You’ve probably seen the headlines or felt that tiny bit of dread when Al Roker isn’t on your TV at 7:00 AM. For decades, the man has been the human equivalent of a warm cup of coffee. He’s the anchor. He's the guy who tells us if we need an umbrella or a parka, and he does it with a grin that makes even a blizzard feel like a minor inconvenience. But lately, the whispers have gotten louder. People are asking: is Al Roker retiring? It’s a fair question, honestly. He’s 71 now. He’s been through the ringer with his health. He’s a grandfather.
The short answer? Not yet. But the full story is a lot more interesting than a simple "yes" or "no."
The "Drag Me Out" Mentality
Al Roker isn't exactly the type to go quietly into the night. In fact, he’s been pretty vocal about his plans, or lack thereof. He famously told Entertainment Tonight and People that they’re basically going to have to "drag him out kicking and screaming." He loves the gig. Think about it—his dad was a bus driver who worked eight-hour shifts until the job wasn't fun anymore. Al seems to have inherited that blue-collar work ethic, just with better lighting and more famous coworkers.
He often says he’ll stay until "the wheels fall off." It’s a classic Al-ism.
But we have to look at the context of 2026. The Today show is currently in a state of massive flux. Hoda Kotb moved on last year, leaving a giant hole in the lineup that Craig Melvin has stepped into. When a pillar like Hoda leaves, everyone looks at the remaining veterans and wonders who’s next. Savannah Guthrie and Al are the remaining "old guard" (though they’d probably hate me for calling them that).
Health Scares and the Reality of 71
We can't talk about Al's future without talking about his health. It’s been a rough few years. Back in late 2022 and early 2023, things got genuinely scary. Blood clots, internal bleeding, a seven-hour surgery that involved resectioning his colon and removing his gallbladder—it was heavy stuff. His wife, Deborah Roberts, called him a "living, breathing miracle."
👉 See also: Nothing to Lose: Why the Martin Lawrence and Tim Robbins Movie is Still a 90s Classic
When you go through something like that, your perspective shifts. It has to.
He’s been more open about his recovery lately, crediting his "walking regimen" for keeping him resilient. If you follow him on Instagram, you know the man is obsessed with his steps. It’s not just for fitness; it’s survival. He survived prostate cancer in 2020 and bounced back from the 2022 crisis with a speed that baffled his doctors.
Still, 71 is 71.
Even though he’s currently under a lucrative five-year, $50 million contract with NBC (which keeps him busy on both Today and The Weather Channel), the physical toll of morning television is brutal. The 4:00 AM wake-up calls don't get easier when you're a septuagenarian.
Why People Think He's Leaving
- The Empty Nest: His youngest, Nick, recently graduated from college. Al and Deborah are officially "bird watchers" (his preferred term for empty nesters).
- Grandpa Life: His granddaughter, Sky, is clearly the apple of his eye. He spends a lot of time in "proud grandpa mode," and let’s be real—chasing a toddler is a lot more fun than reporting on a tropical depression in the Atlantic.
- Side Projects: He’s an author of 12 books. He produced an animated series called Weather Hunters that premiered in late 2025. He’s done Broadway. He doesn't need the morning show to stay relevant or busy.
The Successor Question
If Al were to step down, who takes the clicker? For a while, people looked at Dylan Dreyer. She’s fantastic, she’s a pro meteorologist, and she’s already a staple of the 3rd Hour. Then there was the whole Sam Champion rumor mill a while back, but that seems to have cooled off.
✨ Don't miss: How Old Is Paul Heyman? The Real Story of Wrestling’s Greatest Mind
NBC is protective of Al. He’s the most well-liked person on that set, and according to industry insiders, he’s one of the primary reasons the show stays afloat during leadership transitions. They aren't in a rush to replace him. They'll likely let him dictate the terms of his exit.
What Al Has Said Recently
As of early 2026, Al is still leaning into the "one day at a time" philosophy. In a November 2025 appearance, he joked about "practicing early retirement" by showing up on his day off just to wave at the cameras. It was a classic Roker move—trolling the audience while reminding everyone he’s still the boss.
He’s acknowledged that "the time will come," but he’s also said he doesn't feel like it's his time yet. Maybe in a year or two? Maybe not.
Honestly, it feels like he's waiting for a sign. His dad retired at 55 because it wasn't fun. Al still looks like he's having a blast, even when he's standing in a rain-slicked Rockefeller Plaza at 7:15 AM.
Is Al Roker Retiring? The Verdict
No official retirement date has been set. Al Roker is still the lead weather anchor for Today.
🔗 Read more: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
While the show is evolving and he’s clearly enjoying his family life and side ventures, he remains committed to his contract. He’s a guy who thrives on the "adrenaline" of live TV. Until he stops feeling that rush, he’s probably staying put.
What to Watch For
If you're looking for signs that the end is near, keep an eye on these three things:
- Contract Announcements: His current deal is massive. If we get to the end of 2026 without news of an extension, that’s a major red flag.
- The "Special Correspondent" Shift: Many TV legends (like Barbara Walters or even Hoda to an extent) don't just vanish. They transition into "special" roles. If Al starts doing fewer daily forecasts and more long-form specials, he’s winding down.
- Social Media Hints: Al is very active online. If the "walking" posts start being more about travel and less about getting to the studio, the transition has likely begun in private.
For now, just enjoy the "neck of the woods" segments while they're here. We won't have them forever.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Follow Official Channels: Don't trust tabloid "exclusives" about his health unless they come from NBC News or Al’s own social media.
- Watch the 3rd Hour: This is where you’ll see the chemistry between Al and the next generation (Craig and Dylan). It’s the best indicator of the show's future direction.
- Check Out "Weather Hunters": If you want to support Al’s legacy beyond the morning show, his creative projects on PBS are where he’s putting his long-term energy.