Today Show fans were left stunned as the familiar face of Al Roker was noticeably absent from the morning lineup. The reason behind his sudden absence became apparent after some on-air incidents that left viewers intrigued by his replacement, Jacob Soboroff.

The trouble started during the network's Countdown to Paris 2024 segment, where NBC sportscaster Mike Tirico was calling in from Paris, reporting on the upcoming Summer Olympics. As Mike shared his exciting experiences dining with the Mayor of Paris and the head of the International Olympics Committee, Al Roker sarcastically made a joke at Mike's expense, saying, "Oh, look at me, I'm Mike Tirico ooh Lala." While Al may have meant it as a playful remark, it came across as mocking, and Mike politely reminded him that he was merely sharing information.

Though Al may have laughed it off, the tension didn't end there. The situation escalated during a travel segment hosted by Al and co-host Craig Melvin. The studio's video display experienced technical issues, showing someone jet skiing on the ocean instead of the intended indoor water park scene. Al quipped, "That's a huge water park," which apparently didn't sit well with Craig. He snapped back, "Shut up," leaving viewers wondering if this outburst was retaliation for Al's comment last week when he referred to co-worker Dylan Dreyer as a "cheapskate."

These incidents seem to have had significant repercussions. On Thursday, Al Roker was conspicuously absent from The Today Show studio. NBC has not officially addressed his absence, but speculation is rife that the recent controversies may have played a role in his sudden departure.

While Al Roker's wit and charm have endeared him to audiences for years, these recent incidents have raised questions about his on-air behavior.

*This story was written by AI

H/T TV Shows Ace