Don Lemon, the former CNN anchor, recently expressed high hopes for Matt Lauer’s future, 

suggesting that there may be a path for the former “Today” show host to make a return to the media landscape.

Lauer, who was dismissed from NBC in 2017 following allegations of sexual misconduct, has remained a controversial figure,

but Lemon believes that public support could play a significant role in his potential comeback.

During a recent appearance on the *Hollywood Raw* podcast, Lemon, 58, spoke candidly about Lauer, whom he considers a friend.

Lemon shared that he has observed firsthand the level of admiration the public still has for Lauer, especially when they are out in public together.

According to L

emon, people often approach Lauer and express their desire to see him back on television, telling him, “I love you. I miss you on television.” He even noted that these interactions often come from women, who are eager to take pictures with him.

Despite the scandal that led to Lauer’s firing from NBC, which involved allegations made by former NBC employee Brooke Nevils, Lemon insists that there is a strong desire among the public for Lauer to return to the spotlight.

He suggested that Lauer could find success in a new platform, especially in the digital media space, where he would have more control over his career path.

Lemon speculated that the public would be open to accepting Lauer back on their screens, given the widespread affection people still seem to have for him.

“I think that if he could come back to digital, he can set his own course,” Lemon said. “I think the general public would accept — just me — would accept Matt back.”

He also suggested that Lauer could find success even without a traditional television comeback, given that many people have continued to follow his story and maintain a level of support for him.

Lemon’s comments come amid ongoing reports about Lauer’s interest in reentering the media world. Following his dismissal from NBC, Lauer largely kept a low profile, but there have been recent signs that he may be looking to reestablish himself professionally.

n April 2024, Lauer and his partner, Shamin Abas, attended Lemon’s wedding in New York City, and sources close to Lauer indicated that he has been quietly talking to media professionals about potential projects.

According to one insider, Lauer is “planning his next act” and remains upset about how he was portrayed in the media following the sexual misconduct allegations. The source added that Lauer still feels like a victim in the situation, and he is eager to make a comeback, though the exact nature of his return remains unclear.

While there is speculation that Lauer may be interested in returning to television, sources close to him have also noted that he is considering ways to regain relevance on his own terms.

In a previous report from *Page Six*, it was revealed that Lauer has been contemplating a media comeback on his own, without the restrictions and scrutiny of traditional network television.

This would allow him the freedom to rebuild his career while avoiding some of the limitations imposed by mainstream media’s reaction to the allegations against him.

Although Lauer’s future in the media industry remains uncertain, his friends, including Lemon, are optimistic about his prospects.

Lemon mentioned that the public’s lingering affection for Lauer, especially from women, could help him rebuild his career.

If Lauer chooses to return to the public eye, he may find a warm reception from a segment of the population that still admires him.

Lauer’s dismissal from NBC came after a rape allegation from Brooke Nevils, a former NBC employee, was brought to light by Ronan Farrow in his book *Catch and Kill*.

Lauer vehemently denied the allegations and criticized the media’s portrayal of the situation, arguing that the reporting was flawed and that there was a rush to judgment.

Despite the controversy, Lauer has remained in the public conversation, and some believe there may still be a chance for him to reclaim a place in the media world, particularly in the digital age, where the public’s desire for his return could potentially outweigh the weight of past allegations.

Ultimately, while a full return to mainstream television may still seem unlikely for Lauer, his future remains open-ended, and Don Lemon’s optimistic outlook suggests that there may be more chapters to come in his media career.