Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings reveals real reason he will ‘never’ compete on show again in candid off-camera chat

JEOPARDY! host Ken Jennings has revealed the real reason he will ‘never’ compete on the show again in a candid off-camera chat.

Before taking over for the beloved Alex Trebek in 2021, Ken became a legend in the franchise after he won 74 consecutive games – a record he achieved in 2004 that still has not been broken.

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Ken Jennings became Jeopardy! host in 2021Credit: Getty

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Ken Jennings competes in the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournamentCredit: Getty
Over 20 years since Ken, 50, made his iconic run – many Jeopardy! fans have begged to see him get back up on the stage – but this time as a returning contestant.

Despite viewers’ wishes, the Seattle, Washington native has recently gotten candid about his time competing on the show being up for good.

A source has revealed that Ken made the admission in an off-camera chat, saying that his time on “that side of the podium” was done.

“He went on to say that it would be completely unfair since he gets all the behind-the-scenes tips and tricks as host.

“He’s been given an advantage on that side of production that wouldn’t ever be fair to other contestants so no, he insists that wouldn’t happen,” the insider claimed.

The former computer programmer went on to call it “bittersweet” as competing on the show was his “first love” – but he’s happy to have since “graduated” into the hosting role.

Currently, employees of Sony Pictures Entertainment – which is home to the show’s production company – as well as its subsidiaries are not eligible to compete on the show.

This would make any Jeopardy! staffers, including Ken, ineligible to participate as contestants.

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Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, (L) poses contestant Ken Jennings after his earnings from his record breaking streak on the gameshow surpassed 1 million dollars July 14, 2004Credit: Getty

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Ken smiles big next to Alex Trebek after taking home the Greatest of All Time trophyCredit: Getty
According to the show’s guidelines, relatives of Sony Pictures employees are also not allowed to compete.

Though fans long to see Ken competing again, they’re still delighted to see him as host as the ex contestant has earned rave reviews for taking over the role in 2021.

“Despite rumors he might be replaced, Ken is going nowhere fast and is pushing to get a longer contract on the show.

“He’s really started hitting his stride, even though he’s faced a lot of criticism,” a source previously told The U.S. Sun.

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It appears the love is mutual, as a source claimed that Ken has made it known to higher-ups that he’s in it for the long haul – even if that means taking a pay cut.

“Jeopardy! is Ken’s religion; he lives it, and he breathes it, and despite all the outside pressures, he’s not going to mess this up.

“He’s proud to have worked his way into this position and believes he has what it takes to make it last for decades to come.

“Of course, he acknowledges that nobody could ever fill the shoes of Alex Trebek, an icon and someone Ken himself looked up to as a personal hero,” a separate source shared.

Jeopardy! Set Secrets

Jeopardy! fans don’t see everything behind the scenes from watching on TV. These hidden set features make the show run smoothly:

Each podium has a hidden riser so that all contestants appear to be the same height.
After each clue is read, signal lights go off around the game board, indicating players can buzz in and respond.
Buzz in too early, and you’re locked out for .25 seconds.
The podiums have a small white light in the lower left corner, which tells Ken Jennings who goes next.
Contrary to popular belief, the player with control doesn’t have a buzzer advantage on the next clue.
To the game board’s left is a scoreboard so the players can see their opponents’ scores.
All contestants must bring three outfits to the studio, but only the host and returning champion change for the next episode.
There are wardrobe rules, including restrictions on busy patterns, solid white, purple (like the background), and logos.
Five episodes are taped in a single day, and sometimes more.
The categories, players (aside from the returning champion), and Final Jeopardy! for a tape day are all drawn randomly to ensure fairness.
Female contestants are asked not to wear makeup, which is applied backstage, and don’t wear mascara because of sweat.
Contestants fill out a questionnaire, and producers select five Q&A topics for the host.
Host Ken isn’t allowed to interact with the contestants until after the game.
Players can request to sit in a chair while competing without question.

They continued: “What he really wants more than anything is to stick around and make this position work for the long run.

“And if that means making less money to ensure his longevity, you can bet your life he’d be game.

“This isn’t all about the money,” they added. “It’s a way of life for Ken and then some. He’s in it for the long run and to secure his status in the show’s history.”

Alex reportedly made $10 million a year by the end of his 36-year tenure, which is more than double Ken’s $4m salary even before a potential pay cut.

However, should Ken continue as host, that number is expected to rise.

Even before the generous TV salary, Ken was already comfortable after he earned $2.5 million from his still-record 74-game run as a contestant.

After factoring in the various tournaments he won on the show, Ken had already made over $4.3 million from Jeopardy! before becoming host.

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Ken hosts the Jeopardy! Masters TournamentCredit: Getty

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In addition to hosting Jeopardy!, Ken hosts spinoffs including Celebrity Jeopardy!Credit: Getty