Weekend viewers of Saturday Today are saying goodbye to a familiar face.
Longtime NBC News anchor Peter Alexander announced on Saturday, March 28 that he’s stepping away from the weekend broadcast—and leaving the network altogether—after a 22-year run.
In an emotional on-air message, Alexander reflected on a career that took him across the globe.
“I’ve had the most incredible experience over 22 years with NBC News—from Baghdad to Banda Aceh, Burbank to Beijing, always alongside the best, the most professional, the most dedicated journalists in the business,” he began. “I could not be more grateful for every one of them and for the leaders and mentors here who have believed in me and given me more opportunities than I ever dreamed of.”
He also made sure to thank viewers who welcomed him into their homes over the years.
“Of course, I’m grateful to you for welcoming [me] into your homes for all these years. Almost 14 of those years from the North Lawn of the White House, or maybe from around the world. It’s hard to believe that I’ve been a part of the NBC family for longer than I have had my own family. Studio 1A, being right here with this team, with all the folks that you don’t get to see on TV. This is literally my happy place. It is so fun. I mean, what a gig.”
But the decision to leave wasn’t about ratings or newsroom shakeups—it was personal.
Alexander explained that the demands of the job have kept him away from his wife, Alison Starling, and their daughters, Ava and Emma, more than he’d like.
“I’ve been away from my home more than 80 nights in the last seven months. More than 220 Friday nights—220 Friday nights away from my family in the last seven years,” he pointed out. “So, in this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me. It’s already happened quick. I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives, and to challenge myself with something new. I’m excited. As I was taught, family first, the rest is details.”
He closed out his announcement with a final note of gratitude: “your trust and your confidence,” adding, “And most of all, thank you to NBC News for what have been undoubtedly the most exciting years of my life.”
Fans quickly flooded the comments section of an Instagram clip of the moment, sharing their well wishes—and a little heartbreak.
“You will be missed. Best wishes on your next era and enjoy time with your family!” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “Oh, Peter. Say it isn’t so. We are going to miss you! Best wishes in your new endeavor!❤️.”
Others didn’t hold back their disappointment, with one person calling his departure a “Huge loss for NBC!” while another thanked him for being “a trusted source of news for over two decades” and wished him well in his “next chapter.”
