First, there was talk that embattled Today Show host Matt Lauer would replace Alec Trebek as the host of Jeopardy! when Trebek retires in 2016. Now there’s word that NBC has approached CNN’s Anderson Cooper about replacing Lauer on the morning show.

Anderson Cooper (left) is rumored to be on the short list to replace Matt Lauer (right) as host of the Today Show.

Lauer out over Curry ouster?

The website deadline.com reported late Tuesday that NBC heads talked with Cooper, 45, about replacing Lauer, 55, by the end of the year. The New York Times confirmed the call took place. Lauer has been the focus of blistering criticism over the ouster of co-host Ann Curry and the show’s ratings slide despite the $25 million contract he signed just last year. He has just under two years remaining. Cooper’s syndicated talk show, Anderson Live, is being canceled at the end of this season. He also anchors CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360.
Cooper is just the latest rumored to be in the running to replace Lauer. Ryan Seacrest, current Today co-host Willie Geist and Meet the Press host David Gregory have also been reportedly up for the job. Publicly, NBC execs have stood by Lauer. A show spokeswoman dismissed the rumors about Cooper and denied the network was considering replacing Lauer.

An NBC News executive, however, said the network has talked with possible replacements from inside and outside the network, but that reading anything into that was presumptuous.

Cooper would make good morning host

Cooper would be an ideal morning host. He is very popular, is capable with hard news stories and fluff that dominates the morning shows and is witty and fast on his feet. He’s also been rumored to be in the running for Trebek’s spot.

Lauer’s fading fan base and attempts to reform his public image have been daily fodder in the media ever since Curry was unceremoniously axed as his co-anchor last June.

Article by: Mark Heckathorn, DC on Heels Executive Editor

Rumors are flying that the Today show’s Matt Lauer could become the next host of the TV quiz show Jeopardy when its veteran host Alex Trebek retires in 2016.

Today show host Matt Lauer on the beach in Buenos Aries during one of his Where in the World is Matt Lauer segments

Lauer on his way out at Today?

The New York Post reported Friday that the beleaguered host of the Today show tops the list to replace Trebrek. Lauer is reported to be on his way out at the morning show, which fell to No. 2 behind Good Morning America after 16 years on top.

The Post reported that Lauer is not expected to re-sign with Today when his $25-million-a-year deal ends in 2015. Trebek has hosted Jeopardy for three decades. Sources told the Post that Sony Pictures Television, which owns the hugely profitable show, has quietly been feeling out TV personalities in recent months to see who might be available and willing to take on the role in 2016.

Host Alex Trebek on the set of Jeopardy.

Trebek — who has had two heart attacks — said last year that he was thinking about retiring this season. But Sony convinced him to sign one final, three-year contract to give them time to find a successor. He’ll be 76 when his contract ends.

Anderson Cooper also under consideration?

Also said to be under consideration is Anderson Cooper, whose CNN contract ends next year. But sources say Lauer tops the list. Lauer’s cohost, Meredith Vieira, hosted Who Wants to Be a Millionaire all five years she was on Today.

Final decisions are at least 1 ½ year away, and much can happen before then.

Article by Executive Editor Mark Heckathorn