Ken Jennings, the former Jeopardy! champion turned host, has seamlessly transitioned into his role as the face of the iconic game show. Since officially becoming the sole host in 2023, Jennings has brought his own touch to the role while maintaining the integrity and prestige established by the late Alex Trebek. Now, behind-the-scenes insights are shedding light on Jennings’ approach to hosting and how he connects with contestants in a way that sets him apart.

Initially stepping into the role as a guest host following Trebek’s passing, Jennings quickly proved his ability to lead the show with confidence and respect for its legacy. He was eventually named a permanent co-host alongside actress Mayim Bialik, but in 2023, Jennings took over all hosting duties for the traditional game and its tournaments. His deep-rooted connection to Jeopardy! as a former contestant has significantly influenced his approach, making him a relatable and empathetic presence for those competing.

According to a report from Rolling Stone, Jennings makes a concerted effort to ease contestants’ nerves before they step onto the famous stage. Unlike Trebek, who typically met players onstage, Jennings takes time before filming to meet all 15 potential contestants in a more casual setting. Dressed comfortably, he greets them with a reassuring message: “I’m on your side.”

This personal touch reflects Jennings’ understanding of the contestant experience. He recognizes the surreal nature of being on Jeopardy!, describing it as feeling like “you’re in Tron” when stepping onto the set. His goal is to help competitors adjust before the cameras roll, ensuring they feel as comfortable as possible.

Liz McKenna, a former contestant who competed in July 2024, noted that Jennings’ kindness stood out. She recalled how he responded to a question from her daughter during the audience Q&A with warmth and sincerity, describing his answer as something “the way a dad would” respond. She emphasized that despite his vast knowledge, Jennings never comes across as condescending or superior. Instead, his hosting style exudes warmth and approachability.

Jennings’ hosting style is a departure from Trebek’s more formal and authoritative presence. While Trebek was deeply respected and beloved, Jennings brings a level of familiarity and connection that resonates with modern audiences. His ability to make contestants feel valued and comfortable enhances the viewing experience and reinforces the supportive nature of the Jeopardy! community.

Despite initial skepticism about whether he could fill Trebek’s shoes, Jennings has undoubtedly found his rhythm as the show’s host. His commitment to honoring Jeopardy!’s legacy while bringing his own personality to the role has won over both longtime fans and new viewers. By emphasizing kindness, relatability, and a genuine appreciation for contestants, he has carved out his own place in the show’s history.

As Jeopardy! continues to evolve, Jennings remains a steady and reassuring presence. His thoughtful approach to hosting, informed by his own experiences as a contestant, ensures that the game retains its beloved essence while embracing a new era. Whether he’s interacting with players before the game or engaging with the audience, Jennings has proven that he is more than just a trivia expert—he’s a host who truly understands and values the people who make Jeopardy! special.

‘Jeopardy!’: What Ken Jennings Is Really Like Behind-the-Scenes

ABC/Christopher Willard

After becoming the sol host of Jeopardy! in 2023, Ken Jennings has seemingly found his groove as he follows in the footsteps of the late and revered Alex Trebek. Now a new report is giving insight into what goes on behind-the-scenes at the beloved show, and how Jennings interacts with contestants.

Participating in a part-time capacity initially, Jennings was the first to take up the mantle of host in Trebek’s absence, setting a tone for the flurry of guest hosts that would follow. And while it was eventually decided that Jennings would split duties with actress Mayim Bialik, it ultimately turned out he’d be the only one to helm the show and its tournaments (apart from the recently launched Pop Culture Jeopardy! hosted by Colin Jost).

(Credit: Sony Pictures Television / Courtesy: Everett Collection)

After having served as a competitor, Jennings certainly understands what it’s like to be in the players’ shoes, which has informed his hosting style and approach according to Rolling Stone, who reported that before filming, Jennings takes time to meet the day’s 15 potential contestants in the studio, casually dressed, he greeted them with a reassuring sentiment of, “I’m on your side.”

During Trebek’s era, he first met competitors onstage, but Jenning’s approach stems from wanting to provide some comfort and ease of nerves before the cameras turn on. “That is an extremely intimidating moment for the contestant,” Jennings shared of the moment they get onstage. “The game on your TV has risen around you like you’re in Tron. Suddenly you’re in the light cycle, and then Alex walks out and you almost can’t believe it. It’s like you’re seeing hologram Tupac or something: ‘How can the Alex Trebek be right over there?’ A lot of the time, these contestants will seem like they’ve got it all going on, and I know from experience that they’re in this weird, ‘I can’t believe this is happening,’ surreal fog.”

In other words, Jennings is trying to dispel that fog before players are dropped into the game. And although it may be a small gesture, Jennings’ practices haven’t gone unnoticed by players. In the same report, former competitor Liz McKenna, an English teacher who finished third in a game that aired in July 2024, recalled that Jennings “made a really clear point of being kind.”

As McKenna noted, during the audience Q&A, Jennings took a question from her daughter, and responded “the way a dad would.” As McKenna told Rolling Stone, “It was such a thoughtful, warm answer. He never acted like he was smarter than anybody — although he is, right? I think he brings a level of humanity to it that maybe Alex didn’t always have.”

What do you think of Jennings’ approach to hosting? Has the former player-turned-host found his groove? Let us know in the comments section, below, and don’t miss Jennings helm the latest games as the fan-favorite continues to air.