At a Glance
- Al Roker celebrates a 30th anniversary on the NBC morning program.
- He has worked with a roster of legendary co-hosts, from Bryant Gumbel to Savannah Guthrie.
- A 2022 health scare highlighted the close bond among the Today crew.
- Why it matters: Roker’s milestone underscores the enduring appeal and evolving legacy of one of America’s most watched morning shows.
Al Roker is celebrating a rare milestone during his impressive career on the Today show. This week marks the 71-year-old weatherman’s 30th anniversary on the NBC morning show, making him one of the longest-serving Today co-hosts of all time. In an exclusive interview, Roker reflected on the people who have shaped his journey and the enduring spirit of the program.
A 30-Year Legacy
Roker opened the conversation by noting how fortunate he has been to work with “really great people.” He said the show is “the sum of its parts,” and that the team’s chemistry has been key to his longevity. The current lineup-Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly, Dylan Dreyer, Jenna Bush Hager, and Sheinelle Jones-continues that tradition.
Co-Host Timeline
| Year | Co-Host(s) on Today | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1996 | Willard Scott (predecessor) | Roker replaced Scott as weatherman |
| 1996-2000 | Bryant Gumbel, Jane Pauley | Roker filled in and then joined full-time |
| 2000-2002 | Bryant Gumbel, Katie Couric | Roker shared the anchor chair |
| 2002-2004 | Matt Lauer, Katie Couric | Roker continued alongside Lauer |
| 2004-2007 | Meredith Vieira, Ann Curry | Roker worked with new anchors |
| 2007-2013 | Hoda Kotb, Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin, Carson Daly | Roker’s current cohort |
Roker’s reflections on the past illustrate how the show has evolved while maintaining its core mission.
Co-Host Collaborations
When asked which former co-host he misses most, Roker likened the choice to picking a child. He said, “Look, I miss them all. Each one is different and brings a different energy and a different sense of fun and a different set of journalistic chops.”
- Bryant Gumbel – early mentor and co-anchor.
- Katie Couric – shared the spotlight during a pivotal era.
- Matt Lauer – a long-standing colleague.
- Ann Curry – known for her warmth and professionalism.
- Meredith Vieira – added depth to the program.
Roker emphasized that every former partner contributed uniquely to his experience, making it hard to single out one.
Family on 30 Rock
The Today show often refers to its crew as a “family.” Roker’s 2022 health scare-life-threatening blood clots in his leg and lungs-reinforced that bond. While he was away, fellow hosts and staffers gathered at his door to sing Christmas carols and lift his spirits. Roker recalled, “When they were there and singing, I got very emotional. It reminded me that I really do have two families. I’ve got [wife] Deborah [Roberts] and my kids, and then I’ve got the folks I work with at 30 Rock.”
This moment highlighted the deep camaraderie that has sustained the show across decades.
Dream Job and Legacy
Roker admitted that the idea of joining Today never truly dawned on him. “To say that this was a dream job isn’t really accurate because it never dawned on me that I could be on the Today show,” he said. He recalled his early days at WNBC in 1983 and the surprise of stepping into Willard Scott’s shoes.
He also reflected on the show’s mission, noting that over its 74 years, the core purpose has remained unchanged. “The way we bring it to you may have, and look, the fact of the matter is we are each temporary custodians of this legacy,” Roker said.
Key Takeaways
- Al Roker has become a staple of American morning television, celebrated for his 30-year tenure.
- His success is rooted in strong relationships with a rotating cast of co-hosts.
- The 2022 health scare underscored the supportive culture within the Today team.
- Roker’s perspective on the show’s mission highlights its enduring relevance.
The milestone not only honors Roker’s personal achievements but also serves as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Today show.
Conclusion
Al Roker’s 30th anniversary is more than a personal celebration; it marks a significant chapter in the history of one of America’s most iconic morning programs. His reflections on colleagues, camaraderie, and the program’s steadfast mission offer a window into what has kept the show alive for 74 years and continues to resonate with viewers today.
