‘Jeopardy’ Contestant Shares Blunt Opinion of Ken Jennings Mid-Show

Ken Jennings has met with his fair share of criticism since he started hosting Jeopardy!, but he has plenty of fans on his side, too.

On a recent episode of the iconic game show, contestant Steven Czekala—a retired dentist from Oakland, California—paused to pay Jennings a compliment.

“Ken, I’ve always wanted to say this. I think you’re doing a really good job hosting the show,” Czekala said, which made Jennings laugh with appreciation.

Jeopardy! fans on social media agreed with Czekala’s assessment.

“I know Alex would be so proud that he is hosting the show. 🥺♥️” wrote one person.

“I think he’s excellent, because he respects the game, he KNOWS he’ll never be Alex and he’s not trying to be, but he has a great sense of humor and is kind to the players,” shared a second Instagram user, referencing late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek.

“Ken is great at hosting. I know he didn’t think he was going to do great but he’s grown into it and his sense of humor is always on display,” agreed someone else.

During the same episode, Czekala shared a story fans called the “most heartwarming” thing they ever heard on the show, according to The U.S. Sun.

As he explained it, he was on his way to see some friends who were competing in the Olympic Trials for swimming over the summer in Indianapolis when he had a terrifying accident.

“On my way to the venue, my scooter fell apart and I fell and broke my collarbone. Immediately a family stopped, put me in the car and drove me straight to the hospital emergency room,” Czekala said. “They made sure I was okay and then I never heard from them again and I didn’t get their contact information.”

“But, I know they watch Jeopardy! because on their way to the hospital, they said they were from West Lafayette, Indiana,” he continued. “And I said ‘oh my gosh, Adriana Harmeyer is from West Lafayette, Indiana!’ And they said that they watch Jeopardy! And so to my Hoosiers good samaritans out there, thank you so much for the kindness you extended me. I’m on the Alex Trebek stage now!”