The first hour of *Today* looked a little different on Tuesday as viewers tuned in to find that beloved weatherman Al Roker was missing from the show.
In his absence, his co-host Dylan Dreyer stepped up to fill the role, sharing the screen with Craig Melvin and Savannah Guthrie.
Dylan, who usually joins the show later in the day as part of *The 3rd Hour*, took on the role of filling in for Al while the team navigated the day’s events.
Al Roker, a fixture on the *Today* show, was notably absent from the morning broadcast, and fans were left wondering about his whereabouts.
Dylan, 43, typically co-hosts *The 3rd Hour* alongside Al, Craig, and Sheinelle Jones, but on this occasion, she made her way into the first hour’s segment.
The moment marked a subtle but notable shift in the show’s usual programming.
The absence of Al Roker came just one day after an exciting announcement made by him, Dylan, and Craig during Monday’s episode. The trio shared some thrilling news about *Today* hitting the road for a special live broadcast in celebration of Mardi Gras. The show will head to New Orleans later this month, with a special live segment of *The 3rd Hour* scheduled to air on Friday, February 28. Al excitedly told viewers: “We are taking the show on the road to New Orleans… We’re going to take in the parades, festivities, sights, sounds, and tastes of the city.”
Dylan added her own excitement to the announcement, urging fans to join in on the fun. “We want you guys to join in on our fun,” she said, encouraging viewers to attend the live audience. The team was clearly enthusiastic about the upcoming festivities in New Orleans, and it seems like it’s going to be an event to remember.
In addition to the Mardi Gras festivities, Craig Melvin revealed another exciting event in the making: *Today*’s first-ever *Today Food* event called *Taste of New Orleans*. During this event, some of New Orleans’ best chefs will showcase their favorite dishes, providing an authentic taste of the city’s renowned culinary scene. While tickets for the live audience were already sold out, fans still had the opportunity to purchase tickets for the *Today Food* event itself.
Al’s absence also drew attention to recent changes to the *Today* show. In January, *Today* anchor Hoda Kotb made the decision to step down from her role as co-host after 17 years with the show. In her place, Craig Melvin has stepped up as the co-host alongside Savannah Guthrie, marking a major shift for the show. Hoda’s exit came with a heartfelt message of support for her replacement. During her final show, Hoda expressed her full confidence in Craig, telling him: “Craig, I mean, I’m so happy for you. You have earned this. You own this.”
Craig, who had spent over 14 years with NBC News, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity, sharing how meaningful the moment was for him and his family. He remarked, “I am beyond excited and grateful… I talked to mom and dad yesterday, and I’m thankful they’re still young enough and healthy enough to be able to see this.”
With the *Today* show undergoing such transitions and Al Roker temporarily stepping aside, Dylan Dreyer’s role in filling in during the first hour emphasized the evolving dynamics of the show. It’s clear that the *Today* family is adapting to these changes with enthusiasm and a sense of camaraderie, with each host stepping in to support one another in their roles.
As *Today* continues to bring viewers exciting live events, special broadcasts, and behind-the-scenes moments, it’s evident that the show’s dynamic remains as lively and engaging as ever. Whether it’s through live programming from New Orleans or the steady support of co-hosts like Dylan, Savannah, and Craig, *Today* continues to captivate audiences every morning. Fans will no doubt be looking forward to the upcoming Mardi Gras special and the new chapter unfolding with Craig’s co-hosting duties.
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