In the cutthroat world of morning television, where ratings battles rage like family feuds, Al Roker of NBC’s Today show couldn’t help but chuckle at the irony. “I’m in a fierce competition with her!” the beloved weatherman laughed during a recent chat about his 30-year marriage to Deborah Roberts, an ABC News correspondent who stepped in to co-anchor Good Morning America (GMA) on September 24, 2025, filling in for Michael Strahan. As the networks duke it out for breakfast-time dominance, this husband-wife dynamic adds a layer of affectionate rivalry that’s as entertaining as it is heartfelt.
The timing couldn’t be more dramatic. Just days before Deborah’s guest spot, rumors swirled about Strahan’s future on GMA. The former NFL star, speaking at the 2025 Ryder Cup All-Star Celebrity Match in New York on September 24, firmly shut down speculation of his exit. “Oh, I’m not going anywhere, I’m not stepping away from nothing!” Strahan told Hello! magazine. He emphasized balancing his roles on GMA, Fox NFL Sunday, and The $100,000 Pyramid, while hinting at future retirement in a December 2024 Forbes interview. With his contract reportedly expiring at year’s end, ABC has stayed mum, leaving room for fresh faces like Deborah to shine.
Deborah’s appearance wasn’t just a fill-in; it highlighted her potential amid GMA’s evolving lineup. She joined Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos on the desk, bringing her sharp journalism skills honed from years at ABC. But as she eyes a more permanent role in the morning spotlight, her biggest concern isn’t clashing with her husband’s show—it’s the relentless pace of early wake-ups and the toll on family life. Yet, Al’s response to the “competition” reveals a man who’s all in, blending support with playful banter.
Continuing his lighthearted riff, Al beamed with pride and anticipation. “Deborah stepping up on GMA? Bring it on! I’ve been in this game for decades, but watching her command that desk—it’s thrilling. We’re competitors by day, partners by night. I can’t wait for the direct showdown; it’ll keep us both sharp. And hey, if she edges out Today in the ratings, I’ll cheer her on from the sidelines. Just remember, honey, I don’t fear you on the airwaves… but I might fear you at home after! Who knows what pillow talk turns into strategy sessions?” His words, laced with affection and a hint of challenge, underscore the couple’s unbreakable bond amid professional pressures.
This personal subplot unfolds against a backdrop of fierce network rivalry. The 2024-2025 TV season ratings, per Nielsen data cited by AdWeek, paint a neck-and-neck picture. ABC’s GMA clinched the top spot in total viewers with an average of 2.644 million, edging out NBC’s Today by a slim 44,000 (2.604 million). However, Today dominated the key Adults 25-54 demographic with 626,000 viewers, compared to GMA’s 470,000—a metric advertisers covet. Both shows saw declines from the prior season: GMA down 6% in total viewers and 10% in demo, Today down 5% and 6%, respectively. CBS Mornings lagged far behind at 1.940 million total viewers and 346,000 in demo, dropping 10% and 20%.
The third quarter of 2025 echoed this trend: GMA led totals at 2.594 million (down 3%), Today ruled demo at 543,000 (down 6%), and CBS Mornings trailed at 1.789 million (down 7%). GMA’s hosts—Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Michael Strahan, and Ginger Zee—have held steady, but Strahan’s absences (like on September 24, when Rebecca Jarvis filled in) fuel speculation. Today‘s ensemble, including Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin (who replaced Hoda Kotb in January), Al Roker, and others, boasts demo strength. CBS Mornings, with Gayle King, Nate Burleson, and Tony Dokoupil, struggles to catch up.
So, who’s winning this duel of love and ratings? For now, it’s a tie in the Roker-Roberts household, where mutual encouragement trumps rivalry. Al’s words hint at excitement for whatever comes next—whether Deborah ascends at GMA or the couple continues their cross-network dance. As Al quipped, “Life’s too short for cold wars; let’s make it a warm competition.” With ratings fluctuating and contracts in flux, morning TV’s balance could shift overnight. One thing’s certain: in this arena, love always gets the last laugh.
