Welcome to the big leagues, Jimmy Fallon.
Following Wednesday’s official announcement that Fallon will take over NBC’s “Tonight” show in 2014, his future ABC competition, Jimmy Kimmel, sent over both his congratulations and a challenge.
“congratulations to my dear, sweet @jimmyfallon,” Kimmel tweeted. “a formidable rival and an incredible lover”
Also read: Jimmy Fallon Replacing Jay Leno on 'Tonight' Next Spring, NBC Confirms
The 11:35 p.m. spot has become a ratings battleground between Jay Leno and Kimmel ever since ABC moved its late-night show into the time slot in January. Yet Leno still holds the No. 1 spot among total viewers and the ad-coveted 18-49 demo.
Wednesday’s official word that Fallon will replace Leno followed several leaks to news reporters and then spilled over to the general public with increased coverage and, of course, Leno’s jabs at NBC brass in recent monologues.
It culminated with a skit on Monday’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” when the “Saturday Night Live” alum teamed with Leno to spoof the reports. The skit also gestured to a possible move for Leno to Fox.
Also read: Who's the Youngest 'Tonight' Host? Not Fallon.
Kimmel’s tweet is certainly funny, but it also hints at one of the reported reasons NBC has installed Fallon at the late night desk: He appeals to younger demos, and that may be the next battle for Kimmel in 2014.