Jay Leno is retiring from "The Tonight Show," again.
Well, not anytime soon and if one speaks to former NBC "Late Night" and "Tonight Show" host, Conan O'Brien, Leno didn't even retire the first time.
However, the latest rumors flying around the entertainment world is that the 62-year-old comedian will be stepping down from his "Tonight Show" perch to give way to current "Late Night" star, Jimmy Fallon
According to Comcast's website (majority owner of NBC), NBC executives are reportedly discussing a "Tonight Show" succession plan that would have Fallon taking over the show from Leno in summer 2014.
Anyone hear about this "plan" before?
The scenario, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter has Fallon, 38, taking over the show from Leno in [the] summer 2014 for a so-called "soft" launch, with Fallon's "official" start as host scheduled for September 2014 at the outset of the 2014-15 TV season.
The move--if true--would pit the "Late Night" host against ABC's Jimmy Kimmel, who has made no secret of his disdain for Leno. Sources say bringing in Fallon would give NBC a much-needed dose of youth in the 11:35 p.m. timeslot, states msn.com.
Looking at the current late night ratings, Leno stands at the top of the mountain overall, but is tied with Kimmel, who recently made the jump to 11:35 p.m. timeslot, in the the coveted 18-49 demographic. So, why would NBC (the fifth-ranked network) announce this move now, when they are No.1 overall?
Easy, save money.
"The network would save money paying a far lower salary to Jimmy Fallon compared to the roughly $20 million per year Leno makes," according to Daily Mail.
A Leno spokesman told The Hollywood Reporter, "We do not speculate on rumor."
In another twist, Leno's contract, as well as his long-time CBS rival, "Late Show" host David Letter, expires in 2014.
The Inquisitr notes that if Letterman announces his retirement before Leno, CBS may try to steal Fallon away from NBC.
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