Al Roker’s three-year run on NBC Today the show is one of morning television’s most enduring successes. Since joining the program in 1996, he has become a trusted and familiar presence to millions of viewers. As he celebrates his 30th anniversary, questions about retirement naturally follow, but Roker remains focused on the present.
Speak exclusively to PEOPLE ahead of the anniversary, Roker answered the question that fans inevitably ask when someone holds three decades in the same position. “Well, let’s put it this way. I haven’t thought about retirement,” he said, adding with a laugh, “Someone at NBC, that might be a different story.” He went on to say, “I love what I’m doing. I feel good. I love this job. I enjoy doing it. At some point I think I won’t, but I don’t feel like it’s anytime soon, so I’ll keep going.”
Three decades on the NBC Morning Staple
Roker joined Today in 1996 when he took over the weather position previously held by the late Willard Scott. Even after 30 years on the air, the veteran meteorologist and journalist says his passion for the job is still as strong as when he first stepped into the role.
“I think the beautiful thing about broadcasting is that the mission hasn’t changed in 74 years,” he described. “The way we bring it to you can be, and look, the fact is we’re all temporary stewards of this legacy … at some point I’m not going to be part of the show, somebody else will be, but to be part of a pretty cool club is very special.”
For Roker, the concept of an even landing Today once seemed unlikely. “To say it was a dream job isn’t really accurate because I never thought I’d be on the Today show,” he said.
How he hopes viewers remember him
When it comes to how viewers will remember his time on the air as he fades away, Roker keeps his goal simple and personal.
“When people watch, they don’t feel like I wasted their time. And that maybe they feel better after watching it than they did before.”
A career full of unforgettable moments
A reflection of his time in TodayRoker shared one particular memorable experience from nearly a decade ago.
“I think it was about 10 years ago during one 24-hour period in California, I was interviewing Don Rickles, Betty White, Carl Reiner and Dick Van Dyke, and it was like, wow, I’m a kid from Queens, what’s he doing,” he said.
Frequently asked questions:
Q1. How long has Al Roker been on Today show?
Al Roker joined Today in 1996. The NBC morning show celebrates 30 years.
Q2. Is Al Roker retiring? Today?
No, Al Roker said he wasn’t thinking about retirement. He still enjoys the work and plans to continue.
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