Craig Melvin sparks fan reaction as he unveils appearance change


Craig Melvin debuted his new beard while enjoying a family vacation, making the most of his time away from the Today Show


Craig Melvin called out his co-star on the show© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty I
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Craig Melvin has embraced a whole new look during his time away from the Today Show. The NBC star is currently enjoying a family vacation and has fully embraced a more laid-back style.

The news anchor took to Instagram on July 27 to unveil his new beard stubble – a far departure from his typical clean shaven look for daytime television. Alongside a selfie of him soaking up the sun on a beach dressed in a bright orange top, he penned a message to his fans.

"Last full day of paradise and the scruff just got approved by my most important critic. Apparently growing it out is a vacation win. Hair growing, soul restored, daughter approves—what more could you ask for? Soaking in every moment before we have to leave this place #VacationMode #ScruffyDadWins #DaddyApproved #VacationMemories," he wrote in the caption. 

Craig Melvin in orange top on beach© Instagram
Craig Melvin showed off his new stubble

Craig's followers flocked to the comments section to weigh-in on his new beard. Even his co-star, Al Roker, couldn't help but share his opinion. "Looks good, Brother. And be thankful you can still grow it. Miss you," Al commented beneath the post.

"Look relaxed and happy," penned a fan. "Glad you got time off Craig. We all wonder how you get all done; with such positive energy! Coach Z," added another social media user.

Al Roker and Craig Melvin on the June 8, 2026 installment of TODAY's 3rd Hour© NBC / TODAY
Al Roker commented on Craig Melvin's appearance

Craig Melvin's time away from the Today Show

Last week, Craig offered his fans a glimpse into his family vacation on social media. The photo captured Craig's feet in a pair of flip-flops, with a sandy beach and the ocean stretching out in the background.

"Out of office…Nothing like hanging with the family. Hope you’re enjoying this summer too," Craig penned in the caption.

Craig's adorable family joined him on Today© Today
Craig's adorable family on the show

The host and his wife, Lindsay Czarniak, met while both working at NBC Washington, with Craig enlisted as a news anchor in 2008 and Lindsay boasting the title of sports anchor. The pair tied the knot in 2011 with a wedding in Washington D.C. – the city where they met – at the Church of the Holy City. They later welcomed their son, Delano, in 2014, and their daughter, Sybil, in 2016.

Craig Melvin at the "Disclosure Day" New York Premiere held at the David H. Koch Theater on June 08, 2026 in New York, New York.© Getty Images
Craig Melvin has been absent from the show

The NBC star - who co-hosts both the main Today with Savannah Guthrie, and the Third Hour alongside Al Roker and Dylan Dreyer - has been on vacation since July 20, with U.S. Men's National Soccer Team player Taylor Twellman filling in for him.

Craig's co-star Savannah has also been absent from the show, having taken a leave of absence to film her new series, Wordle, in the UK. 

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