Today Show’s Craig Melvin Jumped Out of His Skin as Al Roker Pulls Off Hilarious Prank Live on Air

Today Show co-hosts Craig Melvin and Al Roker are known for their infectious chemistry, but this time, Roker took their playful banter to the next level by pulling off a cheeky prank that left Melvin—and viewers—laughing hysterically. In a moment that’s sure to go down in Today history, Roker sneaked up behind Melvin, grabbed his shoulder, and sent the unsuspecting host jumping in fright while sitting on a model of How to Train Your Dragon’s dragon, Toothless.

The unexpected scare, captured live on air, left Melvin visibly startled, screaming as he flinched from the prank. The hilarious moment was further amplified by the presence of How to Train Your Dragon stars Nico Parker and Mason Thames, who laughed uncontrollably at the comedic scene unfolding before them.

A Moment of Laughter

Sharing the viral clip on Instagram, Today Show captioned, “Al loves a good prank,” and fans quickly flooded the comments with their reactions. Many expressed their amusement at Roker’s lighthearted antics, with one user commenting, “Al is in his feral feel-good grandpa era and I’m here for it.” Another fan added, “THHIIIIISS!!! I LOVED this moment this morning!!! I kept rewinding my DVR to watch it over and over!! Started my day off perfectly!! I love Al!”

Others chimed in with their own takes on the moment, saying, “I love those two men. Uncle Al’s so funny. Would expect nothing different from Big Boy Craig on his toy just like a kid. Perfect!” And one commenter even quipped, “Craig is gonna end up on nerve meds!” It was clear that the prank was a hit with fans, adding a burst of energy to the morning show.

Craig Melvin’s New Career Milestone

This prank comes just after Craig Melvin shared exciting news about his growing career. The beloved Today Show host recently opened up about balancing his demanding role with his personal life, including his marriage to sports journalist Lindsay Czarniak and their two children. In addition to his television work, Melvin has taken on the role of a columnist for Southern Living magazine. His column, titled Mr. Southern Living, made its debut in the June/July issue of the publication.

In an interview with Today, Melvin joked, “In my house, you had EBONY, the Holy Bible, and you had Southern Living—that was it.” He revealed that his column will focus on his cherished memories of growing up in the American South, sharing stories of his favorite traditions like crabbing, beach days on Hilton Head Island, and Sunday dinners with his family. Melvin’s writing will also feature a look at his timeless beach playlist and reflections on what a true Southern summer means to him: bourbon, being on the water, and most importantly, family.

A Glimpse into Craig’s Family Life

As Melvin continues to build his career, his connection to his roots remains strong. He fondly recalled how family meals were always a big part of his upbringing in the South, adding, “For us growing up, sometimes that was a random Wednesday.” He also highlighted how different it is to live in Connecticut now, where celebratory meals might involve fried foods, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and white rice—but growing up, those meals were part of everyday life.

Melvin’s lighthearted prank moment with Roker only added to his growing personal and professional narrative, showing that even in the midst of a demanding career, he still finds joy in small, comedic moments.

Conclusion: A Bond Beyond the Studio

As for the prank, it was just another example of the fun dynamic between Craig Melvin and Al Roker, who have entertained audiences with their offbeat sense of humor and camaraderie for years. Whether it’s pranking each other on air or sharing personal stories in their respective columns, Melvin continues to keep fans engaged with his work and his authentic personality.

For now, it’s clear that Craig Melvin’s journey in the spotlight isn’t slowing down, and viewers can expect many more hilarious moments, heartfelt stories, and career milestones from the multi-talented Today Show anchor.