“NBC Nightly News” is about to undergo a major shake-up, and the network’s latest announcement has everyone talking. The decision has sparked mixed reactions, with some calling it the “perfect choice” while others aren’t so sure.
The reveal of who will replace Lester Holt on “NBC Nightly News” has set off a wave of discussion among viewers. The network announced Wednesday that journalist Tom Llamas will step into the role as anchor and managing editor after Lester Holt steps down this summer.
Llamas, a seasoned journalist and senior national correspondent, is no stranger to NBC audiences. He currently anchors “Top Story with Tom Llamas,” an evening newscast that streams on “NBC News NOW.”
According to NBC News executive vice president of programming Janelle Rodriguez, Llamas will continue leading “Top Story” each weeknight while taking on his new responsibilities at “Nightly News.”
Lester Holt speaks onstage at The Paris Theater, Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday, February 19, 2020. | Source: Getty Images
“Tom has the winning combination of journalistic excellence, passionate storytelling, and unyielding integrity — all characteristics that have long been trademarks of ‘NBC Nightly News,'” Rodriguez said in a statement.
She also credited him with playing a key role in expanding “NBC News NOW” into a leading streaming news network, helping to connect NBC News with a “new generation of viewers.”
Tom Llamas on NBC News2023 NBCUniversal Upfront in New York City on Monday, May 15, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
For Llamas, the opportunity is a significant one. “Anchoring ‘Nightly News’ is a profound honor and one that carries tremendous responsibility,” he said. He also shared his excitement about collaborating with the talented teams at “Nightly News” and “Top Story” to deliver key stories to viewers each night.
The announcement quickly sparked reactions online. Some viewers welcomed the decision, while others had differing opinions on who should have been chosen.
Tom Llamas on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 on “TODAY” | Source: Getty Images
“Peter Alexander would have been great or even Willie Geist – both seem personable and trustworthy. This guy has always come off as really stiff,” one person commented.
Another viewer felt NBC missed an opportunity to break new ground, “I like him just fine, but I cannot believe they did not give it to #HallieJackson. She was always subbing for Holt and it should have gone to a woman by now.”
Tom Llamas on “TODAY” on Wednesday, July 19, 2023 | Source: Getty Images
Another echoed the sentiment, stating that NBC should have opted for a “female anchor.” The person even went ahead and named Hallie Jackson and Kristen Welker as possible choices. Someone else agreed, stating, “Hallie Jackson should have been the choice.”
Others supported the selection, with one saying, “Good! He’s the best choice.” Another added, “Congrats Tom Llamas I’m sure he’ll be as good as Lester Holt!!”
Someone else called it a “wonderful opportunity” for Llamas, writing, “He has big shoes to fill, but I am sure he is up to the challenge! All the best!” Others appeaciated Llamas’ work, calling him a “great newsman” whom they found to be “unbiased in his reporting.”
While opinions varied, many acknowledged that Llamas was stepping into a major role. Some pointed out that no matter how capable he is, he could never truly “replace Lester Holt.”
As Llamas prepares to take over “NBC Nightly News,” he acknowledged the significance of the role. He praised Holt as “one of the most trusted broadcasters of our time” and vowed to uphold the same commitment to truth and viewers.
Holt, addressing the Nightly News staff by phone, assured them that Llamas was inheriting an exceptional team. He encouraged his successor to make the broadcast his own and expressed confidence in his abilities, telling him to “crush it, my friend.”
Llamas’ path to this moment has been built on years of dedication and experience. He began his career as an intern at a local Telemundo station before securing a position at NBC News as an overnight production assistant. His early work in political reporting as a campaign embed helped him refine his skills and establish himself in the field.
His journey then took him to WTVJ and WNBC, where he gained valuable on-air experience as a local journalist. He later transitioned to ABC News, rising through the ranks to become the network’s chief national affairs correspondent and the weekend anchor for World News Tonight.
In 2021, Llamas made his way back to NBC News as a senior national correspondent. Before long, he took the helm of “Top Story with Tom Llamas,” while also serving as a frequent fill-in anchor on “Nightly News” and contributing reports to “TODAY.” His consistent presence and reporting solidified his reputation as a trusted journalist.
As Llamas prepares to take on one of the most high-profile roles in television news, all eyes will be on how he carries forward the legacy of “NBC Nightly News.”
Holt announced on Monday, February 24, that he would be stepping down from “NBC Nightly News” at the beginning of the summer. Fans quickly reacted, speculating whether the decision was voluntary or influenced, while some even suggested potential replacements.
Lester Holt on “NBC Nightly News,” on August 12, 2016 | Source: Getty Images
Holt has been the anchor and managing editor of “NBC Nightly News” for a decade. Before that, he was in charge of the weekend editions of the news broadcast for eight years. The media guru has also co-anchored “Weekend TODAY” for 12 years.
He announced his departure from “NBC Nightly News,” writing in a note, “After 10 years, 17 if you include my years on the weekends, the time has come for me to step away from my role as anchor of Nightly News. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to work with each of you every day, keeping journalism as our true north and our viewers at the center of everything we do.”
Lester Holt on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” on February 1, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
His departure from the program came as a surprise to fans, who shared their opinions on the sudden move. One curious viewer questioned the circumstances, “On his own, or is he being forced out?”
Another fan seemed to suspect an underlying reason, stating, “This is sad, but we all know why😒.” Some people were quick to guess his next move, “He’s just moving over to ‘Dateline.’”
Lester Holt on “Today,” on July 15, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Financial concerns were also on the table for one observer, who remarked, “MSNBC making cuts, reports of disastrous viewership declines at CNN and NBC, really seems like they can’t afford him anymore plain and simple. Especially since he’s staying on his Dateline gig.”
Others noted that the move might simply be about easing his workload, “He’s 65 he can work one day a week on Dateline instead of every day til 7p [sic].”
Lester Holt on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” on September 3, 2019 | Source: Getty Images
Meanwhile, conversations quickly turned to potential successors, with one fan predicting, “My bet is that Tom Llamas will be his replacement.” Another fan also suggested, “I’m just going to say it, Tom Llamas would be the perfect fit to be new [sic] Anchor of @NBCNews🙂🤷♂️.”
More individuals backed up this notion, stating, “Odds-on favorite to replace Lester Holt at NBC Nightly News is (and has long been) Tom Llamas, but no news on that front yet.” However, some speculated that Llamas’ played a role, “IsTom Llamas pushing him out? Tom has been gunning for Lester’s job ever since he came to NBC!”
Not everyone was ready to say goodbye, with one fan lamenting, “Sad about Lester leaving Nightly News!! Fingers crossed Tom Llamas or Willie Geist get the gig 🥲.”
As he leaves the famous news night program Holt has expressed his gratitude and pride in having anchored two of the most successful and iconic television news programs in history, “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline.”
He recalled his early days as a 20-year-old radio reporter covering the police beat in San Francisco, noting that he never could have imagined the path his journey would take.
Lester Holt does some juggling after getting information about 16-inch softball vs. regular softball from Krista Scyphers as he visits softball fields in Lincoln Park, on May 20, 2013 | Source: Getty Images
Holt, who has served as the principal anchor of “Dateline” since September 2011, will continue in this role, but now, in a full-time capacity. “I will be expanding my footprint on the broadcast and crafting Dateline hours on subjects I care deeply about,” he noted.
As much as he has left “NBC News Nightly,” Holt is excited to collaborate more closely with his talented colleagues at “Dateline.” His hope is that they will grow and attract new viewers from new places.
He praised his colleagues at “NBC Nightly News” and “Dateline” calling them an exceptional team of journalists and emphasizing what a privilege it had been to work alongside them. As he prepares for his transition, he thanked them for their support and understanding.
Lester Holt also shared that he plans to continue anchoring “NBC Nightly News” until early summer, promising to confirm a final date as it approaches. In keeping with tradition, he looks forward to marking the occasion with banana pudding, a customary send-off treat among his “NBC Nightly News” team.
