On Tuesday’s episode of the Third Hour, Craig Melvin and Al Roker were joined by a familiar face – but it wasn’t Dylan Dreyer!
The TV host was absent from the show and was instead substituted by NBC contributor, Kaylee Hartung.
Kaylee – who also hosts Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football – joined her fellow co-stars as they chatted about the topics of the day, including the ESPN brackets challenge – the competition designed to keep score of the NCAA March Madness basketball tournaments.
Craig turned to Kaylee and asked her: “You cover sports for a living, did you bring your bracket with you?” “Is this where I get called out on national TV for being a bad sports fan and not actually making a bracket this year?” she said.
Quickly turning the tables, she then addressed Craig: “But you did! Let’s talk about yours.” “You’re just going to poke fun if you’re sitting on the sidelines,” he replied, as she joked: “The sidelines is where I like to stay.”
Kaylee is no stranger to subbing on Today and has a close relationship with the anchors on the show. She has been working as a national correspondent on Today since January 2023, alongside her other commitments.
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty IIt’s been an exciting year for the 40-year-old, who made her Super Bowl hosting debut in February, alongside Melissa Stark on the sideline.
She also marked her 40th birthday at the end of 2025, which she recently celebrated in a rare personal post on social media.
Alongside a montage of photos from her celebrations, she wrote: “Living life on my own timeline… which means posting a recap of my 40th birthday celebration 4 months later.
© Instagram“Cherishing all the love and joy I felt that weekend FOREVER. “In so many ways 40 looks nothing like I imagined it would, and in some ways it’s so much more than I ever dreamed of. That’s thanks to the incredible people who I’m lucky enough to have on this journey with me. I’m eternally grateful for y’all.”
Kaylee often shares pictures on social media of her exciting job, from interviews with sports stars to red carpet events.
Despite coming across as confident, the down-to-earth host previously admitted that she always gets nervous before doing live TV, despite many years in the industry.
© Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty IShe told Awful Announcing: “That red light goes on Thursday nights, when I hear Al Michaels’ voice and the national anthem has just finished and we are moments away from kickoff and I know he’s coming to me, I get nervous,” she said.
“I feel the flutter. I think nerves are healthy. I think they remind your body and your mind that you care. And I care so much about this job and I care so much about serving the broadcast in the best way that I can. So yeah, there will be nerves on Sunday, I am mentally preparing myself for that.”
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