Craig Melvin‘s first time guest hosting Today With Jenna & Friends got off to a rocky start when The Today Show anchor admitted to Jenna Bush Hager that he’s never watched her show.

Melvin finally got a good look at the studio as he and Bush Hager took their seats. “Oh this is a nice set. You know, I’ve even ever seen this show,” he told Bush Hager.

Bush Hager appeared shocked, but she took it in stride. “That is so rude! Did you hear him just say he’s never watched this show?” she said.

Melvin attempted to defend himself as he explained, “Well because usually we’re just getting off [of The Today Show] because usually I’m in transit,” he said.

But Bush Hager was not buying it. “Here’s the thing about it: It’s a full hour,” she said, prompting Melvin to admit he could probably “watch some of it.”

Melvin praised Bush Hager for how she’s adapted to the new format the show has taken since Hoda Kotb retired in January. Rather than finding a permanent replacement for Kotb, Bush Hager has had over 50 celebrity guests co-host the show with her instead.


“To be able to sit next to someone different every day or 2 and do this – that’s a feat,” he told Bush Hager, who thanked him for the praise as he continued: “It’s true! Because listen, we’ve both been in the business long enough to know you sit next to people you don’t really like a lot.”

Bush Hager denied that was true. “No, I like everybody!” she said, though Melvin didn’t seem to believe her. “That’s the truth though.”

“I’ve kind of fallen in love with – we’ve had 57 first dates,” she said, referring to the 57 stars who have co-hosted Today With Jenna & Friends with her.

“Should I be honored that I am 58?” Melvin playfully asked. “It’s taken 58 friends to finally be like, ‘You know, there’s a guy who literally has a dressing room across the street.’”

Unfortunately for fans who enjoys Melvin’s chaotic turn on Today With Jenna & Friends, Monday marks the only day Melvin is confirmed to be guest hosting this week. However, Bush Hager will be joined by a new slate of exciting stars this week, including Michelle Obama who will be hosting Tuesday, Nov. 4.