Leno Mocking NBC Leads To Trouble At ‘The Tonight Show’

Jay Leno has always poked fun at NBC but his mocking jokes may have crossed the line.

Leno, who may or may not be giving up his seat to Jimmy Fallon soon, made a few jokes last month about the network’s poor ratings. Leno said that NBC has adapted The Biggest Loser as it’s new slogan and said that he hoped NBC would call up Manti Te’o to stir up some imaginary viewers.

Leno said: “It’s so bad, ‘The Biggest Loser’ isn’t just a TV show anymore; it’s our new motto … It’s so bad, NBC called Manti Te’o and asked him to bring in some imaginary viewers.”

For Robert Greenblat, NBC’s Chairman of Entertainment, the jokes hit a little too close to home.

NBC recently finished fifth during sweeps behind Spanish language channel Univision and network execs seem a little touchy on the subject of ratings. Greenblat and Jay reportedly sent each other a few “tense” emails about the mocking jokes. It’s unclear what was said but rumor has it that the emails may lead to Leno losing his seat at The Tonight Show.

Shortly after the emails were exchanged, rumors started circulating that Jimmy Fallon would soon be taking Jay’s spot on the iconic program. For the moment, however, all of this is speculation. Jay hasn’t confirmed his exit from the show and Jimmy hasn’t confirmed that he’s taking over The Tonight Show. But it does hint at the fact that Jay isn’t untouchable at NBC.

Do you think the tense emails will lead to Jay’s exit from NBC? Are you surprised that Jay was criticized for making mocking jokes at the network’s expense?