Ken Jennings ‘has no intention’ to leave ‘Jeopardy!’ amid Colin Jost replacement rumors: ‘Won’t be made a scapegoat!’
Getty Images
Ken Jennings does not want his job to be in jeopardy.
The game show wunderkind-turned-host, 50, is reportedly “desperate” to keep his emcee gig at “Jeopardy!” as he fends off criticism of his on-air performance and rumors that he’ll be replaced by “Saturday Night Live” star Colin Jost, 42, who was just announced as the host of the iconic series’ new spinoff, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”
Colin Jost on “SNL.” Will Heath/NBC via Getty Images
Ken Jennings on the set of “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy!
“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,” the insider added.
“But he’s insisting there’s a share of blame here,” the source continued. “He doesn’t write the lines or pick the questions and contestants, and won’t be made a scapegoat!”
Reportedly upset by the rumors he might be ousted for Jost, the source said Jennings “won’t take this treatment. He’s calling on bosses to be more supportive and warning people not to trip him up.”
Jost drew headlines with his hilarious segments documenting his health struggles in Tahiti while covering the 2024 Olympic surfing events. He shared that he stepped on a coral reef, which led to other infections.
Ken Jennings on “Jeopardy! Masters.” Disney
Colin Jost exited his gig as Paris Olympics correspondent job after injuring his foot while reporting on the surfing competition in Tahiti. Instagram / @colinjost
“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!”
“Jeopardy!” fans have been unsparing in their criticism of Jennings. He’s received backlash for an array of foibles – not accepting an answer that was one letter off, accepting an answer that was mispronounced, allowing a guest to correct themselves and making a joke about the elderly that many deemed tasteless … to name a few.
Alex Trebek, (L) poses with then contestant Ken Jennings after his earnings from his record breaking streak on the gameshow surpassed 1 million dollars July 14, 2004 in Culver City, California. Getty Images
Jennings should be relieved to know that Sony, which produces the long-running game show, has no plans to fire Jennings, according to The US Sun, though they are reportedly “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,” an insider shared.
“Instead, the only real reason to replace Ken is if the ratings took a nosedive, and that hasn’t happened yet,” the source added. “The show is holding steady.”
Colin Jost shared photos of his bloody, bandaged toes while covering 2024 Olympics in Tahiti. Colin Jost/Instagram
Colin Jost turned his foot injury into fodder for comedy segments during his 2024 Olympics coverage. Colin Jost/Instagram
Meanwhile, not everyone is sold on Jost’s joining the “Jeopardy!” universe in a new pop-culture focused offshoot. But the “SNL” funnyman had the best possible comment on landing his new gig: “What is: I’m excited.”
According to an official announcement released in July, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” will continue the franchise’s famed “answer-and-question” format but add a twist.
“The contestants will play in teams of three and compete to be the last players standing in the tournament-style showdown. To walk away with the grand prize, they’ll have to know a wide-range of pop culture knowledge, “from Alternative Rock to The Avengers; Broadway to MMA; Gen Z to Zendaya,” a press release revealed.
News
BREAKING NEWS: Reba McEntire stuns fans with latest photo
Reba McEntire stuns fans with gorgeous throwback photo The country music star sparked a huge reaction from her followers Reba McEntire took a walk down memory lane on Thursday when she delivered a sensational snapshot of herself on Instagram. The 69-year-old…
BREAKING NEWS: Fans concerned for Steve Harvey’s health as there are SIGNS that something is wrong with him
Fans concerned for Steve Harvey’s health: ‘Time to put those cigars away’ Steve’s cigar habit has his fans worried. Pic credit: ©ImageCollect.com/Carrie-nelson Steve Harvey‘s fans think it’s time for him to reassess his health. The Family Feud host recently enjoyed…
Mayim Bialik makes $h0cking Jeopardy! confession after being fired from the show
Mayim Bialik makes $h0cking Jeopardy! confession after being fired from the show Former Jeopardy! host Mayim Bialik has reflected on her time working on the popular game show and admitted she would be open to making a return after being…
BREAKING NEWS: ‘Jeopardy!’ pissed off the fans as the show Has Cringeworthy Start To New Season
‘Jeopardy!’ Has Cringeworthy Start To New Season Jeopardy! just began its new season and it is already off to a cringeworthy start. There was a clue that had both contestants, viewers, and even Ken Jennings in shock after learning what the…
Revelation: The Price Is Right Drew Carey causes controversy when receiving unbelievable benefits from Ryan Seacrest’s Wheel of Fortune Debut
How Drew Carey Benefited From Ryan Seacrest’s Wheel of Fortune Debut Drew Carey has been a consistent presence on our television screens for nearly 30 years. And for most of that time, he’s occupied a succession of rather cozy niches:…
$h0cking: Drew Carey spills a b0mb$hell of The Price Is Right ahead of the new season
Drew Carey calls out The Price Is Right contestants as frequently being high or drunk as he spills wild secrets of the show Drew Carey has given new meaning to the signature phrase ‘come on down!’ The 66-year-old television personality…
End of content
No more pages to load