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Peter Alexander shocked NBC News on March 28 by announcing he’s exiting the Today Show after 22 years at the network. The 49-year-old anchor revealed he wants to spend more time with his family and challenge himself with something new, pivoting to a major role at MS NOW.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Announcement Date: March 28, 2026, on-air at Today Show
- NBC Tenure: 22 years, joining in 2004
- Next Role: Anchor and chief national reporter at MS NOW weekday program
- Reason: Over 80 nights away from home in 7 months, missing family time with daughters
The Emotional Goodbye on Saturday TODAY
During the Saturday, March 28 broadcast, Alexander delivered a heartfelt farewell live on air at Studio 1A in 30 Rock. His co-anchor Laura Jarrett praised him as a brilliant journalist and exceptional father. Alexander spoke of the toll the grueling schedule took on his family life. The announcement marked the end of eight years as a Saturday TODAY fixture and 14 years as NBC’s chief White House correspondent.
In his parting words, Alexander said in a voice thick with emotion that Studio 1A was literally his happy place. He reflected on his 22-year journey with NBC, calling it harder to believe he had spent more time there than with his own family throughout his entire life.
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Peter Alexander leaves Saturday Today after 22 years, heading to MS NOW
A Career Spanning Four Presidencies
Peter Alexander joined NBC News in June 2004, initially as a national correspondent before being assigned to cover the White House in December 2012. His career has been marked by significant international reporting, including coverage of Iraq’s 2005 election and the death of Osama bin Laden. In 2021, he was named co-chief White House correspondent alongside Kristen Welker, covering four different presidencies during his tenure.
He celebrated his 20th anniversary at NBC in August 2024, reflecting on his evolution from someone who never imagined being a political reporter to understanding the deep responsibility journalism carries.
Family at the Heart of the Decision
| Detail | Information |
| Wife | Alison Starling |
| Daughters | Ava, 12, and Emma, 10 |
| Home Base | Washington, D.C. |
| Nights Away (7 months) | Over 80 nights |
| Friday Nights Missed (7 years) | More than 220 |
Alexander, his wife Alison Starling, and their two daughters, Ava, 12, and Emma, 10, are based in Washington, D.C., creating a commuting challenge since Saturday TODAY broadcasts from New York. The relentless 6-7 day work week forced Alexander to miss countless family moments, prompting him to seek better balance before his daughters lose interest in spending time with him.
“I’ve been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years. So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me…I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives.”
Peter Alexander, Saturday TODAY Broadcast
The Next Chapter at MS NOW
Alexander will transition to MS NOW, the rebranded former MSNBC network, as an anchor and chief national reporter. Multiple sources indicate he will anchor a weekday program and handle breaking news coverage throughout the day. MS NOW is the newly independent news division following MSNBC’s separation from NBC in 2025. The 11 a.m. weekday anchor slot appears to be his primary focus, offering a more traditional schedule than weekend work.
This move allows Alexander to challenge himself with new journalism opportunities while significantly reducing his time away from Washington and his family. The weekday schedule at MS NOW is expected to provide more geographic flexibility than commuting from D.C. to New York for Saturday broadcasts.
What Does Alexander’s Exit Mean for Today Show Fans?
Laura Jarrett will continue as the Saturday TODAY anchor, with details about a permanent replacement still pending from NBC News leadership. Alexander’s departure closes a significant chapter in the show’s history, as he became one of the network’s most recognizable faces during his tenure. His work as chief White House correspondent and popular weekend host made him a beloved figure for millions of viewers.
Will Saturday TODAY find a replacement who can match Alexander’s credibility and warmth? The network faces pressure to identify a successor who can maintain viewer loyalty while bringing fresh energy to the weekend program. Alexander’s last shift was on Saturday, March 28, marking the end of an era for the long-running morning show.
Sources
- TODAY.com – Peter Alexander’s official announcement and career retrospective
- Los Angeles Times – Details about Alexander joining MS NOW as anchor and chief national reporter
- People Magazine – Family background and reasons for departure from NBC News
