After more than two decades at NBC News — and nearly eight years co-hosting Saturday Today — Peter Alexander has officially said goodbye to the network he long called home.
The veteran journalist made his emotional announcement during the March 28, 2026, broadcast of Saturday Today, citing a desire to prioritize time with his family over the demanding work schedule that kept him away from his wife and two young daughters.
Here’s everything to know about Alexander’s NBC career, why he decided to leave the news organization and where he’s reportedly headed next:
Peter Alexander’s History at ‘NBC News’
Peter Alexander’s career at NBC spanned more than two decades. He joined NBC in 2004, covering news for local affiliate stations. He transitioned to the national news desk in 2018, cohosting Saturday Today while serving as the network’s White House Correspondent.
Alexander was named the Chief White House Correspondent for NBC News in 2021. He marked his 20th anniversary with the network in 2024.
“I never imagined being a political reporter,” Alexander said on Today in August 2024, calling hard-hitting news reporting an “eye-opening” experience. “What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller. I really feel like we have a higher responsibility doing this for a living. Being journalists, you have the trust of the audience, the trust of the people whose stories you’re telling. That’s something that I take so seriously.”
Alexander has also participated in the weekday broadcast’s annual Halloween special, dressing up as some of Hollywood’s most prolific stars and beloved movie characters, from Jimmy Buffett and Mrs. Doubtfire to Blake Shelton and Kevin Bacon.
Peter Alexander’s Tearful Farewell
Peter Alexander did not hold back his emotions as he announced his departure live on air during the March 28, 2026 broadcast of Saturday Today.
“This morning I am bursting with pride and with gratitude. I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News,” Alexander said. “I could not be more grateful for … the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and given me more opportunities than I ever dreamed of.”
Alexander further reflected on how deeply intertwined his personal and professional lives had become over the course of his career at the network.
“It’s hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than I’ve had my own family,” he added. “Studio 1A, being right here, with this team and with all the folks you don’t see on TV, this is literally my happy place.”
Why Peter Alexander Is Leaving ‘Saturday Today’
The core reason behind Peter Alexander’s decision was straightforward: he wanted more time with his family.
Alexander and his wife, Alison Starling, share daughters Ava and Emma, who were 12 and 10 in March 2026. Since Alexander lives in Washington, D.C., the commute and schedule required to cohost the Saturday morning show from New York City took a significant toll.
“It is literally so fun, I mean, what a gig!” he said during his farewell show. “But, because I live in Washington [D.C.], it’s also a trek. I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months, [and] more than 200 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years.”
Alexander added, “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me [and] it’s already happened quick, I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives. [I want] to challenge myself with something new. I’m excited because I was taught, ‘Family first, the rest is details.’”
Alexander further thanked NBC News for “undoubtedly the most exciting years” of his TV journalism career.
Where Is Peter Alexander Going Next?
Peter Alexander during a White House press briefing in January 2025. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images
While Peter Alexander made clear during his final broadcast that he’s not stepping away from journalism, he did not publicly disclose his next chapter on air.
“[I want] to challenge myself with something new,” he said on Saturday Today in March 2026.
Multiple outlets later reported that Alexander will join MS Now as an anchor and chief national reporter. MS Now has not publicly commented or made any anchor announcements.
Peter Alexander’s Loved Ones React to His ‘Saturday Today’ Departure
Peter Alexander has been married to Alison Starling since 2012. Starling showed her support publicly after her husband’s March 2026 announcement.
“You make us so proud,” Starling wrote via her Instagram Stories after Alexander announced his departure from NBC.
Alexander’s announcement also prompted an outpouring of emotion from his colleagues at NBC News, both on air and on social media.
His Saturday Today cohost Laura Jarrett held back tears after hearing Alexander’s announcement live on the broadcast.
“Peter, we love you, we are going to miss you,” Jarrett said. “We have laughed so hard we want to cry with you, we have learned from you and we are not the only ones. … You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father. You only get one shot to be Ava and Emma’s dad [and] 200 nights is a long time. They are lucky to have you as their father.”
Other prominent NBC personalities shared their sentiments through social media, including Savannah Guthrie and Sheinelle Jones.
“A great colleague, a better friend. We love you, Peter,” Guthrie replied via Instagram comment.
Jones offered a longer and more personal tribute. “We love you! I second Savannah — you’re a rock star journalist … but you’re also such a good friend and a light in the workplace. I’ll certainly miss your Halloween showcases (Mrs Doubtfire & Jimmy Buffett are my favorites 🥰) … but I’ll be forever thankful that I got to spend part of my career with someone I’ve admired since college!!!” she wrote.
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
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