Now that ABC’s deal with Katie Couric, to host her own talk show, is a done, longtime Couric friend and former NBCUniversal president and CEO Jeff Zucker is talking about their upcoming project.  The Hollywood Reporter filed this report from Promax BDA, where Zucker appeared with CNN’s Ali Velshi at a Q&A session.

“I think Katie is a unique brand in television. The mere fact that we can just say, 'Katie,' and everyone knows who you’re talking about is evidence of that fact. I think what people have missed for a long time is the Katie who was part of …the Today show and who is big enough to have fun and be serious all in one show. That’s really what you’ll see [on her talk show]. That’s what her brand is. It’s a brand that has credibility and fun. Our hope is we take that into that program. It’s a tremendous opportunity.”

Zucker was also asked about the disastrous Jay Leno primetime experiment. READ MORE

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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The cast and crew of NBC’s No. 1 rated morning show, The Today Show, wished Meredith Vieira an emotional farewell on Wednesday in New York City. Vieira joined Today when Katie Couric left in 2006 to anchor the CBS Evening News. Watch clips from Today’s farewell for Vieira after the jump!

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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.”

Photos by PR Photos

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