Craig Melvin's Homecoming to Columbia on NBC’s ‘Today’ Show
South Carolina native Craig Melvin will spotlight the Midlands in a segment airing Thursday on NBC’s “Today” show. The piece was previewed in a clip shared by local station WIS.
“Welcome to my hometown, Columbia, S.C. Join me for a little trip down memory lane. I’m going to bring you back here to my childhood with my kid brother, introduce you to some of my favorite people and places that really sort of shaped me, molded me. And of course, there will be food.”
In the video, Melvin is shown standing in the newly renovated Finlay Park downtown. The segment includes scenes of local dining, a visit to a barbershop, and a conversation with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who won re-election in Tuesday’s local election.
From Local Roots to National Spotlight
Melvin's return to Columbia comes nearly a year after he was named co-host of NBC’s “Today” show, succeeding Hoda Kotb. Before this role, he spent 13 years with NBC News.
Many locals remember Melvin for his earlier work at WIS, the NBC affiliate in Columbia. He began working there while still a student at Columbia High School and eventually became the station’s nightly news anchor.
Highlighting Home State Pride
Since rising to national prominence, Melvin has regularly celebrated his roots and home state. This week’s segment provides a personal glimpse into his connection with Columbia and the Midlands.
The local audience is eager to see Melvin’s perspective on his hometown.
Author’s summary: Craig Melvin returns to Columbia for an NBC “Today” show segment, sharing memories and local highlights that shaped his life and career.