Al Roker’s future in jeopardy as NBC seeks 'fresh, TikTok-friendly' face for 'Today' meteorologist

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Al Roker has been America’s cheerful morning staple for decades, but his time on NBC's 'Today' show may be nearing its end.

Behind the network’s bright lights, rumors of an impending shake-up hint that the veteran weather anchor could be quietly pushed out, with health concerns used as the official reason.

Al Roker being pushed out for a younger, ‘TikTok-friendly’ replacement

While executives cite worry for the 70-year-old broadcaster’s well-being, insiders believe something else is brewing.

As for Roker, he has been a weatherman for 'Today' since 1996.

“Yes, Al's had medical scares,” said a source, referencing his health issues, including blood clots, emergency surgeries, and hospital stays, per Radar Online.

“But the timing of these ‘concerns’ is sketchier than a seven-day forecast,” added the insider.

Another producer at NBC claimed the real motive is a generational change. “They want someone fresh. Less 'classic Al,' more TikTok-friendly,” the longtime producer said. “This is ageism wrapped in a Band-Aid.”

Al Roker’s health history includes blood clots, internal bleeding and emergency surgery

Al Roker’s health struggles came into the spotlight in 2022 when blood clots in his legs and lungs forced him to miss the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade for the first time in 27 years.

A month later, he returned to the hospital with internal bleeding caused by ulcers.

During that stay, the longtime weather anchor underwent emergency surgery. He shared that he endured a nearly seven-hour surgery for two bleeding ulcers that included removing his gall bladder.

“I lost half my blood. [My doctors] were trying to figure out where it was,” Roker said when he returned to the 'Today' show in 2023.

“I really do feel good. I’m sure I’m going to collapse like a stone after this is over because this is the first work I’ve done. It’s been a journey," he said.

Doctors credited Roker’s physical fitness with helping him survive the ordeal.

“My doctor said if I had not been in the shape I had been, I would most likely not be here today,” Roker told People at the time.

“It was frightening beyond belief,” Deborah Roberts said at the time. “It’s the toughest thing we’ve ever endured as a family and a couple.” 

Previously, in 2020, he shared that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Roker also chose to undergo gastric bypass surgery in 2002 after his weight reached 300 pounds, and he often credits his wife, Deborah Roberts, for helping him through his darkest moments.

“I wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for [her],” Roker told PageSix in 2023.

Al Roker may be axed next as network insiders say execs want to erase ties to Matt Lauer era

As the last remaining tie to the Matt Lauer era, Al Roker may be next on the chopping block, according to internal chatter.

“He’s the last link to the Lauer era, and they’re itching to clean house,” a source revealed.

“They’re calling it a ‘reboot’ – while we’re calling it a boot out the door. TV doesn’t like to age, and neither do network execs.”