The exchange took place on Today as the hosts discussed the “Hotter Than Your First Cup of Coffee” category, which features Melvin, Strahan, ABC’s Gio Benitez and CBS Mornings anchor Vladimir Duthiers.

Roker, 72, made it clear that he was supporting Melvin, 47, and humorously suggested that the competition was not particularly close.

When an image showing the nominees appeared on screen, Roker praised Melvin and joked that his appearance put the other nominees at a disadvantage.

Saturday Today anchor Laura Jarrett attempted to keep the conversation friendly, telling Roker that there was no need to criticize the other nominees. Roker responded playfully that he intended to do exactly that.

He then singled out Strahan, joking that the former NFL player should not be counted because he is not on Good Morning America on Mondays due to his football commitments.

Melvin responded to the teasing by laughing, while Roker continued his lighthearted campaign for his colleague.

The exchange came shortly after Melvin's nomination was announced on Today.

His co-hosts had already been joking with him about being included in PEOPLE’s annual readers’ poll.

When the nomination was initially revealed, Roker joked that Melvin’s wife, sports broadcaster Lindsay Czarniak, might have her own opinion about her husband being considered among the hottest morning television hosts.

Roker also joked that she had sent Melvin iced coffee because she did not think he was much hotter than the drink.

Other television personalities have also been reacting to the poll. At CBS Mornings, Gayle King and Nate Burleson supported their colleague Vladimir Duthiers after learning about his nomination.

PEOPLE’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive Readers’ Choice Poll features 14 categories covering personalities from television, entertainment, sports and other areas of popular culture.

Voting remains open until October 12, with the results scheduled to be announced later in October.

For Roker and Melvin, the nomination has provided another opportunity for the Today team to joke with one another on air, turning the annual poll into a lighthearted moment among the morning show's hosts.