Peter Alexander’s Today, NBC News Career and Exit Explained

After more than two decades at NBC News — and nearly eight years co-hosting SWednesday Today – Peter Alexander has officially said goodbye to the network he used to call home.

The veteran journalist made his emotional announcement during the broadcast of March 28, 2026 Saturday Todayciting a desire to prioritize time with his family over a demanding work schedule that kept him away from his wife and two daughters.

Here’s everything you need to know about Alexander’s work at NBC, why he decided to leave the news organization and where he’s headed next:

Biography of Peter Alexander on ‘NBC News’

Peter Alexander’s career at NBC spanned more than two decades. He joined NBC in 2004, covering news for local syndicated stations. He switched to the national news desk in 2018, collaborating Saturday Today while serving as the network’s White House Correspondent.

Alexander was named a 2021 NBC News Correspondent of the Year. He marked his 20th anniversary with the network in 2024.

“I never thought of being a political reporter,” Alexander said Today in August 2024, calling hard news reporting “eye-opening” information. “What I learned the most is what it means to be a storyteller. I feel like we have a great responsibility to do this for a living. As journalists, be honest with the audience, be honest with the people who tell their stories. That’s something I consider important.”

Alexander also participated in the annual Halloween special for the weekday broadcast, dressing up as Hollywood stars and beloved movie characters, from Jimmy Buffett and Mrs. Doubtfire to Blake Shelton and Kevin Bacon.

Peter Alexander’s Tearful Farewell

Peter Alexander didn’t hold back his emotions like he did announced his departure live on air during the March 28, 2026 broadcast Saturday Today.

“This morning I am filled with pride and gratitude. I have had the best experience in 22 years with NBC News,” Alexander said. “I couldn’t be more grateful … the leaders and mentors here who believed in me and gave me more opportunities than I could have hoped for.”

Alexander also reflected on how deeply his personal and professional life were intertwined during his networking career.

“It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been a part of the NBC family longer than I’ve had my own family,” he added. “Studio 1A, being here, with this team and all the people you don’t see on TV, this is really my happy place.”

Why Peter Alexander Goes ‘Saturday Today’

The main reason behind Peter Alexander’s decision was straightforward: he wanted more time with his family.

Alexander and his wife, Alison Starlingsharing daughters Ava and Emma, ​​who turned 12 and 10 in March 2026. Since Alexander lives in Washington, DC, the commute and schedule required to host a Saturday morning show from New York City took a toll.

“It’s really fun, I mean, what a gig!” he said during his farewell show. “But, because I live in Washington [D.C.]it is also a journey. I have been away from 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 small window before my daughters lose interest in living with me [and] It’s already happening fast, I’m eager to strike a better balance between my personal and professional life. [I want] to challenge yourself with something new. I’m happy because I was taught, ‘Family first, the rest is details.’”

Alexander also credited NBC News for “arguably the most exciting years” of his television journalism career.

Where’s Peter Alexander Next?

While Peter Alexander made it clear during his last broadcast that he was not retiring from journalism, he did not publicly reveal his next chapter on air.

“[I want] to challenge myself with something new,” he said Saturday Today in March 2026.

Many outlets later reported that Alexander you will join MS Now as an anchor and a major 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 publicly showed her support after her husband’s March 2026 announcement.

“You make us proud,” Starling wrote on her Instagram Stories after Alexander announced her departure from NBC.

Alexander’s announcement also sparked an outpouring of emotion from his colleagues at NBC News, on air and on social media.

His own Saturday Today the hostel Laura Jarrett held back tears after hearing Alexander’s announcement live on the radio.

“Peter, we love you, we’re going to miss you,” Jarrett said. “We laughed so hard we wanted to cry with you, we learned from you and we’re not the only ones. … He’s a brilliant reporter. He’s a good and honorable man, and he’s an extraordinary father. He’s only getting one shot at being a father to Ava and Emma. [and] 200 nights is a long time. They are lucky to have you as their father.”

Some famous NBC personalities shared their feelings via social media, including Savannah Guthrie again Shenelle Jones.

“Great partner, best friend. We love you, Peter,” Guthrie responded in an Instagram comment.

Jones gave a long and personal tribute. “We love you! I love Savannah — she’s a rock star reporter … but she’s also a great friend and light at work. I’ll definitely miss your Halloween shows (Mrs. Doubtfire & Jimmy Buffett are my favorites 🥰) … but I will be forever grateful that I spent part of my career with someone I’ve loved since college!!!” he wrote.

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.