Introduction
Who replaced Lester Holt? Millions of NBC Nightly News viewers are asking this question. Furthermore, Lester Holt was one of the most trusted faces in American television news. He anchored NBC Nightly News for 10 years. However, in February 2025, he made a shocking announcement. He was stepping down from his anchor role. Moreover, his departure left millions of viewers wondering who would fill his shoes. The answer is Tom Llamas. In this article, we cover everything about who replaced Lester Holt and what this means for NBC Nightly News. So let us get started!
Who Replaced Lester Holt? The Direct Answer
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Tom Llamas Takes Over
Tom Llamas replaced Lester Holt as the newest anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News. He officially took over starting June 2, 2025. Furthermore, Tom Llamas is not a new face at NBC. He has been with the network for over two decades. Moreover, he was already well known as the anchor of Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW. As a result, viewers welcomed a familiar and trusted face into the anchor chair.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — A Historic Milestone
Tom Llamas made history when he replaced Lester Holt. Furthermore, Llamas became the first Latino anchor on the weeknight edition of NBC Nightly News. Moreover, this milestone was celebrated across the country. As a result, Llamas’ appointment was seen as both a great journalistic achievement and an important cultural milestone for the Latino community in America.
Who Replaced Lester Holt? Why Did Lester Holt Leave?
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Lester’s Own Decision
Lester Holt left NBC Nightly News completely on his own terms. Furthermore, he was not fired or forced out. In February 2025, Holt announced he would step down from the role but will continue to be the full-time anchor for Dateline. Moreover, this was a very positive transition for Holt personally. As a result, he gained more time and freedom to pursue the in-depth reporting he loves most.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Lester’s Statement
Lester Holt explained his decision clearly and emotionally. Furthermore, he said that after 10 years — 17 if you include his years on the weekends — the time had come for him to step away from his role as anchor of Nightly News. Moreover, he expressed excitement about continuing as anchor of Dateline NBC in a full-time capacity. As a result, Holt left on the highest possible note after a remarkable decade at the helm of NBC Nightly News.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Lester’s Legacy at NBC
Lester Holt leaves behind an extraordinary legacy at NBC Nightly News. Furthermore, he anchored his final broadcast on May 30, 2025. The senior broadcaster had led NBC’s flagship evening program since 2015. Moreover, during his decade as anchor, he covered some of the biggest stories in modern American history. As a result, Holt is considered one of the greatest anchors in the history of NBC News.
Here is a timeline of key events surrounding the anchor change:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 2025 | Lester Holt announces he is stepping down as anchor |
| March 5, 2025 | NBC officially confirms Tom Llamas as replacement |
| May 19, 2025 | NBC begins promotional campaign for Tom Llamas |
| May 30, 2025 | Lester Holt anchors his final NBC Nightly News broadcast |
| June 2, 2025 | Tom Llamas debuts as anchor of NBC Nightly News |
| May 18, 2026 | NBC Nightly News moves to new Studio 3A at 30 Rockefeller Center |
| 2026 | Tom Llamas continues as anchor of NBC Nightly News |
Furthermore, this timeline shows how smoothly the transition happened. As a result, NBC Nightly News maintained its strong viewership through the anchor change.
Who Replaced Lester Holt? Who is Tom Llamas?
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Tom Llamas Background
Tom Llamas is one of the most experienced journalists in America. Furthermore, he was born and raised in Miami, Florida. His parents are both of Cuban descent. Their families fled amid Fidel Castro’s regime and met in the United States as teenagers. Moreover, this background deeply influenced Llamas’ passion for journalism and storytelling. As a result, he brings a deeply personal and authentic perspective to his work as an anchor.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Tom Llamas Early Career
Tom Llamas developed his love for journalism at a very young age. Furthermore, he was just 15 years old when he started working in his first newsroom. He had an internship at Telemundo in Miami — working for free but finding it exciting. Moreover, this early experience ignited a lifelong passion for news reporting. As a result, Llamas dedicated his entire life to journalism from the time he was a teenager.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Tom Llamas Education
Tom Llamas is a well educated journalist. Furthermore, he holds degrees in broadcast journalism and drama from Loyola University in New Orleans. Moreover, his drama background helps him communicate stories with emotion and clarity. As a result, Llamas connects with viewers in a very natural and compelling way.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Tom Llamas Career Timeline
Here is a complete look at Tom Llamas’ impressive career:
| Year | Career Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2000 | Begins working for NBC News Specials Unit |
| 2005 | Joins NBC affiliate WTVJ in Miami |
| 2009 | Becomes reporter and anchor at WNBC and NBC News New York |
| 2014 | Moves to ABC News as New York correspondent |
| 2015 | Becomes Sunday anchor of ABC World News Tonight |
| 2017 | Becomes sole weekend anchor at ABC |
| 2021 | Returns to NBC News |
| 2021 | Begins anchoring Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW |
| March 2025 | Confirmed as Lester Holt’s replacement |
| June 2, 2025 | Debuts as anchor of NBC Nightly News |
| 2026 | Continues as anchor and managing editor of NBC Nightly News |
Furthermore, this career timeline shows just how experienced Llamas is. As a result, NBC made an excellent choice in selecting him to replace Lester Holt.
Who Replaced Lester Holt? Tom Llamas’ Major Coverage
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Breaking News Experience
Tom Llamas has covered some of the biggest stories in recent history. Furthermore, his experience in the field is extraordinary. He has covered breaking news events including the New Orleans terror attack, the Israel-Hamas war, the California wildfires, and the assassination attempt on President Trump. Moreover, he has reported from war zones and disaster areas around the world. As a result, Llamas brings a depth of field experience that very few anchors can match.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — World Leaders Interviewed
Tom Llamas has interviewed some of the most powerful people in the world. Furthermore, he has interviewed world leaders and key figures such as President Trump, First Lady Melania Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. Moreover, these high profile interviews demonstrate his ability to handle the most sensitive and important stories. As a result, Llamas was the natural choice to step into the most prestigious anchor chair at NBC News.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Awards and Recognition
Tom Llamas is a highly decorated journalist. Furthermore, the Miami native has earned multiple Emmy and Edward R. Murrow awards, along with recognition from the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Moreover, these awards reflect his commitment to excellence in journalism. As a result, Llamas enters his new role as one of the most respected journalists in American television.
Who Replaced Lester Holt? NBC Nightly News Today in 2026
Who Replaced Lester Holt — The Show in 2026
NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas continues to be one of the most watched news programs in America in 2026. Furthermore, the show airs weeknights at 6:30/5:30 Central on NBC. Moreover, on May 18, 2026, NBC Nightly News relocated to newly renovated Studio 3A within 30 Rockefeller Center — former home of MSNBC. As a result, the show now broadcasts from one of the most iconic locations in American television history.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Weekend Anchors
While Tom Llamas anchors the weeknight edition, NBC Nightly News also has strong weekend anchors. Furthermore, José Díaz-Balart anchors on Saturdays and Hallie Jackson anchors on Sundays. Moreover, both are highly respected journalists in their own right. As a result, NBC Nightly News maintains a strong and diverse anchor team across all seven days of the week.
Who Replaced Lester Holt — Ratings in 2026
NBC Nightly News continues to attract strong ratings under Tom Llamas. Furthermore, his marathon coverage of major events has proven he can hold his own against ABC’s David Muir. Moreover, NBC saw a ratings bump during his fill-in broadcasts for Holt in April 2025. As a result, the early signs suggest Tom Llamas is the right man for the job at NBC Nightly News.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Who replaced Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News? Tom Llamas replaced Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News. Furthermore, he officially took over as anchor and managing editor on June 2, 2025. As a result, Llamas became the new face of NBC’s flagship evening news program.
Q2: Why did Lester Holt leave NBC Nightly News? Lester Holt left to focus on his role as full-time anchor of Dateline NBC. Furthermore, he said the time had come after 10 years as anchor of Nightly News. As a result, he left on his own terms in a very positive transition.
Q3: When did Tom Llamas start anchoring NBC Nightly News? Tom Llamas officially debuted as anchor of NBC Nightly News on June 2, 2025. Furthermore, NBC confirmed his appointment on March 5, 2025. As a result, viewers had several weeks to prepare for the anchor change.
Q4: Is Tom Llamas the first Latino anchor of NBC Nightly News? Yes. Tom Llamas is the first Latino anchor on the weeknight edition of NBC Nightly News. Furthermore, this was a historic milestone for the Latino community in America. As a result, his appointment was celebrated both as a journalistic and cultural achievement.
Q5: Where is NBC Nightly News filmed in 2026? NBC Nightly News is filmed at Studio 3A in 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City. Furthermore, the show relocated to this iconic location on May 18, 2026. As a result, it now broadcasts from the former home of MSNBC.
Q6: Does Lester Holt still appear on NBC? Yes. Lester Holt continues to anchor Dateline NBC in a full-time capacity. Furthermore, he said he is excited to expand his work on Dateline and cover stories he cares deeply about. As a result, viewers can still see Lester Holt regularly on NBC television.
Q7: What show does Tom Llamas anchor besides NBC Nightly News? Tom Llamas continues to anchor Top Story with Tom Llamas on NBC News NOW. Furthermore, this is NBC’s 24/7 live streaming news network. As a result, Llamas appears on NBC platforms throughout the day and evening.
Conclusion
So who replaced Lester Holt? The answer is clear. Tom Llamas replaced Lester Holt as anchor of NBC Nightly News on June 2, 2025. Furthermore, Llamas is a 25-year veteran journalist with an extraordinary career at both NBC and ABC News. Moreover, he made history as the first Latino anchor on the weeknight edition of NBC Nightly News. As a result, his appointment was both a journalistic and cultural milestone for America.
Lester Holt left a remarkable legacy at NBC Nightly News after 10 years as anchor. Furthermore, he went out on his own terms and continues to anchor Dateline NBC. Moreover, Tom Llamas has proven himself more than capable of carrying on the tradition of excellence that Holt established. As a result, NBC Nightly News remains in very good hands going into 2026 and beyond.
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