Where Is Al Roker on ‘Today’? What to Know About His Absence from the Show

Al Roker is enjoying some time away from the Today show studio.

The veteran broadcaster has been a daytime television staple for nearly three decades. He took over for Willard Scott as the show’s forecaster in 1996, and has since become a co-host of the third hour of the Today show. Over the years, he’s been part of some of the show’s biggest moments, from hosting dozens of Thanksgiving Day parades to attending several Olympic games.

Along the way, he’s earned some high praise from fans and colleagues alike, including Sheinelle Jones who told PEOPLE in September 2024 that Roker “works his hiney off.”

“He knows the forecast in and out. He knows the weather patterns. He also knows good television,” she said. “He also has prepped for his interviews. So when he sits down, he’s able to have a good time and he’s able to be warm because he’s prepared.”

Jones added, “I think that is part of what makes him [and] his journey so special because he recognizes how far he’s been able to make it and not on his own.”

With a presence as significant as Roker’s, his absence from the Today show since Aug. 18 has been tough to miss.

So, where is Al Roker this week? Here’s what to know about the broadcasting star’s absence from the Today show.

Why isn’t Al Roker on the Today show this week?

On Tuesday, Aug. 19, Craig Melvin opened up the show’s third hour by joking that Roker was off enjoying “one of his 16 weeks of vacation.”

The next day, Dylan Dreyer revealed during Wednesday’s episode that Roker is absent from Today this week because he is celebrating his birthday. During the Aug. 20 taping, Roker’s Today show colleagues commemorated his birthday from afar, saying they FaceTimed with him that morning.

“He’s having a great birthday,” Savannah Guthrie said while out on the 30 Rockefeller Center plaza, adding that they played one of his favorite songs: Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom.”

She continued, “We love you, Al, wherever you are in the world!”

Guthrie also shared a photo with Roker and the rest of the crew on Instagram, captioned, “happiest birthday to the life of our party – our sunshine ☀️ @alroker.”

Last year, Roker turned 70 in the studio, where his colleagues celebrated him with a surprise party, full of celebrity shout-outs, special guests and a heartwarming video, as well as a sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey about aging and life lessons. That’s not all: he also received a key to the city of New York.

Where is Al Roker this week?

Roker is spending his time away from the studio in Europe. Since the top of the week, his wife, fellow broadcast journalist Deborah Roberts, has been sharing photos of them on a romantic Italian getaway.

“The beauty of Italy in August. Sunny. Quiet. Lovely,” she captioned the first set of photos. The next day, she shared some images from a floral arrangement class, though Roker was not seen in the snapshots.

On Aug. 20, Roberts commemorated Roker’s birthday by sharing sweet photos from their trip, captioned, “To the man who brings life, love and laughs to my world, a heartfelt happy birthday.”

She continued, “Your kindness, joy and generosity are boundless blessings. Love you so much! Please join me in showering @alroker with the biggest birthday wishes his heart can hold!”

Meanwhile, on her Instagram Stories, Roberts shared a photo of Roker indulging in the breakfast of champions: cake and champagne.

Who is filling in for Al Roker on the Today show this week?

Though Roker is taking some time off, the show must go on. Luckily, there have been plenty of familiar faces stepping in for Roker.

Dreyer has filled in for Roker during the Today show’s earliest hours this week to give his usual weather updates. As for the third hour, NBC News’ Savannah Sellers has taken Roker’s place since Monday, co-anchoring alongside Melvin and Dreyer.

On Aug. 20, Melvin, Dreyer and Sellers started the episode by giving Roker a special birthday shout-out, with Dreyer saying he had sent them photos in the morning as a way of “rubbing in how much fun he’s having.”

“Well deserved. Happy birthday, bud,” Melvin chimed in.

When will Al Roker return to the Today show?

Roker has not revealed when he will be back at the Today show desk — so you’ll just have to tune in to find out.