllman join the show’s hosting lineup permanently. “You need to hire @taylortwellman full-time!” one user wrote in the post’s comments. “He’s great to watch: Professional, a sharp-dresser, charismatic, looks great on-camera, AND has the gift of gab!”

Another added, “You fit in perfectly with the @todayshow crew- you’re a natural…fun to watch:-).” Someone else shared, “DUDE!!! You belong there!!! Great addition to my favorite morning show.”

Today, Weekdays, 7 am/6c, NBC

Third hour of Today, Weekdays, 9 am/8c, NBC