Al Roker switched up networks and surprised his wife Deborah Roberts. Viewers were in shock when they saw him on The Today Show’s rival morning show. Keep on reading to learn more.

Al Roker appears on GMA

In a surprising twist, Al Roker appeared on Tuesday’s broadcast of Good Morning America. He surprised his wife and congratulated her on the release of her new book. Deborah Roberts released her new book, Lessons Learned and Cherished: The Teacher Who Changed My Life. She was on there to promote her new book.

Host George Stephanopoulos teased a special guest. He shared a special message from her husband Al Roker. The Today Show weatherman appeared on the screen alongside their kids Courtney, 36, Leila, 24, and Nick, 20. He shared the following message.

“We’re so proud of you and we’re so excited for this project,” Al Roker said. “It is a labor of love and everybody who’s been a part of it loves the idea and we all love you and could not be prouder. From your family… We love you.” 

Al opened his arm wide with their kids. Deborah couldn’t help but feel emotional during the surprise moment. She exclaimed: “Oh, you guys!” Robin Roberts joked that she didn’t “recognize” that it was Al Roker on the screen.

Deborah Roberts shares insights on their marriage

Deborah recently opened up about her marriage with Al Roker. She appeared on Live With Kelly and Mark to discuss her new project. The conversation quickly shifted to her relationship. She revealed that they were married for 28 years and started out as friends.

Deborah smiled and said that Al Roker “wore me down with that sweet kindness.” When she went to the Barcelona Olympics in 1992, she asked him to watch after her apartment. Mark Consuelos noted that Al was “very much in the friend zone” at the time. Deborah confirmed that she only saw him as a good friend.

She couldn’t believe how attentive and kind Al Roker was to her. He collected her mail and watered her plants. However, it wasn’t just that he was performing basic tasks. Al went above and beyond by leaving flowers for her and stocking up her refrigerator. Deborah went on a date with him after and that’s what it took to get him out of the “friend zone.” She started to see him differently from then on. 

“He took himself right out of the friend zone,” Kelly Ripa said. “He went directly into the husband zone!”

What are your thoughts on Al Roker switching networks and surprising his wife? Do you think it was sweet? Do you love their marriage? Sound off below in the comment section.