As the morning show war heats up between The Today Show, CBS This Morning and Good Morning America, executives at NBC are probably breathing a bit easier now that Matt Lauer has signed a long-term deal to stay at Today. According to The New York Times,

“Matt always said he would only continue if he could be all-in,” he said. “The all-in factor was really key. This is demanding job with a demanding schedule. For him it was a question of lifestyle. As his family is getting older he wants to be able to spend more time with them.”

While the financial details of the deal were not disclosed, sources have told Newsday that Lauer will receive an estimated $25 million per year. 

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Where in the world is Matt Lauer? At this exact moment I’m not sure, but I know where he will be. TVLine is reporting that The Today Show host will be appearing as himself in an upcoming episode of USA’s hit series Royal Pains.

The episode, titled “Ta Da For,” finds Lauer attempting to vacation in the Hamptons — though Evan’s (Paulo Constanzo) incessant pestering for a Today profile on HankMed makes relaxing difficult for the daytime TV staple.

Royal Pains' season premiere aired June 29.

Photo of Matt Lauer by PR Photos

Jim Carrey dropped…err...galloped into The Today Show’s studio to promote his new movie Mr. Popper’s Penguins and ended up horsing around with Matt Lauer. Afterwards, Lauer joked "I can't believe I rode Jim Carrey," Watch the clip after the jump and then take your best Caption This shot. 

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Rumors of Matt Lauer doing a talk show with ex-Today Show host Katie Couric are greatly exaggerated. Deadline reports that Lauer addressed the rumors at a press conference, admitted that there had been some talks, but ultimately a talk show between the two was not in the works. From Lauer:

"We certainly spoke about the possibility, but we’ve talked about a lot of possibilities over the years. It turned into just talk. And that’s where we left it. It’s not going to happen.”

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If Katie Couric’s departure from CBS was Hollywood’s worst kept secret, then Meredith Vieira’s intention to leave The Today Show was a close second.  Vieira announced her decision to leave Today in June, this morning.

“After months of personal reflection and private conversations between my family and my friends, I’ve decided to leave Today in June.”

After Vieira revealed her decision, Matt Lauer announced Ann Curry will be joining him as co-host. After speaking poignantly to Meredith, Curry revealed Natalie Morales will replace her as newsreader.  Watch the clip after the jump! READ MORE