Lester Holt’s Departure from NBC Nightly News: What Viewers Need to Know About His Exit and Successor

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Lester Holt’s Legacy at NBC Nightly News

For nearly a decade, Lester Holt has been a trusted presence in American households as the anchor of
NBC Nightly News
. His journalistic integrity, calm demeanor, and commitment to fact-based reporting made him a staple of evening television and a respected figure in broadcast news. Holt’s role as anchor, which began officially in June 2015, not only broke barriers-he was the first African-American solo weeknight anchor of a major network newscast-but also set a standard for journalistic excellence. [2]

Throughout his tenure, Holt guided viewers through historic moments, from elections and global crises to groundbreaking investigative reports. His sign-off on May 30, 2025, marked the end of an era for NBC News and the broader landscape of American journalism. [1]

When Did Lester Holt Leave NBC Nightly News?

Lester Holt’s final broadcast as anchor of
NBC Nightly News
took place on Friday, May 30, 2025 . The program was aired in its regular time slot at 6:30/5:30c on NBC and was also available for streaming on Peacock. The broadcast included a tribute to Holt’s longstanding contributions, featuring memorable moments from his career and appearances by colleagues and family members. [1] [3]

Holt’s departure was not abrupt; it followed an official announcement in February 2025, where he explained his decision to transition from the nightly anchor desk to a new chapter focused on long-form journalism. His final sign-off was heartfelt, emphasizing the importance of facts and the trust placed in him by viewers. [2]

Why Did Lester Holt Leave Nightly News?

Rather than retiring or stepping away from journalism, Lester Holt made the decision to leave Nightly News in order to focus full-time on Dateline NBC , the network’s long-running investigative news magazine. Holt had been balancing duties on both programs, but expressed a desire to dedicate himself to the in-depth, narrative-driven reporting that
Dateline
is known for.

In an official statement, Holt said, “I am thrilled to be able to work more closely with my enormously talented friends at
Dateline
as the broadcast continues to grow and attract new viewers in new places.” He indicated that this move would allow him to expand his journalistic footprint and pursue stories that require deeper exploration. [1]

For viewers interested in following Holt’s work, new episodes of
Dateline NBC
can be watched on NBC and streamed via Peacock. To access these programs, you can tune in to NBC during scheduled air times or use the Peacock streaming service by searching for “Dateline NBC.” If you do not have Peacock, consider signing up through the official NBC or Peacock platforms using verified methods. For those unsure about streaming options, contacting your cable provider or visiting the official NBC website for guidance may be helpful.

When Will Lester Holt Return to Nightly News?

According to all official statements and media coverage as of June 2025, Lester Holt will not be returning to the anchor desk of NBC Nightly News . His transition is permanent, as he has chosen to focus exclusively on
Dateline NBC
moving forward. [2]

If you wish to stay updated on Holt’s future projects or any potential special appearances, you may periodically check NBC’s official press releases or tune in to
Dateline NBC
broadcasts. For those seeking updates on possible guest segments or special reporting, consider setting up news alerts using reputable platforms such as Google News or following NBC News’ verified social media channels.

Who Is Replacing Lester Holt on NBC Nightly News?

The question of Holt’s successor was answered in early March 2025 when NBC News announced Tom Llamas would be taking over as anchor and managing editor of
NBC Nightly News
. Llamas, previously the anchor of “Top Story with Tom Llamas” on NBC News Now and a weekend anchor for ABC’s “World News Tonight,” brings considerable experience and a strong journalistic background to the role. [2]

Tom Llamas officially began his tenure as anchor on June 2, 2025 . NBC’s promotional campaign for his arrival started in May, and his debut marks a new era for the program. If you are interested in learning more about Llamas’s background and journalistic credentials, you may search for his official NBC News profile or reputable biographies available through established news outlets. For direct access to his broadcasts, viewers can tune in to NBC Nightly News during its scheduled time slot or stream episodes via Peacock using verified official channels.

How to Watch NBC Nightly News After Lester Holt

With Tom Llamas at the helm,
NBC Nightly News
continues to air in its established time slot on NBC affiliates nationwide, typically at 6:30/5:30c. For streaming, Peacock remains the official platform for live and on-demand episodes. To access NBC Nightly News, you can:

Tune in on your local NBC station during the nightly broadcast.
Stream episodes live or on-demand via Peacock by searching for “NBC Nightly News.” For assistance, visit the official Peacock or NBC websites for step-by-step activation instructions. If you encounter issues, contact Peacock customer support using information found on the official site.
Consult your cable or satellite provider’s channel listings for NBC programming.

For viewers who wish to stay informed about the transition or learn more about Tom Llamas’s coverage, you can search for recent interviews and news features through reputable news aggregators or the official NBC News press room.

What to Expect from the New NBC Nightly News Era

The transition from Lester Holt to Tom Llamas represents not only a change in anchor but also an opportunity for fresh perspectives and new journalistic approaches. Llamas brings experience in both investigative reporting and live news coverage, and NBC has signaled its commitment to maintaining the same high standards of accuracy and credibility that viewers expect. [2]

For long-time fans of Lester Holt, his work on
Dateline NBC
is expected to deepen, with more time devoted to complex stories and extensive interviews. Those interested in following his ongoing projects should check NBC’s official press releases and consider subscribing to updates from
Dateline NBC
through the network’s official channels. If you wish to engage with Holt’s reporting, you can also search for “Lester Holt Dateline NBC” using trusted news platforms or video services with established licensing agreements.

Actionable Steps for Viewers

If you want to continue following Lester Holt’s journalism or adapt to the changes at
NBC Nightly News
, consider the following steps:

To watch Lester Holt on Dateline NBC: Tune in to NBC during scheduled airings of Dateline or use Peacock’s search feature to locate recent episodes featuring Holt. For the latest schedule, visit the official NBC website and search for “Dateline NBC schedule.”
To follow Tom Llamas’s coverage: Watch NBC Nightly News during its regular broadcast time on your local NBC station, or stream it through Peacock. For background information on Llamas, search for his official NBC News profile or recent interview articles from established news sources.
For updates on news anchors and programming: Periodically check the NBC News press room or search for “NBC Nightly News anchor updates” using trusted search engines.
If you experience difficulties accessing broadcasts: Contact your cable or satellite provider for technical support, or visit the official help sections of NBC and Peacock for troubleshooting guides.

For the most current and accurate information, always rely on official NBC sources and established news organizations. If you wish to set up notifications for future anchor changes or special broadcasts, use official NBC News social media accounts and verified email subscription services.