When Laura Jarrett appeared on the Today show’s first hour one Monday morning, she came prepared to offer her usual sharp legal insight. But before she could slip out of Studio 1A, the moment took a turn she hadn’t expected. With cameras rolling, Savannah Guthrie paused the news cycle for a brief, heartfelt celebration — one that officially introduced Jarrett as the newest co-anchor of Saturday TODAY.

“By the way, congratulations are in order,” Savannah announced, turning toward Jarrett with a beaming smile. “Laura Jarrett has been named co-anchor of Saturday TODAY, and we are so honored to have you join the TODAY family officially.” Beside her, Hoda Kotb echoed the sentiment, adding her own warm congratulations before asking Jarrett how she felt about stepping into this next chapter.

“It feels incredible,” Laura replied, visibly moved. And then, in a rare moment of on-air vulnerability, she turned her gratitude directly on the two women sitting beside her. “Thank you to you both. You have been just amazing since the first day I stepped in the door. From hair and makeup to taxi calls, you two… I just cannot thank you enough.”

It was a public acknowledgment of something TODAY viewers seldom see: the private mentorship and camaraderie among the women who anchor one of the most recognizable morning shows in America.

Laura Jarrett joined NBC News in January 2023 after years as a standout legal correspondent at CNN. At just 39, she has already built a reputation for sharp reporting, calm command under pressure, and the kind of analytical skill that makes even the most complex legal stories accessible to a morning audience.

Her new role places her beside Peter Alexander, who steps further into the co-anchor position as longtime host Kristen Welker transitions to Meet the Press. Jarrett, Alexander, and meteorologist Angie Lassman will now lead viewers through a blend of news, features, and weekend storytelling — a combination that Today’s executive leadership says fits Jarrett perfectly.

“In her first months at NBC News, Laura has quickly made her mark with tireless reporting, sharp legal insight, and powerful storytelling,” said Libby Leist, Executive Vice President of TODAY. “Not only is she a terrific journalist, she’s also a wonderful colleague. We can’t wait to officially welcome her to Saturday TODAY.”

The announcement came alongside the promotion of NBC correspondent Joe Fryer to Saturday TODAY’s new feature anchor — a moment also celebrated on-air with enthusiasm from Guthrie and Kotb.

As Jarrett spoke with the TODAY team about beginning her weekend anchoring duties, she emphasized how her life as a parent shapes the way she sees her role.

“Peter and I are very much aligned about wanting to meet people where they are on Saturday mornings,” she said. “We’re both parents of young children. When you have that perspective, it helps a little bit when thinking of what viewers are looking forward to.”

Her comment reflects a growing trend in morning news: anchors who lean into their real-life experiences instead of hiding them, helping audiences feel more connected to the people they wake up with each day.

Part of what made Jarrett’s on-air thank you so striking was the candidness of it. She didn’t just thank her colleagues for professional guidance — she thanked them for everyday support. Makeup retouches, taxi arrangements, checking in on her first days at the network… Jarrett wanted viewers to know that the women of TODAY don’t just share a set — they share a sisterhood.

That kind of behind-the-scenes bond has long been a quietly important part of TODAY’s identity. When Guthrie congratulated Joe Fryer earlier that week, it reflected a culture where promotions and milestones are celebrated openly, not just internally.

And as Jarrett steps into her new role beginning September 9, it seems clear that her transition isn’t simply a job shift — it’s a welcoming-in.

Before joining NBC, Jarrett built her legal expertise in private practice before becoming CNN’s justice correspondent. Known for her clarity, fairness, and confidence on complex legal matters, she quickly became a trusted voice for breaking legal news, Supreme Court coverage, and high-stakes political events.

Her move to NBC signaled not just a network change, but a broadening of her journalistic footprint. With Saturday TODAY, she adds anchoring to her growing list of strengths — a shift that positions her as one of the network’s rising stars.

With Kristen Welker stepping into the historic role of Meet the Press host, Laura Jarrett now joins Peter Alexander to usher in a refreshed era of Saturday TODAY. Their chemistry, shared experiences as young parents, and commitment to accessible journalism promise a grounded, engaging weekend broadcast.

For Jarrett, the path forward is clear: embrace the opportunity, stay true to her reporting roots, and bring her own perspective to a program beloved by millions. And for viewers, her arrival marks a new voice — smart, steady, and unmistakably sincere — guiding them through the start of their weekend.