David Letterman Chimes In On Planned Leno Exit, Fallon Taking Over Tonight Show

David Letterman rather famously lost the “Tonight Show” gig to Jay Leno decades ago, and on Wednesday night’s “The Late Show,” he joked about losing it again – this time to Jimmy Fallon, who will take over hosting duties on the NBC program in 2014.

“I got a call from my mom today, she says, ‘Well, David, I see you didn’t get the ‘Tonight Show’ again,’” David joked in his opening monologue for “The Late Show with David Letterman.”

WATCH IT NOW: Jay Leno Confirms ‘Tonight Show’ Departure; Jimmy Fallon To Take Over

Other barbs included:

“It seems like we just went through this. Didn’t we just go through this? Jay Leno now is being replaced, and this is the second time this has happened. I mean, it’s crazy. He’s being replaced by a younger late night talk show host – what could possibly go wrong? Honestly. They had pretty good luck with this in the past.”

And…

“But NBC, God bless ‘em, announced the official date for Jay Leno’s departure – no mention of his official date of return, however.”

And…

“I happen to know Jay’s got another job on network that has greater viewership, higher ratings – Univision. He’s going there.”

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David also made a few more comments when he took his seat behind the desk at “The Late Show” on Wednesday, making jokes — not really at Jay’s expense — but at NBC’s.

“He’s retiring, so it says, and good for him. I’ve known him 38 years. I’ve known Jay Leno for 38 years,” David said as the audience applauded. “Thank you. I don’t know what aspect of that you’re applauding, but thank you… So now he’s out again, but going out on top. So congratulations to Jay, a job well done. And, I mean, how many times can a guy be pushed out of the job, I mean. And what’s the matter with NBC?”

David then wrapped up his comments by offering a “congratulations.”

“I know he’ll be out on the road, getting it done and taking care of business and congratulations on a nice long run there at the ‘Tonight Show,’ if in fact you’re not coming back,” Dave added.

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