The past few months have been quite eventful for The Today Show, and it was just recently revealed that a key member of the team would be exiting the morning show. Peter Alexander – who anchored the Saturday edition of the series since 2018 – confirmed on air that he would step down from his post. Alexander shared some sentimental reasons for his decision to leave the job. However, a source is now claiming there was a corporate factor that purportedly factored into Alexander’s choice.
Per this insider, a notable reason Alexander allegedly opted to leave Saturday Today was because of a lack of upward mobility. The individual claimed to Page Six that the newsman was frustrated over not being seriously considered for higher positions within NBC News. Also, the source specifically alleges that Alexander was eyeing potential positions at NBC Nightly News as well as the flagship Today program. In further illustrating Alexander’s purported feelings, the person also said this:
He’d be the first to say he’s had ambitions for the top anchor jobs, and with all of those spots recently filled, he’s going to try something new.
Of course, these claims should be taken with a grain of salt. What is known for sure, at this point, is that Alexander has already found “something new,” and it should ensure he remains a fixture amid the 2026 TV schedule. Alexander formally announced that he’d be joining MS Now (the network formerly known as MSNBC) as a chief national reporter and would work on weekdays. From the outside looking in, that new job will apparently provide Alexander with something else he desires.
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During the March 28th broadcast of Saturday Today, Peter Alexander formally signed off and explained that he was leaving the show, in great part, to spend more time with his family. Alexander lives in Washington D.C. with his wife, former WJLA-TV anchor Alison Starling, and their two daughters, Ava (12) and Emma (10), and commuted to the Big Apple on Fridays. Alexander even mentioned that his daughters trolled him about that after he told them his plan. On a more serious note, though, Alexander’s mention of wanting more personal time with his loved ones was also further emphasized by Page Six’s source.
Peter Alexander has quite a resume and has established a firm reputation within the world of TV news. After working at TV stations in Kentucky and Washington state, he joined NBC News in 2004 and began covering international affairs. Alexander was eventually named a White House Correspondent in 2012 and eventually became a national correspondent in 2014. He eventually became co-WHC in 2017 and, by 2023, he became Chief WHC.
Alexander’s exit from Today comes on the heels of the situation revolving around his colleague, Savannah Guthrie, who co-anchors the weekday edition of the program. Guthrie took a leave of absence after her mother, Nancy, disappeared in late January 2026, and she’s set to return to work on Monday, April 6. Per reports, NBC has been taking great care in handling Guthrie’s return.
During his on-air address, Peter Alexander stated that he’d been in contact with Guthrie and that he would continue to lend her support as she returned to work. Alexander’s sign-off was also filled with gratitude and, while it can’t be said for sure whether a lack of promotion contributed to his decision to leave, it seems evident that he’s grateful for his 22 years at NBC News.
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