Chuck Todd, the former host of NBC’s Meet the Press, has officially left, marking the end of an era for one of television’s longest-running political programs.
His departure follows years of scrutiny and criticism over his perceived partisan bias, particularly from conservative audiences who accused him of favoring left-leaning narratives in his coverage.
Todd, who had been a central figure in political journalism for nearly two decades, originally stepped down as Meet the Press host in 2023, handing the role over to Kristen Welker.
Since then, his appearances on NBC had become infrequent, signaling an eventual exit. Now, as he embarks on independent projects—including his podcast—he has formally cut ties with the network.
“There’s never a perfect time to leave a place that’s been a professional home for so long, but I’m pretty excited about a few new projects that are on the cusp of going from ‘pie in the sky’ to ‘near reality,’” Todd wrote in a memo obtained by USA TODAY. “So I’m grateful for the chance to get a jump start on my next chapter during this important moment.”
Todd also confirmed that his podcast, The Chuck Toddcast, will continue but under a new platform outside of NBC. “Needless to say, I do plan to continue to share my reporting and unique perspective of covering politics with data and history as important baselines in understanding where we were, where we are, and where we’re going,” Todd added.
His departure marks a significant shift at NBC News, where he played a major role in shaping political coverage. His tenure at Meet the Press was often polarizing.
While he maintained a reputation as a knowledgeable political analyst, critics frequently accused him of unfairly framing discussions and amplifying partisan perspectives.
NBC News acknowledged Todd’s contributions in a statement, thanking him for his years of service. “We’re grateful for Chuck’s many contributions to our political coverage during his nearly two-decade career at NBC News and for his deep commitment to Meet the Press and its enduring legacy. We wish him all the best in his next endeavors,” an NBC News spokesperson told Variety.
Under Todd’s leadership, Meet the Press remained one of the most influential Sunday morning political shows, but it also faced declining ratings and increasing competition from alternative media sources.
His successor, Kristen Welker, has attempted to steer the program in a new direction, though the show continues to navigate a shifting media landscape where traditional network journalism competes with digital platforms and independent voices.
Todd’s next steps remain to be seen, but his departure signals broader changes within mainstream media as audiences seek new and diverse sources for political news. Whether his independent work will maintain the influence he once held at NBC or take a different shape entirely is a question only time will answer.