Despite the building buzz around Jimmy Fallon possibly taking over as the host of "The Tonight Show," Jay Leno kept quiet on the subject last night.
Instead, he continued to rip into his bosses at NBC for their poor primetime ratings. The digs are especially meaningful since Leno continues to win in late-night ratings.
[Related: See Jimmy Fallon on the Cover of GQ Magazine]
"According to several reports, scientists say they are getting closer and closer to being able to do 'Jurassic Park'-style cloning of extinct species," Leno joked Wednesday night. "Imagine that? Things that were once thought to be extinct could now be brought back from the dead. So there's hope for NBC. It could turn around."
Leno's been snarking at NBC for the last few weeks. After jokes like, "'The Biggest Loser' isn't just a TV show anymore; it's our new motto," NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt reportedly sent him an email to complain. That -- along with the rumors that NBC brass want him out, despite topping the ratings -- seems to be fueling Leno's fire.
[Related: Leno Calls NBC Execs 'Snakes' on 'Tonight Show']
While the current "Tonight Show" host didn't remark on the succession reports, the possible future "Tonight Show" host did. In his opening monologue, Fallon addressed the issue right away, joking, "Before we get started, I have to talk about the rumors that came out today, which say that I'll be moving up to 11:30 -- or as my parents call it, 'Umm, still too late.' Actually the rumors are true. NBC is turning 'The Tonight Show' into a diving competition. So exciting."
(Fallon was referring to ABC's "Splash," which premiered to excellent ratings earlier this week.)
Will Leno ever joke about his (potential) demise as host? Perhaps it's his way of getting more people to tune in every night.
