No, Lester Holt Wasn’t Fired From NBC Nightly News

Curious about Lester Holt leaving NBC Nightly News and whether he was fired? After a decade as the show’s anchor, Holt is stepping away, marking a major change for the network. His decision has sparked interest among viewers and industry insiders alike.

Here’s what we know about Holt leaving, his future at NBC, and who might take over his role.

Was Lester Holt fired from NBC’s Nightly News?

Lester Holt is stepping down as the anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News after ten years.

In a note to Nightly News and Dateline staffers, he announced his plan to leave in the summer of 2025. Holt clarified that he is not retiring. He will remain at NBC as the full-time anchor of Dateline NBC.

Holt took over as the full-time anchor of NBC Nightly News in June 2015, following Brian Williams. Before that, he anchored the weekend editions of Nightly News for eight years and co-anchored Weekend TODAY for 12 years. NBC News’ Executive Vice President of Programming, Janelle Rodriguez, praised his leadership, calling him “the beating heart of this news organization.”

Holt explained his decision by stating, “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.” He added, “I’m excited to report I will be continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC, but for the first time in a fulltime capacity.” Holt said he looks forward to “expanding my footprint on the broadcast” and working closely with his colleagues at Dateline.

NBC News has confirmed Tom Llamas as Holt’s replacement. Llamas, currently a senior national correspondent for NBC News and the anchor of Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW, will take over Holt’s position.  

Holt has not announced the exact date of his final broadcast but stated he would confirm the details closer to summer. He wrote, “As we get closer, I’ll of course firm up the date and keep all of you in the loop.”