Imagine being a guest host on a show and admitting you’ve never actually watched it—talk about an awkward start! That’s exactly what happened when Craig Melvin joined Jenna Bush Hager on Today With Jenna & Friends, leaving her stunned with his candid confession. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is it really that rude, or just a refreshing dose of honesty in the world of TV? Let’s dive in.
During his debut as a guest host, Craig Melvin, a familiar face from The Today Show, took his seat alongside Jenna Bush Hager and immediately dropped a bombshell. “Oh, this is a nice set. You know, I’ve never even seen this show,” he admitted, seemingly unaware of the potential fallout. Bush Hager’s reaction? A mix of shock and playful indignation. “That is so rude! Did you hear him just say he’s never watched this show?” she exclaimed, turning the moment into lighthearted banter.
Melvin tried to smooth things over, explaining that his schedule often leaves him in transit right after The Today Show, making it difficult to tune in. But Bush Hager wasn’t having it. “It’s a full hour,” she pointed out, subtly calling out his excuse. Melvin, ever the charmer, conceded he could “probably watch some of it”—a small victory for the host.
Despite the rocky start, the conversation took a heartfelt turn as Melvin praised Bush Hager for her adaptability since Hoda Kotb’s retirement in January. Instead of finding a permanent co-host, Bush Hager has welcomed over 50 celebrity guests to join her, a feat Melvin didn’t take lightly. “To sit next to someone different every day and do this—that’s impressive,” he noted, acknowledging the challenges of working with ever-changing personalities. “We’ve both been in the business long enough to know you don’t always like the people you work with,” he added, a statement Bush Hager playfully denied. “No, I like everybody!” she insisted, though Melvin seemed skeptical.
The chemistry between the two was undeniable as Bush Hager reflected on her unique hosting journey. “I’ve kind of fallen in love with—we’ve had 57 first dates,” she said, referencing the 57 stars who’ve co-hosted with her. Melvin couldn’t resist a playful jab: “Should I be honored that I’m number 58? It took 58 friends to finally invite the guy with a dressing room across the street.”
Unfortunately for fans hoping to see more of Melvin’s chaotic energy, his guest hosting gig is limited to just one day this week. However, Bush Hager’s lineup of co-hosts is nothing short of exciting, including Michelle Obama on Tuesday, November 4, and first-time appearances by Carson Daly and Dylan Dreyer. Today With Jenna & Friends continues to air weekdays at 10/9c on NBC.
But here’s the real question: Was Craig Melvin’s admission genuinely rude, or just a relatable moment of honesty? And this is the part most people miss: In an industry often criticized for its polished facades, moments like these remind us that even TV personalities are human. What do you think? Was Melvin out of line, or did he just make the show more authentic? Let us know in the comments—we’re all ears!
