Viewers tuning into NBC’s morning lineup found a familiar guest host at the desk this week as regular anchor Craig Melvin remained away from Studio 1A. Melvin’s absence began on Monday, October 19. During the first two days of the week, Sheinelle Jones joined Savannah Guthrie at the main anchor desk, while NBC News correspondent Savannah Sellers filled in for Melvin during the show’s third hour on Monday.
On Tuesday’s broadcast of the third hour, Apple TV Major League Soccer lead match analyst Taylor Twellman returned to the morning program. Twellman previously filled in for Melvin during a two-show stint in July, which drew enthusiastic responses from viewers who took to social media to advocate for his permanent addition to the cast.
Al Roker welcomed the returning guest at the top of Tuesday’s episode, broadcasting alongside Dylan Dreyer. “And look who we’ve got sitting in with us. Taylor Twellman!” Roker said.
Twellman responded with a lighthearted jab at the teleprompter script, noting that it labeled him “our friend,” before adding, “I don’t really believe that from you two.” Dreyer quickly chimed in to tease Roker, stating, “He also didn’t read that.”
Roker explained that he bypassed the scripted lines because he wanted to offer his own praise directly. “Well, there was something I said on the other side. We so enjoy having you here, when you’re here during the soccer, that we thought, ‘Let’s bring him back as much as possible,'” Roker told him, prompting a brief expression of gratitude from Twellman.
Later in the broadcast, Twellman took on interviewing duties, speaking with actors Chris Pratt and Tom Hopper about their series *The Terminal List*. Twellman shared that he had watched the show’s first season while traveling for the 2026 FIFA World Cup earlier in the year.
Directing a question to Pratt, Twellman asked, “Chris, let’s embarrass [Tom] real quick. When did you know he was perfect for that role?”
Pratt answered with a joke, saying, “Immediately. Embarrass him? I still don’t know. There’s a chance we’re gonna recast, but the show does come out Wednesday. But we’re hoping to maybe find someone. With CGI now, we’re hoping to get [someone].”
Pratt then turned the tables on the guest host, asking Twellman if he would be willing to read for the part. Twellman quipped back, “Yeah, no problem. Perfect. I’d be really good for that role for that show to completely flop. Look at him and look at me. I don’t think I portray Navy SEAL.”
During his previous guest-hosting appearance in July, Twellman participated in celebrity interviews, informational segments, and sports discussions. He documented the experience on Instagram at the time, writing, “Who would have thought work is fun?! This crew is so much fun and tight it’s a joy to see it in person. And I love being a makeup dummy. Until next time….stay classy.”
Fans responded to those summer appearances with strong praise, with several commenters urging network executives to hire him full-time, citing his on-camera presence, professionalism, and conversational style.
