Key Highlights
- Al Roker made a surprise appearance on the Today show during his scheduled day off, hilariously crashing a live segment.
- The veteran weatherman silently popped up in the background window of Studio 1A, leaving his co-hosts stunned and amused.
- Co-hosts Craig Melvin and Sheinelle Jones couldn’t contain their laughter, with Melvin joking about Roker practicing for “early retirement.”
- The unexpected cameo occurred during the 3rd Hour of Today while the hosts were interviewing Broadway star Jordan Litz.
Even on his day off, Al Roker proves he can’t stay away from his Today show family. The beloved weatherman gave his colleagues and viewers a morning to remember on Tuesday, Nov. 4, when he unexpectedly crashed the show’s third hour, leading to a hilarious on-air disruption.
A Surprise in Studio 1A
The hilarious moment unfolded while co-hosts Sheinelle Jones, Craig Melvin, and Dylan Dreyer were in the middle of an interview with Broadway actor Jordan Litz. As the conversation continued, Melvin’s focus suddenly broke. He pointed toward the window behind their guest, where a motionless Al Roker was staring into the studio.
“I gotta be honest with you, it’s hard to keep track and focus, because this guy,” Melvin, 46, said, trailing off as his colleagues turned to see the prankster.
“Oh my God, Al Roker,” exclaimed Jones, 47, bursting into laughter. “Thanks for coming in to work today, buddy.”
Melvin jokingly shouted toward the window, “We’re doing a show!”
The Reason Behind the Prank
Jones quickly explained to the audience that Roker was taking a well-deserved day off after a late night. “In his defense, he got in really late last night, so we’re letting him sleep in,” she said.
But Roker’s antics didn’t stop with a single appearance. He continued to move around the exterior of the studio, popping up in different windows behind the hosts. Jones playfully asked Melvin, “What is wrong with your friend? He keeps popping up everywhere.”
“Al Roker, he couldn’t come to work today, but he could hang outside the studio,” Melvin quipped.
Retirement Jokes or Just for Fun?
Later in the show, Roker finally made his way inside, walking onto the set for a brief wave and a quick word. “I’d love to stay, but I’ve gotta go. We’ve got things to do,” he announced before making his exit.
His fleeting appearance prompted Melvin to joke that Roker was practicing for “early retirement” by only working for a minute. The lighthearted jab comes after Roker told PEOPLE in September 2024 that while retirement will eventually come, he isn’t ready to leave just yet. “You don’t get off the train until the last stop,” he stated at the time.
Roker’s surprise visit served as a memorable and funny reminder of the strong bond between the Today show hosts and his unwavering dedication—even when he’s supposed to be resting.