Ken Jennings on the Jeopardy! stage

James Holzhauer Shades 'Jeopardy!' Host Ken Jennings, Ken Responds

Home / Stars / James Holzhauer Shades 'Jeopardy!' Host Ken Jennings, Ken Responds

By Kristin Myers on April 22, 2022 at 4:30 AM PDT
Updated on April 22, 2022 at 2:18 PM PDT

"Jeopardy!" host Ken Jennings knows how to take criticism, especially from longtime friend James Holzhauer.

Fans of the trivia game show know that James lost to Ken in the "Jeopardy!" Greatest of All Time tournament right before fellow competitor Brad Rutter joined them on NBC's "The Chase."

After two successful seasons, NBC revealed that Ken will not be returned for season 3, furthering speculation that he will become the show's new permanent host. Fans who follow Ken Jennings' official Twitter account know that he had been posting about "Jeopardy!" a lot more recently, including one that caught James' attention.

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James Holzhauer Pokes Fun At Ken Jennings, Ken Pokes Back

Brad Rutter, Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer on The Chase
Instagram / bradrutterofficial

Part of the reason "The Chase" has become such a hit with fans is due to the banter and good-natured teasing between the Chasers, especially when they're watching backstage.

On April 21, Ken encouraged his followers to tune into "Jeopardy!" on Wednesday night to see a "rarity."

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He tweeted, "I’m too late for the East Coast but there’s a real @Jeopardy rarity on the show tonight! Plan your evening accordingly!"

James saw the tweet and had his own witty retort to what he assumed to be the "rarity" Ken was referring to.

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"Just watched and I can confirm someone actually laughed at one of Ken’s jokes," James joked.

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Ken immediately shot back, "Listen buddy."

While it was hardly an insult, plenty of fans tuned it to say that they love Ken's joked!

Fan Jump In To Say They Love Ken Jennings' Jokes After James' Diss!

Ken Jennings on the Jeopardy! stage
Instagram / thetrivialegends
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One fan commented, "Love his comments and jokes. He has such a dry wit. He is a great MC and needs to remain the 'host'. He is much better than anyone else they have had!"

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Another fan commented, "We enjoy his jokes! We love what he brings to the show: his passion and love for the game, the way he allows the contestants to shine, that he carries on in the tradition of someone who knows the game from the inside! He alone is the consummate host."

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'I Find Ken To Be Naturally Affable'

Another chimed in, "Please count me in on enjoying Ken’s jokes. I find Ken to be naturally affable, and his jokes laughable (in a non-Shakespearean way.) His humility begets civility, which begets tranquility. His understated brilliance is lighted naturally from within, not requiring a 2K Fresnel."

Another fan joked, "Jeopardy should have a Purge-themed match in which Brad Rutter is legally allowed to fight Holzhauer for that."

Although it's not clear whether or not Ken or former "The Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik will be named the next permanent host of "Jeopardy!", it's clear that Ken clearly has a lot of support in his corner!

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