After nearly two decades of anchoring the weekend edition of NBC’s flagship morning show, Peter Alexander has decided to step away from the studio to focus on his family. In a heartfelt final broadcast in March 2026, the seasoned journalist thanked NBC for the opportunities and support that shaped his career, and revealed that the decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his wife, Alison Starling, and their two daughters.
A Long‑Standing Career at NBC
Peter Alexander’s journey with NBC began in 2004, when he joined the network’s newsroom as a correspondent. Over the next fourteen years, he covered a wide range of stories—from breaking news to in‑depth feature pieces—earning a reputation for clear, compassionate reporting. In 2018, he took on the role of weekend anchor for Today, becoming a familiar face to millions of viewers each Saturday and Sunday morning.
During his tenure, Alexander became known for his calm demeanor and ability to connect with guests and audiences alike. He has been part of the NBC family longer than many of his colleagues have been part of their own families, a fact he reflected on with humility during his final appearance. “Studio 1A, the team, and all the people you don’t see on TV—this is literally my happy place,” he said, underscoring the deep bond he felt with the network.
Reasons Behind the Exit
While the announcement came as a surprise to many, Alexander explained that the primary motivation for leaving was the distance between his home in Washington, D.C., and the New York studio. He noted that in the past seven months alone, he had spent more than 80 nights away from his family, and over the last seven years, he had missed over 200 Friday nights with his daughters.
“Because I live in Washington, it’s also a trek,” Alexander said. “I’ve been away from my 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.” He added that he wanted to be present for the early stages of his daughters’ lives before they grow too old to remember the weekends spent with their father.










