Jay Leno Does The Tonight Show

Jay Leno returned to his “Tonight Show” stomping grounds, making an unannounced cameo during Jimmy Fallon’s opening monologue Tuesday night.

Variety reports Leno’s appearance comes as a surprise, though the timing is no mistake: his upcoming show “Jay Leno’s Garage” premieres tomorrow on NBC’s sister network, CNBC, so his spot makes for a perfect in-house promotion.

During the show, Fallon opens per usual, and then Leno crashes the monologue, surprising the audience and telling a few jokes.

“Ah! Shoot, I think I pulled a hammy on that last joke,” Fallon says. “I don’t think I can continue. But of course, here at the ‘Tonight Show,’ the monologue has to go on. So I think I’m gonna have to sub out. Can someone can tag in for me?” Fallon says as Leno takes the stage.

The Tuesday night monologue marked Leno’s second time standing center stage on “The Tonight Show” since his February 2014 departure when he passed the baton down to Fallon.