In a move that has left the broadcasting world reeling, longtime NBC Nightly News anchor Lester Holt has officially stepped down after more than a decade as America’s most trusted voice in primetime news. But it’s not just the suddenness of his departure that has people stunned—it’s what he’s doing next.

Real reason NBC's Lester Holt quit Nightly News after 10 years as anchor - Celebrity News - Entertainment - Daily Express US

Holt’s new chapter is already sparking massive speculation and internet buzz, with sources confirming he’s joining a very familiar show… but in a bold, unexpected role that promises to completely change the game.

THE EXIT NO ONE SAW COMING

NBC made the surprise announcement late Monday evening, confirming Holt’s departure in a brief press release thanking him for his “dedicated years of service and journalistic excellence.”

“It’s time,” Holt said in a personal statement. “I’ve told the nation’s stories—now it’s time to tell my own.”

Insiders report that Holt had been planning his exit for months, but kept it under wraps to avoid overshadowing the network’s ongoing leadership shuffle—particularly after Joy Reid’s recent firing and internal shakeups at MSNBC.

WHERE HE’S GOING NEXT WILL LEAVE YOU SPEECHLESS

Why is Lester Holt leaving NBC Nightly News? Read his full letter to staff - Hindustan Times

So what’s next for Lester Holt?

Multiple high-level sources have confirmed that Holt will be joining “60 Minutes” as both a correspondent and executive producer—but that’s just the beginning.

The show, long considered a staple of investigative journalism, is reportedly undergoing a massive rebrand, and Holt will be at the helm of a new primetime series under the “60 Minutes Presents” banner. The new program will blend in-depth reporting with bold interviews and feature-style storytelling—offering a more personal, unfiltered side of Holt the public has rarely seen.

SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS: “LESTER 2.0 IS HERE”

Lester Holt is stepping down as anchor of 'NBC Nightly News' | CNN Business

As soon as the news broke, the internet lit up with reactions:

“Lester Holt on 60 Minutes?! Inject this into my veins.”
“He’s about to turn Sunday night into the most-watched hour of the week.”
“This is the career plot twist we didn’t know we needed.”

Even celebrities chimed in:

Oprah Winfrey: “Excited to see Lester Holt reinvent the news again—on his own terms.”
Trevor Noah: “From anchor to icon. Let’s go!”

WHY THIS MOVE MATTERS

Holt’s decision to leave a steady nightly role for a more dynamic platform marks a seismic shift in mainstream journalism. After decades of delivering hard news behind the desk, he’s now opting for creative freedom, long-form storytelling, and the ability to speak beyond the constraints of traditional formats.

A close friend of Holt’s revealed:

“He’s not retiring—he’s evolving. Lester wants to dig deeper, challenge more, and bring untold stories to the forefront.”

A NEW ERA BEGINS

NBC is reportedly scrambling to find a suitable replacement, with names like Tom Llamas, Kristen Welker, and Craig Melvin being floated as potential successors. But insiders agree: filling Holt’s shoes won’t be easy.

“There’s only one Lester Holt,” said one senior NBC producer. “And now, he’s rewriting the rules—again.”

From nightly news to storytelling legend, Lester Holt’s next act is already being hailed as one of the boldest reinventions in TV history.
— See Why Everyone’s Watching His Next Move Closely 👇