NBC's Bob Greenblatt Wants Jay Leno to Stay Following TONIGHT SHOW Hand-Off to Jimmy Fallon

NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt elaborated on THE TONIGHT SHOW's transition from longtime host Jay Leno to current LATE NIGHT anchor Jimmy Fallon at the Television Critics Association press tour yesterday, July 27, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

Greenblatt discussed that the transition had been in the works for years, and that the move needed to occur when NBC's overall coverage was strong enough "to give Fallon the best chance of succeeding." Because of this, he said that the upcoming Winter Olympics will be the perfect time for the hand-off.

Still, Greenblatt emphasized that he wants to keep Leno on NBC. "Nothing would make us happier than to have him -- a la Bob Hope -- stay on the network," he said. "Jay has done an incredible job for more than two decades."

Leno will have hosted THE TONIGHT SHOW for 22 years when he steps down. As part of the transition, THE TONIGHT SHOW will be returning to its original home in 30 Rock in New York and will be executive-produced by Emmy Award winner Lorne Michaels ("Saturday Night Live," "30 Rock").

Photo Credit: Mark Seliger/Andrew Eccles/NBC