To have Al Roker announce a 100th birthday on the Today show, you must submit a request through the official Smucker’s Birthday Greetings portal on the Today website. Requests must be submitted at least three weeks in advance but no earlier than two months before the birthday. Eligibility is strictly limited to individuals turning 100 years old or older.
The tradition of celebrating centenarians on national television is one of the most enduring segments in morning news history. Originally popularized by the late Willard Scott and seamlessly transitioned to Al Roker, the "birthday times" on Today serve as a daily tribute to longevity, community, and the personal histories of viewers across the United States. As we navigate 2026, the process has become more streamlined through digital submissions, yet the criteria for being featured on the iconic Smucker’s jelly jar remains selective and steeped in specific production requirements.
The History of the Birthday Tradition on Today
The practice of announcing 100th birthdays did not begin with Al Roker, but he has become its most prominent modern steward. The tradition was inaugurated by Willard Scott in 1983. Scott, known for his exuberant personality and deep connection with the audience, began mentioning viewers' 100th birthdays as a way to foster a sense of "small-town" community on a national stage.
The association with Smucker’s began shortly after the segment gained popularity. Willard Scott had a personal affinity for the brand, and the company eventually became the official sponsor, leading to the creation of the famous "birthday jar" graphic. When Al Roker took over the primary weather duties in the mid-1990s, he eventually inherited the birthday segment, maintaining the warmth and humor that Scott had established. Over the decades, the segment has evolved from a simple shout-out to a high-production-value moment that often goes viral on social media platforms.
In 2026, Al Roker continues to champion these milestones, often adding personal commentary about the centenarians’ hobbies, family lives, or secrets to longevity. The segment typically airs during the second or third hour of the Today show, though breaking news can occasionally shift the timing.
Eligibility and Requirements for a 100th Birthday Announcement
Before beginning the submission process, it is vital to understand the strict eligibility requirements. The producers of Today receive thousands of requests annually, and adherence to these guidelines is the only way to ensure your loved one is considered for a shout-out.
Age Requirements
The segment is exclusively reserved for individuals celebrating their 100th birthday or any birthday thereafter (101, 102, etc.). Occasionally, the show may feature couples celebrating their 75th wedding anniversary, but the primary focus remains on those reaching the century mark. Submissions for 80th or 90th birthdays are generally not accepted for the televised segment due to the high volume of centenarians in the current demographic landscape.
Geographical Constraints
While Today is a global brand, the birthday segment specifically focuses on viewers within the United States. While there have been rare exceptions for U.S. citizens living abroad, the submission portal is designed primarily for domestic residents.
Lead Time and Deadlines
Timing is the most common reason for a rejection. The production team requires a minimum of three weeks' notice to process the photo, verify the details, and fit the announcement into the broadcast schedule. However, you should not submit more than two months in advance, as the system is optimized for near-term scheduling.
Step-by-Step Submission Process (2026 Guide)
In 2026, the submission process is entirely digital. Paper mail submissions, which were common in the 20th century, are no longer the standard and are unlikely to be reviewed in time for the broadcast. Follow these steps to complete a valid submission:
- Access the Official Portal: Navigate to Today.com/Smuckers. This is the only official channel for these requests. Beware of third-party websites that claim to "guarantee" an appearance for a fee; the Today show does not charge for birthday announcements.
- Fill Out the Centenarian’s Information: You will need the full name of the birthday celebrant, their exact birth date, and their current location (City and State).
- Provide Contact Information: As the "Submitter," you must provide your name, phone number, and email address. The production team may contact you to verify details or ask for additional high-resolution imagery if the original submission is unclear.
- Draft a Brief Bio: There is usually a section for a short description. Focus on what makes the person unique. Do they still play golf? Did they serve in a specific war? Do they have 30 grandchildren? Al Roker uses these "hooks" to make the announcement engaging.
- Upload the Photograph: This is the most critical technical step. See the section below for photo specifications.
- Review the Terms and Conditions: You will be asked to sign a digital release allowing NBCUniversal and Smucker’s to use the image on air and in promotional digital content.
Technical Photo Specifications for Broadcast
The Today show broadcast is delivered in high definition. A poor-quality photo is the fastest way to have a submission disqualified, regardless of how incredible the centenarian’s story might be.
- Resolution: The image should be at least 300 DPI (dots per inch) or a minimum of 1920x1080 pixels.
- Composition: A clear, well-lit headshot is preferred. Avoid photos where the subject is in a large group or where their face is obscured by shadows or glasses.
- Copyright: You must own the rights to the photo. Do not submit professional portraits taken by a studio unless you have a written copyright release. NBC cannot legally air copyrighted professional photography without permission.
- Orientation: Landscape (horizontal) or square photos usually work best for the "jar" graphic template used by the graphics department.
Detailed Comparison: Today Show vs. Other Birthday Milestones
Many families wonder if there are other ways to commemorate a 100th birthday if the Today show segment is full. The following table compares the Today show announcement with other official recognition programs available in 2026.
| Feature | Today Show (Al Roker) | Presidential Greeting | Local News Shout-out |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 100 Years | 80 Years | Varies (usually 90+) |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free |
| Lead Time | 3–8 Weeks | 6 Weeks | 1–2 Weeks |
| Visibility | National TV | Physical Card/Letter | Local TV/Web |
| Submission Method | Online Portal | White House Website | Email/Local Portal |
| Guarantee | No (Selection-based) | Yes (If criteria met) | High Probability |
The Smucker’s Partnership: Why the Jelly Jar?
The "Smucker's Jar" has become a cultural icon in its own right. The partnership began as a natural extension of Willard Scott’s "homespun" broadcasting style. Smucker’s, a company founded in 1897, shared a similar "longevity" brand identity with the centenarians being celebrated.
In the 2026 production workflow, the "jar" is a digital overlay. When Al Roker announces a birthday, the control room triggers a graphic that places the centenarian's photo inside the label of a Smucker’s grape or strawberry jelly jar. This visual branding is so effective that many viewers refer to the segment simply as "the Smucker’s birthdays." It is one of the longest-running brand integrations in television history, surviving multiple changes in network leadership and shifts in advertising trends.
Why Your Entry Might Not Be Chosen
It is important to manage expectations. The Today show receives hundreds of valid 100th-birthday submissions for every single day of the year. Because the segment usually only features three to five individuals per day, many deserving people are not featured on air.
Common reasons for non-selection include:
- Overcrowded Calendar: Certain months (like May or October) historically have higher volumes of birthdays, increasing competition for a slot.
- Late Submissions: If the request arrives two weeks before the birthday, the script and graphics for that day may already be finalized.
- Photo Quality Issues: If the image is blurry or too small, the graphics team cannot use it.
- Content Fit: The show looks for a diverse range of stories and geographic locations. If they already have three people from Florida scheduled for a Tuesday, they may choose a person from Oregon to maintain national balance.
The Role of Al Roker in 2026
As of 2026, Al Roker remains the heart of the Today show’s weather and features department. Despite several health challenges over the previous years, his commitment to the centenarian segment has never wavered. For Roker, the segment is more than just a sponsorship obligation; he has frequently stated in interviews that these announcements are his favorite part of the job.
Roker often records these segments in advance if he is traveling for a remote broadcast, but he frequently does them live from "Studio 1A" in Rockefeller Plaza. His ability to ad-lib and react to the unique bios—such as a 100-year-old who still rides a motorcycle or a great-great-grandmother who attributes her age to a daily glass of wine—is what keeps the segment fresh after more than 40 years on the air.
Practical Tips for a Successful Shout-out
To maximize the chances of Al Roker calling out your loved one's name, consider these "insider" tips from long-time viewers and production assistants:
- The "Unique Factor": Instead of just saying they are a "great person," mention a specific, quirky detail. "She has knitted 500 sweaters for the local shelter" is more likely to get picked than "She likes to knit."
- Lighting is Key: Take a new photo specifically for this. Place the subject facing a window for natural light. This makes their eyes pop and ensures the digital "jar" graphic looks professional.
- Follow Up (But Don't Nag): If you haven't heard anything and the birthday is approaching, you can try a single polite inquiry through the Today show's general contact form, but avoid calling the NBC switchboard, as they do not handle birthday scheduling.
- Check the Online Gallery: Sometimes, even if an announcement doesn't make the live broadcast due to a breaking news event, the Today show will feature the centenarian in their online "Birthday Gallery" or on their social media stories.
FAQ: Al Roker Birthday Announcements
Does Al Roker personally pick the birthdays?
No. While Al Roker is the face of the segment, a dedicated production team at NBC and representatives from the Smucker’s marketing team handle the logistics, verification, and scheduling. Al receives the finalized list and bios shortly before he goes on air.
What time does the birthday segment air?
The "birthday times" are not fixed to a specific minute. However, they most frequently occur at the end of the 8:00 AM ET hour or during the first 15 minutes of the 3rd hour of Today (9:00 AM ET). It is best to record the entire four-hour window or use a DVR service to search for the specific name.
Can I request a specific date for the announcement?
The producers aim to air the announcement on the actual birthday. However, if the birthday falls on a weekend, the announcement is usually moved to the Friday before or the Monday after. You cannot "book" a specific time slot within the show.
Is there a fee to get on the Smucker’s jar?
Absolutely not. The segment is a public service and an advertising integration for Smucker's. Any website asking for money to submit your photo to Al Roker is a scam.
Can I submit a video instead of a photo?
The standard format is a static photo within the jelly jar graphic. While the Today show occasionally features video packages for centenarians with extraordinary stories, the Smucker’s Birthday Greetings portal is designed specifically for still images.
Final Recommendation
To give your loved one the best chance of an Al Roker birthday shout-out in 2026, act early. Set a reminder for exactly eight weeks before the 100th birthday to gather a high-resolution photo and draft a compelling three-sentence bio. Submit through the official Smucker’s portal at Today.com/Smuckers immediately. Even if the announcement does not make the air, reaching the age of 100 is a monumental achievement that deserves celebration through local proclamations and family gatherings.
