Al Roker's Job Reportedly On The Line For A 'TikTok-friendly' Replacement
Al Roker's days on the "Today" show may be numbered and not by choice.
After decades as the trusted face of NBC's morning weather, the TV icon is reportedly facing a forced exit, with network execs eyeing a younger replacement.
This rumored shake-up follows a string of health scares that have kept Al Roker off the air in recent years, including a dangerous hospitalization for blood clots in 2022.
Are Al Roker's Days With NBC Numbered?
While no official decision has been announced, sources indicate that network brass may be quietly preparing to replace the longtime weatherman, allegedly not due to his health issues, but because they want someone younger and more in tune with social media.
"They want someone fresh. Less 'classic Al,' more TikTok-friendly," a producer shared. Another insider did not hold back, saying, "They're calling it a 'reboot' – while we're calling it a boot out the door. TV doesn't like to age, and neither do network execs."
Radar Online reports that while executives point to concerns about Roker's health, not everyone is buying it. One source summed up the mood behind the scenes: "Yes, Al's had medical scares. But the timing of these 'concerns' is sketchier than a seven-day forecast."
The Weather Anchor's Return To 'Today' Was Treated Like A Homecoming
Roker's health battle had fans and colleagues holding their breath, but his return to the show in 2023 reminded everyone exactly why he is the heart of the show.
The Blast noted that the beloved star had been out of the spotlight since late 2022 after being hospitalized with dangerous blood and lung clots. Although his absence was profound, the mood turned celebratory in January 2023 when word of his return was finally announced.
His co-hosts didn't just announce the news; they made it feel like a family reunion. Savannah Guthrie led the moment, beaming, "Al is coming back to the show." Hoda Kotb added, "Everyone's like, 'When when?' Well, we have our date. He'll be here on Friday; he'll be right here in Studio 1A. This is his place."
Craig Melvin followed up by saying he loved the thought of having "everyone back together." Guthrie closed it out on a sweet note, saying what fans everywhere were likely thinking: "Our sunshine is coming back Friday morning."
The TV Personality Showed Up For The 2022 Thanksgiving Parade From Home
Roker may have missed the 2022 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in nearly three decades, but that did not stop him from making an appearance in spirit.
Although he had to sit out the holiday tradition due to health issues, he made sure fans and colleagues knew he was still cheering them on.
From his living room, Roker posted a photo of himself smiling and giving a thumbs-up while watching Guthrie and Kotb lead the broadcast. "Back home in time to catch a little bit of the #macysthanksgivingdayparade," he captioned the post.
The gesture hit home for his "Today" family, especially since Roker had not missed the parade in 27 years. Guthrie took a moment during the live broadcast to send love his way, saying sweetly, "We love you, Al. We'll see you next year."
The Talk Show Vet Shares His Thoughts On Keeping Fit
Despite rumors that NBC might phase him out, Roker remains front and center as the face of the show's new health and wellness platform.
The Blast highlighted the veteran meteorologist's on-air conversation in January, during which he opened up about his personal battles with weight and how a mindset shift helped him take control.
He explained that it was "about the smaller choices that you make every day that add up to the big things," adding that one slip-up should not derail the whole process.
Roker shared that his turning point came when his father, who was seriously ill at the time, urged him to take his health seriously for the sake of his kids.
The author also revealed that his routine is flexible. Some mornings, he hits the treadmill for 20 minutes before work; other days, a long walk home does the trick.
Al Roker's Wife Deborah Roberts Opens Up About The Hardest Job She Ever Had
Behind every strong recovery is someone holding things together, and for Roker, that was his wife. At a red carpet event in 2023, the ABC News journalist did not sugarcoat what it was like to care for her husband during his scary health battle with blood clots that landed him in the hospital for weeks.
The Blast reported that Roberts described the caregiving experience as "exhausting, taxing, and frightening." While she joked that Roker was "driving her crazy" after going back to work and feeling like himself again, she admitted, "It's tough. It's tough. I'm still kind of, I think, recuperating."
Still recovering, she admitted that the emotional toll lingers. In her words, "I'm still kind of tired. I'm still mentally exhausted." Her anchor through it all? Faith. She leaned on God and found strength in her friends, family, and coworkers, who reminded her she did not have to carry the weight alone.
If talk of Al Roker's exit is true, it could mark the end of an era and a significant change for millions of viewers who start their mornings with him.
