Matt Lauer Reportedly In Talks With Bryant Gumbel For TV Return — Does He Deserve A Comeback?

Does he really deserve another chance? Former Today show host Matt Lauer may be trying to plan his TV comeback and might be in talks with HBO Sports host and former Today show anchor Bryant Gumbel about it. Radar Online reported on Jan. 16 that Matt went to Florida for “secret talks” with Bryant about the possibility early in January when he was seen in public for the first time in 2019 at the West Palm Beach airport.

A source who spoke with Radar said Matt hid behind sunglasses and a hat when he was spotted in the Sunshine State, and that he seemed concerned someone would recognize him. “Matt was wearing a sweater despite the Florida heat and looked very thin,” the insider reported. “He definitely didn’t appear to be himself or anything like how he looked on TV. He was incredibly gaunt.”

But where was Bryant and how does he fit in? Sources told the online outlet that Matt stayed with Bryant and his wife during the visit. So, is the former Today anchor coming back to the small screen or what?

You may recall that Matt was fired from the morning show following allegations that he sexually harassed a colleague and potentially up to 10 victims. He’s also reportedly going through divorce proceedings with his wife, Annette Roque, and both are moving on with their lives. But apparently, Matt isn’t ready to move on from TV entirely and wants to return to the business.

“Matt and Bryant are still extremely close friends,” a source told Radar. “This just might be Matt’s chance to show that he’s turned over a new leaf!”

But whether or not Matt wants to come back to TV may not matter if the viewing public doesn’t want him to. It remains to be seen if Matt will get a new gig with Bryant’s help or without it, and if people will actually tune in if Matt does make a triumphant return.