Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings, 50, ‘has no intention’ to leave show amid rumors he could be replaced by Colin Jost, 42
Ken Jennings ‘has no intention’ of stepping away from his hosting duties on the hit game competition show Jeopardy! despite swirling rumors that he could be axed.
The TV personality, 50 – who is speculated to possibly be replaced by SNL comedian Colin Jost – became the sole permanent host during the show’s 40th season.
However, after Jost was named the host for the spinoff Pop Culture Jeopardy! and following criticism from fans, rumors arose that Jennings could lose his role as host on the flagship series.
A source recently told Closer Weekly that Ken is, ‘desperate to make it work and has no intention of leaving of his own accord,’ in regards to his position on the show.
‘Ken’s well aware of the noise and tittle-tattle, and privately he would acknowledge these are tough times – especially with Colin Jost coming on to host Pop Culture Jeopardy! and fans calling him awkward, which is hard to take.’
There is a rumor he could be replaced by Colin Jost; Jost seen with wife Scarlett Johansson in July in New York City
The source added, ‘But he’s insisting there’s a share of blame here. He doesn’t write the lines or pick the questions and contestants, and won’t be made a scapegoat!’
Viewers of Jeopardy! have recently shared their concerns that the long-running game show – which first began airing in 1964 – has become ‘way too difficult’ for contestants.
Fans were also left in an uproar over an episode that aired last month in July due to Jennings accepting an answer that was mispronounced.
Others have slammed the bosses for ‘dumbing down’ questions for contestants on the syndicated show.
In regards to the axe rumors, another source told Closer that Jennings, ‘won’t take this treatment. He’s calling on bosses to be more supportive and warning people not to trip him up.’
‘Ken doesn’t understand why viewers think this is all his fault, because it’s not. He believes others need to take responsibility. He’s done playing Mr. Nice Guy!’
Earlier this month, a source told The U.S. Sun that Sony has no plans to fire Jennings, but is still ‘keeping their options open.’
‘Knowing the leadership at Sony Pictures TV, the last reason they would fire Ken Jennings is because of on-air mistakes.’
A source recently told Closer Weekly that Ken is, ‘desperate to make it work and has no intention of leaving of his own accord,’ in regards to his position on the show’; seen in 2023
Earlier this month, a source told The U.S. Sun that Sony has no plans to fire Jennings, but is still ‘keeping their options open’; seen in 2020 in NYC
The insider explained, ‘It’s not a live show; it’s taped well in advance, and therefore, mistakes are just as much, if not more, the producer’s and writers’ responsibility as they are Ken’s.’
‘Instead, the only real reason to replace Ken is if the ratings took a nosedive, and that hasn’t happened yet. The show is holding steady.’
The TV personality – who does not have a ‘long-term contract’ – wants ‘to do this for the next twenty years, but he’s going to have to get comfortable with only being renewed one or two years at a time for the foreseeable future.’
‘Sony is keeping him in the hosting job but they are also keeping their options open,’ the source continued.
Ken is currently only the host of Jeopardy!, while Celebrity Jeopardy! has been renewed without a host and Colin Jost becoming host for Pop Culture Jeopardy!
The insider told The U.S. Sun that, ‘if they truly had 100% confidence in Ken, they would tap him for their primetime and celebrity editions, which they have decidedly not done.’
‘But Ken is still finding his groove on the syndicated version of the show and Sony is letting him become the de facto face of the franchise – for now.’
In 2021, Ken became a guest co-host on the game show after the death of longtime host, Alex Trebek. He became the sole host for season 40 when Mayim Bialik was fired.
‘It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m gonna miss her,’ Ken reflected during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter late last year in December.
‘I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it.’
The star has won a whopping total of 74 games, and raked in around $2.5 million in prize money; seen in 2004
‘On my end, I’m just a fan of Jeopardy! and I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me,’ Jennings explained to the publication.
‘I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster.’
Before taking on hosting duties, Ken notably was no stranger to the competition game show.
The star has won a whopping total of 74 games, and raked in around $2.5 million in prize money.
