As far as where he's been, it would appear he took some time off to raise his son and be a good father. Seems like a pretty class act, here's to hoping he makes it back:

http://www.thedailybeast.com/newswee...over-fame.html

He filled in as a guest host on Piers Morgan Tonight so that probably whetted his appetite to return to late night,

Tavis Smiley is an intelligent man who carries himself well, but he isn't an entertainer. If Arsenio's show turned into that, I'd skip it. Luckily, I don't think it will.

Ok, so that explains 5 of the last 20 years....

I use to be a fan but after seeing him on Celebrity Apprentice, no desire to watch him in anything.

Wouldn't the syndicated channels get better ratings with continued Seinfeld repeats, etc?

If they believed that, why would they sign up?