‘Today’ Al Roker Abruptly Gone, Is He OK?

Today Show host and meteorologist Al Roker was abruptly missing from the show this week, and fans want to know if he’s okay.

The controversial meteorologist has battled several health issues over the past year. As a result, every time he is absent fans worry about the worst possible scenario. Here’s what we know about Al’s abrupt absence from the show.

Al Gets Snippy On The Air

Before going missing this week, Al Roker had an awkward moment with Today crew members on the air.

The usually charismatic meteorologist is known for being a jester and troublemaker. If he’s not delivering weather information to audiences, he’s jokingly teasing his colleagues on and off the set. Al is known for his acerbic wit and “take-no-prisoners” sense of humor. But occasionally, things get serious and Al’s somber side comes out. And such was the case late last week.

During last Thursday’s Today Show, it was time for Al to deliver his weather news like he always does. However, technology decided to be the prankster and it left Al’s microphone malfunctioning. And when the camera cut to Al, his microphone sounded distant and distorted. As the malfunction became apparent, co-host Craig Melvin broke into a hearty round of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” to keep viewers entertained. He jokingly told Al, “You have to turn your microphone on, Al.”

Once Al noticed that there was a glitch, he fumbled at his microphone. A crew member dashed onto the set with a handheld microphone to save the day. But a frustrated Al snapped, “I’m good; I got a mic. I turned it on.” It was a reminder that Al isn’t the only one who can get the better of colleagues on the air; sometimes technology has its day, too.

Today‘s Al Roker Goes Missing, Is He Okay?

But on Friday, it wasn’t Al Roker’s behavior on set that was the focus of attention. It was his absence.

Instead of Al delivering the news on Friday’s show, it was beloved co-host Dylan Dreyer. When the show’s weather segment slot arrived, Craig Melvin explained, “Dylan is in for Al this morning.” However, he did not explain why Al was missing, simply acknowledged his replacement.

And Al was missing again later in the show, during the third hour. During that segment, Al was not given a replacement. Instead, his remaining co-hosts forged ahead as a trio to interview country sensation and former Hootie and the Blowfish star Darius Rucker. Speculation online suggests that Al Roker‘s absence may be related to another project the host is working on.

This week, he revealed on air that he will appear on the popular Showtime series, Billions. Other recent absences have been related to family obligations or celebrations, such as Al’s birthday in August. It’s unclear exactly why Al was missing on Friday, but there are many benign options to choose from. And he’s likely to return next week as expected.

Did you notice Al Roker‘s absence on Friday? And do you worry that he’s absent for a health-related reason? Let us know your thoughts in the comments. And catch The Today Show every weekday morning on NBC.