The Today hosting lineup looked a bit different on Friday, June 26.
Weekend Today‘s Laura Jarrett filled in for Savannah Guthrie during the episode as the anchor got an early start to the weekend. Also missing from the episode was Craig Melvin, who was replaced at the anchor desk by Garrett Haake.
The episode marked a rare Today hosting gig for Haake, who has previously appeared on the morning show as NBC News’ senior Capitol Hill correspondent. Earlier this month, he joined Jarrett on Weekend Today as her guest co-anchor. (The series has yet to name a new host following Peter Alexander‘s exit in March.)
“Lifetime achievement: unlocked! Thanks to Laura, Joe [Fryer] and the entire Today family for an incredible experience co-anchoring this morning. What a rush!” he captioned Instagram photos from his Weekend Today experience on June 13.
He followed up the Weekend Today appearance by filling in for Kristen Welker on the Sunday, June 21, episode of Meet the Press. “The team is a well-oiled machine, our panelists brought their A-games and our guests all made news,” he wrote via Instagram after the show. “Thank you for watching, and for the kind words folks have sent. And don’t worry, Kristen will be back soon!”
Scroll down to get to learn more about Haake.
A post shared by Garrett Haake (@garretthaake)
Haake graduated from Southern Methodist University in 2007 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. Per his alumni bio, Haake got an early start at NBC by interning with NBC Nightly News during his college years.
Haake’s NBC Nightly News internship eventually led him to a desk assistant job on the series. He went on to work at local news stations in Kansas City and Washington, D.C., before returning to NBC in 2017 as a national news correspondent and, eventually, a Capitol Hill correspondent, per Deadline.
In addition to Today, Meet the Press, and NBC Nightly News, Haake has appeared on NBC News and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) shows such as MTP Daily, MS Now Reports, Morning Joe, and Sunday Today With Willie Geist.
Back in May, Haake succeeded Alexander as NBC News’ chief White House correspondent. “Garrett has been an essential voice in our White House coverage, bringing sharp reporting, deep sourcing and an authoritative presence to some of the most consequential stories of our time,” NBC Washington bureau chief, Chloe Arensberg, wrote in a staff memo at the time, per The Hollywood Reporter. “That commitment was on full display during the White House Correspondents’ dinner, when he ran at full speed in his tux from the Washington Hilton to the White House briefing room to ensure NBC could ask the President a question — a moment that reflects his relentless drive to get the story when it matters most.”
The memo continued, “In his new role, he will lead our White House coverage while continuing to deliver the breaking news, exclusives and insight that define NBC News.”
Haake celebrated the promotion via Instagram, writing, “Today was surreal. Thank you to everyone who reached out with congratulations and words of encouragement on my new ‘Chief’ role. The work has never been more important. I was glad to also get a chance to hype up my team at NBC, and at home – where @allison____harris & the girls are the foundation of everything I do, and the ‘antidote to cynicism.’”
A post shared by Garrett Haake (@garretthaake)
Haake was previously married to former CNN political correspondent Sara Murray from 2017 to 2019. He went on to wed former NewsNation White House Correspondent Allison Harris in 2021.
“An unforgettable night from the first look at my bride onward,” Haake captioned Instagram pics from the couple’s big day. “So blessed and excited to keep building this life with my beautiful wife, Allison.”
The pair went on to welcome their daughters, Lane and Hannah, in 2022 and 2024, respectively. “The girls attended their first ever baseball game today, with a host of friends from our DC Bureau,” Haake captioned sweet family photos via Instagram on May 31. “I can’t say much baseball was watched, but many snacks were consumed, souvenirs obtained and new friends made. And the Nats even won! Perfect Sunday at the ballpark.”
Today, Weekdays, 7 am/6c, NBC
Savannah Guthrie
Craig Melvin
Al Roker
Carson Daly
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