Al Roker leaves ‘Today’ broadcast early for jury duty

Al Roker abruptly left a broadcast of the ‘Today’ show on Monday to attend jury duty. After providing weather forecasts, the 72-year-old journalist departed the studio, prompting co-hosts Savannah Guthrie and Craig Melvin to announce his early exit and introduce substitutes.

Dylan Dreyer filled in for the remainder of the broadcast, while Kaylee Hartung covered the third hour. Roker later clarified the reason for his departure via an Instagram video filmed outside a New York City courthouse, stating, “Well, got out of the ‘Today’ show early because I’ve got jury duty.” He noted that it is “everybody’s civic duty to do your duty.”

Colleagues indicated that Roker is expected to return to his hosting duties tomorrow.