The conflict: Leno started taking shots at his corporate bosses in March when rumours began to fly that—despite Leno’s strong ratings—NBC planned to dump him in favour of Late Night host Jimmy Fallon (not unlike how it unceremoniously dumped Johnny Carson for Leno in 1992).
The outcome: Leno pleaded innocent to the on-air jabs, citing the tradition of late-night hosts making fun of their corporate masters—which might be the funniest thing he’s said in years, given his reputation as a company toady. Meanwhile, The New York Times reported NBC is already at work on Fallon’s new Tonight studio in New York, in a return to the show’s roots. Jimmy Fallon remains quiet.
FILED UNDER: April 15 issue 2013 jay leno jimmy fallon nbc tonight show
