TV Guide Readers React To Ken Jennings Glowing 'Jeopardy!' Endorsement
By Kristin Myers on May 6, 2022 at 7:30 AM EDT
“Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings has not been named as Alex Trebek’s permanent successor just yet, but signs that he will be named the new host are looking good.
Earlier this year, NBC’s “The Chase” revealed that Ken “The Professor” Jennings would not be returning for season 3 of the game show, which many interpreted as a sign that he was making a bigger commitment to “Jeopardy!”. Jennings first rose to fame on the game show in 2004, when he won 74 games in a row. The all-time high score is proving insurmountable; even 2022 “Jeopardy!” champ Amy Schneider only made it to 40 games.
In April, a TV Guide writer made a glowing endorsement to make Ken Jennings the next “Jeopardy!” host and it appears readers are in agreement.
TV Guide Readers Agree: Ken Jennings Should Be The Next Host Of ‘Jeopardy!’
One reader named Lisa wrote in to the publication, saying, “I can’t imagine anyone other than Ken Jennings gracing your cover for a story on who should be the permanent ‘Jeopardy!’ host [April 25 issue]. Full marks to this brilliant, darling man – and to you, TV Guide Magazine, for your powerful visual statement!”
Another reader named Ann agreed, writing, “I only hope that the powers that be are paying attention. Ken Jennings is the perfect successor to the late Alex Trebek.”
Fortunately for those who don’t get TV guide, the article and its follow-up made its way to Reddit, where plenty more “Jeopardy!” fans agreed that Ken Jennings was the “perfect fit” for the job over “The Big Bang Theory” alum Mayim Bialik, who has been tag-teaming with Jennings since last year.
Reddit Users Prefer Ken Over Mayim To Host ‘Jeopardy!’
User siphillis wrote, “Nice to know it isn't just the internet hivemind preferring Ken. I imagine Sony is sticking with Bialik primarily because she's a recognizable celebrity from the most popular show on television. The thing is, the more Ken dominates the spotlight, the more he becomes the celebrity they want for the show, and after a while, it's going to feel like Jeopardy! is losing another host if they pull him from the rotation.”
User ReganLynch countered, “I think Ken is as big a celebrity as Mayim. Just as well-known, if not more so. Depends on the audience of course. For some TV watchers, the star of a popular sitcom will be more well-known to them. For Jeopardy viewers, Ken is surely more famous. I'd wager a lot of Jeopardy viewers never even heard of Mayim before she started hosting. Ditto for sitcom viewers and Ken.”
“I will say this regarding Ken taking over as host. He is not Alex. No one can replace Alex,” said christherogers. “Ken know this and so does everyone else. That being said I think he is the best replacement. And I wish him the best.”
One user named KTeacherWhat wrote, “I prefer Mayim. Ken sometimes seems like he’s trying too hard to be Alex.” They were downvoted 39 times. One user named rirhun replied, “I think that’s actually a good thing.”
The best response probably came from markh2111 who commented, “Amazing. TV Guide is still around.”
