Craig Melvin’s Homecoming to Columbia Airing on NBC’s ‘Today’
South Carolina native Craig Melvin returns to the Midlands for a special segment on Thursday’s edition of the Today show, showcasing his hometown of Columbia.
A Trip Down Memory Lane
In a preview shared on Wednesday via local station WIS’s Facebook page, Melvin invites viewers to join him in Columbia’s newly renovated Finlay Park.
“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.”
Highlighting Local Culture
The segment features Melvin visiting popular local restaurants, a barber shop, and speaking with Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann, who recently won re-election in Tuesday’s local election.
Melvin’s Career Roots and National Spotlight
- Melvin returned to Columbia nearly a year after being named co-host of NBC’s Today show, succeeding Hoda Kotb.
- He spent 13 years with NBC News before this role.
- He is well-remembered locally for his early career at WIS, Columbia’s NBC affiliate, where he started as a student and later became the nightly news anchor.
- Despite his national platform, Melvin frequently celebrates his South Carolina roots and hometown pride.
Community Interest
Local viewers are eager to see Melvin’s perspective and reflections on Columbia during this featured segment.
Author’s summary: Craig Melvin returns to his South Carolina hometown on NBC’s Today show, sharing personal memories and local highlights that shaped his life and career.