Peter Alexander has announced his departure from Saturday Today after nearly 22 years with NBC News. The 49-year-old journalist, who joined the network in 2004, revealed on Saturday's segment that he is stepping down to spend more time with his family.
Alexander, who has two daughters aged 12 and 10 with his wife Alison Starling, said he had been away from home more than 80 nights in the last seven months and over 200 Friday nights in the last seven years. “In this limited window before my daughters lose interest in hanging out with me, I’m eager to carve out a better balance between my personal and professional lives,” he told viewers.
Alexander first joined NBC News covering international stories, including the 2005 Iraq election and the death of Osama bin Laden. He later served as White House correspondent and became co-anchor of Saturday Today in 2018. During his time as White House correspondent, he twice drew the ire of President Donald Trump, who called him a “terrible reporter” in 2020 and again in 2025.
His co-host Laura Jarrett paid an emotional tribute, saying: “You are a brilliant journalist. You are a good and decent man, and you are an extraordinary father.” Alexander responded: “It’s hard to believe, but I have been part of the NBC family for longer than I’ve had my own family. Studio 1A… this is literally my happy place.”
