The heads at NBC are reportedly looking to find Matt Lauer a new “bromance” in order to increase ratings for the sagging morning program.
Lauer has been without a buddy since his pal Bryant Gumbel left “Today,” and sources tell Mail Online that producers are looking for another anchor to fill the void left by Gumbel.
“If you look at Josh Elliott and Sam Champion on ‘Good Morning America,’ they are really great friends and that shines through on air. Not since Matt and Bryant have we seen chemistry like this on morning TV.”
Added a source, “Viewers like to see the presenters connecting, it’s all about connectibility and there’s no one for Matt to banter with.”
A senior TV source insider also denied whispers that Lauer would be sacked after “Good Morning America” took over “Today’s” top spot in the ratings. “Matt is on a huge deal, he’s hugely important to NBC – he’s not going anywhere,” the source told the publication.
Another source added: “There is no chance in hell that Matt’s getting fired.”
New executives Alexandra Wallace and Don Nash start next week. A source said they’re “waiting to see if Don Nash can do something bold. The consensus in the corridors at NBC is that ‘Today’ desperately needs the right team.”