Ken Jennings Reflects on Hosting Jeopardy!

In a recent interview with Rolling Stone, Ken Jennings reflected on his emotionally charged first day hosting 'Jeopardy!' after Alex Trebek's passing in 2020. Jennings admitted he felt out of place, as he was aware the audience mourned Trebek and didn't want him there, stating, "I don’t want to be here. I would give anything to not be here right now." Showrunner Michael Davies noted that Jennings distinguished himself among potential hosts, as contestants responded positively to his presence. Despite initial skepticism from viewers due to his lack of broadcasting experience, Jennings was ultimately named the permanent host in December 2023 after a period of rotating hosts. He emphasized the show's role as a unifying force, appealing to diverse audiences. Jennings' journey began as a contestant 20 years ago, where he won over $2.5 million across 74 games before stepping into the hosting role.