It appears that NBC is more furious with their "Tonight Show" host, Jay Leno, for pointing it out their poor ratings, then the numbers themselves.
The joke in question happened on Feb. 28, when Leno poked fun at his network's fall from grace: "We are behind the Spanish-language network Univision -- or, as we call it here in Los Angeles, Cinco de Ratings," he said,according to the Hollywood Reporter. "It's so bad, TheBiggest Loser isn't just a TV show anymore; it's our new motto," he continued. "It's so bad, NBC called Manti Te'o and asked him to bring in some imaginary viewers."
The New York Times spoke to "three executives close to the situation" who claim that NBC entertainment chief Robert Greenblatt was none too happy with Leno for his mockery of the network's slide into the fifth overall.
One of those executives said that "Mr. Greenblatt, who has the main responsibility for the network's prime-time ratings, fired off an e-mail to Mr. Leno and complained," according to New York Times.
These E-mails, according to Hollywood Reporter, came before their report that NBC was looking to replace Leno as host of "The Tonight Show," again.
Earlier in the month, the news outlet claimed that "NBC is planning to announce in May that the 2013-14 television season will be Leno's last year to host "The Tonight Show," with Jimmy Fallon eyed as his replacement.
The idea would be to introduce Fallon to the earlier time-slot viewers with a "soft launch" beginning in the summer of 2014, and then formally starting Fallon's run with "The Tonight Show" that fall.
Leno's representatives have refused to comment, saying, "We do not speculate on rumor," according to THR.
The funny part of this whole situation is that Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" is the only No. 1 show NBC has, but many critics believe NBC is worried about competing with Jimmy Kimmel (Host of ABC's rival show, which is shown in the exact-same 11:35 p.m. time slot) for the younger demographic.
"Kimmel has done extremely well," said an NBC "veteran," according to THR, who noted he hasn't heard of any plans to oust Leno. "Jay wins overall, but on any given night, it's neck-and-neck in 18-49. I understand where they might have fear and also feel that they own the solution [in Fallon.]"
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