Matt Lauer 'Very Close' To TV Comeback Deal With CNN

Matt Lauer was sent packing from NBC amid allegations he was sexually inappropriate with female colleagues, but RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal the former talk show host may be about to make his big comeback.

According to a source, Lauer, 61, could get a second shot at a broadcast career on cable thanks to his relationship with Jeff Zucker, the president of CNN Worldwide.

"Jeff Zucker was once Matt's boss at Today and the two are still very close," the insider told Radar. "Matt is one of the most talented broadcasters of all time and he knows he made mistakes, but he doesn't really think it's such a big deal."

"Matt hopes to be back on TV by the end of the year, and it looks like CNN will be his new home," continued the insider. "He can't wait to start a new chapter and will remember those that stood by him."

Lauer seemed to confirm rumors he could be heading to CNN when he left his hideout in the Hamptons to make a rare appearance at Zucker's 54th birthday celebration in New York City on Apr. 7.

The former Today show host's path back to the top isn't totally out of the question. The source pointed out Brian Williams, whose credibility was in doubt in 2015 after he embellished the facts about getting hit with enemy fire while covering the war in Iraq, was able to survive the controversy and go on to thrive as host of The 11th Hour With Brian Williams.

"People said disgraced Brian Williams could never make a comeback, but his show is a big hit at 11 p.m. on MSNBC," a source told Radar, insisting, "Matt could do the same for CNN."