Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is devoted to protecting traditions alive and effectively, noting that the long-running recreation present has a “tradition-observant [and] change-resistant viewers.”
Talking to Folks on the crimson carpet of the TCM Traditional Movie Competition on Thursday (April 24), Jennings opened up about taking the reins of the present following the dying of his predecessor, the late Alex Trebek, who hosted the present for 37 seasons.
“It was very difficult after Alex handed as a result of, after all, all of us missed him,” Jennings advised the outlet. “Nobody had seen anyone else host Jeopardy for almost 40 years. It was a tough adjustment, and I didn’t wish to be there.”
“I wished Alex, like he was my man, however fortunately I had seen him host sufficient that I form of had this inner sense of what would he do right here, and that’s actually the one factor that bought me via,” he continued. “And some years on, I’ve gotten sufficient reps that I really feel somewhat extra snug on the market.”
Jennings formally took over internet hosting duties in 2022 following the passing of Trebek, who died on November 8, 2020, from pancreatic most cancers. Initially, Jennings cut up internet hosting duties with Mayim Bialik; he later turned the only real everlasting host after Bialik was let go in December 2023.
When requested if he’s ever thought-about altering issues up as host, Jennings stated the present has “a really tight format” he doesn’t wish to mess with, including that Jeopardy! has a “tradition-observant viewers, a change-resistant viewers.”
“So I don’t assume anyone abruptly desires to… What would it not even be? A catchphrase? ‘Jennings out!’?” he quipped. “I believe Ryan [Seacrest]‘s doing Wheel [of Fortune] now, so there’s unlikely to be large adjustments on my watch. I’m a fan firstly. I wish to see the Jeopardy I grew up on.”
Jennings was available for the TCM Traditional Movie Competition’s opening evening, which noticed a Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Again screening. The Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. revealed that Trebek typically had the TCM channel on backstage.
When requested if he enjoys old-school films, Jennings stated, “Completely. From my childhood on, and it’s a part of our Jeopardy! custom as a result of Alex at all times had TCM on within the dressing room, and that’s one thing I’m gladly protecting going.”