Jeopardy! EP: Ken Jennings’ New Role With Show Is Not a ‘Tryout’ for Host
Ken Jennings‘ new, on-camera role with Jeopardy! is not a tryout of sorts for him to one day succeed Alex Trebek as host.
When it was announced that the Jeopardy! GOAT contender was joining Season 37 as a consulting producer — where his duties include the presentation of his own special video categories, starting with this Tuesday’s episode — the common assumption was that he was being groomed as Trebek’s eventual successor.
But new executive producer Mike Richards nixed that notion, in an interview with The Ringer.
“[Alex is] the host of the show. We’re not shopping,” Richards asserted. “He’s our guy, and he’s our guy till he tells us he’s not our guy, and then we can have a different conversation. I just don’t think it’s appropriate to have that conversation until Alex comes to me and says, ‘OK. This is my plan.’”
Trebek seemingly made a wink to such fan suppositions in a recent Season 37 promo, saying, “Don’t worry, I’ll still be the host”:
#Jeopardy37 starts September 14 with some exciting changes!
Mic check, one, two. Can you hear us, @KenJennings? pic.twitter.com/ojO2By0AeH
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) September 3, 2020
Having run out of original episodes in early June, Jeopardy! resumed production in late July with a slightly altered set designed to keep contestants and crew safe in light of the coronavirus pandemic. Specifically, producers added additional space between the contestants’ podiums (and between the contestants and Trebek).
Jeopardy!‘s Sept. 14 return came nearly two years into Trebek’s battle with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. The TV icon recently shared that an experimental immunotherapy treatment has been “paying off,” adding, “My doctor has told me that he is counting on me celebrating two years of survivorship past the diagnosis of Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, and that two years happens in February. So I expect to be around — because he said I will be around — and I expect to be hosting the show if I am around.”
Glad to hear it plus I think that Alex has already mentioned a couple of people who should succeed him.
If I remember correctly, he said in an interview some time back, that he was in favor of a young man, also named Alex, who, I believe, is a sportscaster. There was a small clip of this young man. Very nice voice, very nice camera presence.
Whew!
That is totally a weight off my mind.
Do. Not. Want. Jennings. As. Host.
Agreed. There are experienced hosts out there who could potentially take over, like Jimmy Kimmel and David Letterman, and they would be much less of a business risk than Jennings. Personally I think Letterman would be superb, although it would necessitate him coming further out of semi-retirement.
WHAT. have you even ever watched Jeopardy? It’s not Wheel of Fortune. The audience doesn’t want the guy who hosted The Man Show. Part of Alex’s charm is that we actually believe he knows the answers to the questions (questions to the answers?).
I don’t think there will be any tryouts. I think the torch has been lit and we’re watching a slow motion hand-off
^^ yep.
Jennings may be the better player but Brad Rutter has more charisma. Give it to Brad!
Definitely, Rutter would be better. Jennings is so smarmy i can’t stand to look at him or listen to his voice.
I’ll take obvious lies for 1000
Definitely, this is 100% a transition plan.
I’m hoping that Ken is going to be the host after Alex. Love Ken Jennings and I think he would be the perfect host.
He’s more like Pat Sajack than Alex Trebek, and he’s busy on Master Minds. Game show hosting is tricky: Rob Belushi is likable on Get a Clue but he yells and oversells it continuously. Joey Fatone is boring on Common Knowledge.
I would love to see James involved with the future of Jeopardy.
He would be my top pick of all the contestants. He has such a nice, understated way about him.
I was hoping that James would be the choice too. He mannerisms impressed me.
EP denials mean nothing.
Great news Alex Trebek is the best. He is so good with contestants and hosting!
Alex Trebek has made Jeopardy what it is. It’s going to be tough for anyone to fill his shoes.
So glad to see Alex again. So wonderful he is doing well.
It’s gonna be Buzzy.
Alex Trebeck is like such a kind & classy guy. We wish him well & pray for him every day. He looked great in Episode 1.
It totally IS a tryout, just for the future. I’m all in for the torch to be passed to Ken, if and when Alex “isn’t around.” not before. Morbid discussion, unfortunately. Alex is a national treasure, and I’m so happy he’s beaten this illness back! Plus, if we could all just clap him into health Ala Peter pan, it couldn’t hurt!
We all would like Alex to stay as host, but if he ever does have to step away, then James would be a better fit. He is very well liked and Jepordy had the best following when he was on. We want someone that is intelligent and not just self -promoting like Ken.
Ken Jennings has zero personality. James seems very introverted with quirky humor which I think would be misunderstood as a host. Brad has personality. But Buzzy – Buzzy would be perfect. He is smart, personable and friendly and would def be a great fit in my opinion.
Buzzy would be superb!
I want Neil Degrasse Tyson. After listening to his podcast a lot and seeing him on talk shows and hosting Cosmos, it’s clear that he’s smart, engaging, and effortlessly entertaining.
If ken Jennings ever was to replace Mr. trenevk I would STOP watching jeopardy
To the people saying ken Jennings has no personality, listen to some of his many appearances on Doug loves movies. He is very funny and would make a great host.
I would love for Steve Harvey to be the next host for the next 20 years.
Hell no! He’d make it all about him as he has with Family Feud.
11/8/2020 Rest In Peace Alex
Steve Harvey doesn’t have a Jeopardy style personality. He’s not serious enough and makes stupid, sexual not funny jokes on Family Feud
I hope some network will pick up this show. I don’t watch these types but reall loved this one
I’m thinking Brook Burns should Jeopardy ever need a different host.
I love you Alex and when the time comes and you say “this is my plan” I do hope Ken takes over because I love him too but then again I don’t have to worry because you’re not going anywhere
Ju siobha
I’ll have to find something else to watch if he takes over. Sad.
11/8/2020 Rest In Peace Alex Trebeck