What To Know
- Major League Soccer analyst Taylor Twellman filled in for Craig Melvin on Today earlier this week.
- Twellman took to social media to share his appreciation for the guest-hosting gig.
- Fans and viewers expressed their desires to see Twellman permanently join the Today hosting lineup.
Taylor Twellman made a lasting impression on Today fans after his recent guest-hosting gig.
The former U.S. Men’s soccer player, who currently serves as Apple TV‘s Major League Soccer lead analyst, filled in for Craig Melvin on the third hour of Today on Monday, July 20, and Tuesday, July 21. “Craig is on vacation, but we decided we needed a really special guest host,” Al Roker said at the top of Monday’s episode, while Twellman stated, “This is fun. This is gonna be good.”
On Monday, Twellman used his soccer expertise to weigh in on the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final, which occurred the day before and saw Spain beat Argentina with a score of 1-0. He also joined Roker and Dylan Dreyer for the episode’s other segments, including interviewing the cast of the new Netflix movie 72 Hours: Kevin Hart, Marcello Hernández, Kam Patterson, and Ben Marshall.
“What a fun day @todayshow,” Twellman captioned behind-the-scenes photos from his Today co-hosting debut via Instagram on Monday. “Everyone is so fun and happy!!!”
Twellman returned to Studio 1A on Tuesday, joining Dreyer and Weekend Today‘s Laura Jarrett at the hosting desk. “Who would have thought work is fun?! @todayshow,” he wrote alongside more Instagram set photos on Tuesday. “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.”
Underneath the post, fans expressed their desire to see Twellman join the Today hosting lineup permanently. “You need to hire @taylortwellman full-time! He’s great to watch: Professional, a sharp-dresser, charismatic, looks great on-camera, AND has the gift of gab!” one person wrote. Another added, “You fit in perfectly with the @todayshow crew- you’re a natural…fun to watch.”
Someone else shared, “Taylor should be on 3rd hour every day!!” A different person posted, “You are fantastic!! I hope @thetodayshow makes you a permanent anchor!!” A separate commenter stated, “DUDE!!! You belong there!!! Great addition to my favorite morning show.”
Over on Reddit, one user launched a thread titled, “What do we all think of Taylor Twellman?” In response, one person wrote, “I thought he was funny on the beauty sales segment. Doesn’t seem to take things too seriously, which I appreciate. Brings a new energy to the show.” Someone else said, “I thought he was maybe trying a little too hard but maybe he was nervous? Overall, I liked him and he had great chemistry with everyone.”
Another user stated, “The next host in the Today franchise! Just the spark the show needs. He doesn’t seem bored or disinterested in being there.” A different fan noted, “He’s growing on me. I liked him in the soccer segments & I’d like to see more.”
There are currently no open hosting spots on the NBC morning show. The third hour of Today used to feature Sheinelle Jones as its fourth hour alongside Roker, Dreyer, and Melvin. She left the series in January to co-host the fourth hour of Today with Jenna Bush Hager.
However, NBC has yet to name an official replacement for Peter Alexander on Weekend Today. The reporter announced his exit from NBC News in March and has since started his role as an anchor for MS Now.
Today, Weekdays, 7 am/6c, NBC
Third hour of Today, Weekdays, 9 am/8c, NBC