Jay Leno, NBC Feud: 'Tonight Show' Host Blasts Network in March 18 Monologue, Calls Executives 'Snakes', NBC's 2013 Primetime Ratings a Sore Subject

Get ready late night talk show fans, because it looks like NBC and Jay Leno are about to find themselves back in the news headlines again. In a bit of irony, "Tonight Show" host Jay Leno made fun of NBC executives during his opening monologue Monday March 18 by basically calling them snakes. Some may say Leno is a snake, namely former "Tonight Show" host Conan O'Brien, but it looks like rumors of Leno's exit are starting to get to the late night host and NBC executives.

Despite getting caught up in the NBC late night drama back in 2010, Leno has always put forth a pretty squeaky clean image, making sure to say the right things on TV. However, on Monday Leno ripped NBC executives in his monologue. Leno said, "You know the whole legend of St. Patrick, right? St. Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland - and then they came to the United States and became NBC executives. It's a fascinating story."

Leno also recently blasted the network for its terrible sweeps ratings finish back in February. On Feb. 28, Leno rang off a list of jokes towards his own network. "We are behind the Spanish-language network Univision - or, as we call it here in Los Angeles, Cinco de Ratings," 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."

According to The New York Times' Bill Carter, NBC executives have been feuding with Leno over his recent selection of jokes. Rumors started back in February that NBC was planning on ditching Leno when his contract was up in order to place "Late Night" host Jimmy Fallon in the "Tonight Show" slot. NBC has been actively denying those rumors, but maybe this new rift with management is just the spark needed to make the move happen.

According to The New York Times, NBC executive Robert Greenblatt was so upset with Leno's jokes against the company that he emailed Leno. The "Tonight Show' host reportedly defended himself, saying that late night hosts have a long history of cracking jokes at the expense of their bosses. Greenblatt is the main person responsible for the network's prime-time ratings, which failed miserably during the last ratings sweeps.

Even despite all the criticism and drama, Leno continues to lead the late night ratings. It will be interesting to see if Leno's strong ratings will be enough to keep him in the "Tonight Show" chair for much longer. Keep checking Mstarz for the latest news and rumors surrounding NBC's late night drama.