It seems that “Jeopardy!” Tournament of Champions winner Ken Jennings is feeling a bit of imposter syndrome now that Stephen Fry has been tapped to host an ITV reboot of “Jeopardy!”.
“The Chase” trivia guru and “The Big Bang Theory” alum Mayim Bialik have picked up hosting responsibilities to fill the shoes of late host Alex Trebek after he passed away in November 2020.
However, it will be Fry who will put a “modern twist” on “Jeopardy!” when it comes to ITV with a few changes.
Stephen Fry Tapped To Host ‘Jeopardy!’ Reboot For ITV
Over the weekend, Deadline reported that ITV has ordered a 20-part order for the daytime TV series that features the same question-answer format as the one in the U.S. However, there will be a slight twist.
Although “Jeopardy!” fans in the U.S. are familiar with the standard two rounds of gameplay, there will be three rounds of gameplay in the U.K. ITV reboot of the classic game show.
Fans in the U.S. are only starting to get familiar with the three-round format after it was introduced in “Celebrity Jeopardy!” last year. That “Jeopardy!” spin-off is also hosted by Mayim Bialik.
Stephen Fry Praises The ‘Uniquely Beguiling and Endlessly Rewarding Game’ Of ‘Jeopardy!’
“Jeopardy!” first appeared on Channel 4 in the U.K. in the late 1980s and made its way over to ITV and Sky in the 1990s. In a press release, ITV said that Fry will bring a “modern twist to the cult classic.”
In his own statement, Fry said, “In the United States, Jeopardy! is a phenomenon like no other. Whenever I’m in America, I do my d—dest to catch it every weekday. The idea of hosting it here in the UK makes me dizzy with delight. Such a dedicated quizzing nation as ours will, I hope, welcome this uniquely beguiling and endlessly rewarding game.”
ITV Head of Entertainment Katie Rawcliffe added, “There is no one better to host this classic game show than Stephen, bringing knowledge and entertainment to all of our viewers.”
Ken Jennings Feels ‘Imposter Syndrome’ Now That Stephen Fry Is Also Hosting ‘Jeopardy!’
Nothing gives you imposter syndrome quite like sharing a job description with Stephen Fry… https://t.co/zWMoaUfrbu
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) February 28, 2023
A day after the news was announced, the trivia master took to Twitter to make a joke about Stephen Fry’s new hosting position.
Ken tweeted, “Nothing gives you imposter syndrome quite like sharing a job description with Stephen Fry…”
However, many fans were quick to assure Ken that he was doing a great job filling the role left behind by the great Alex Trebek and tell him that he was “perfect” for the position of “Jeopardy!” host.
Fans Assure Ken That He Is ‘Doing An Amazing Job’ As ‘Jeopardy!’ Host
No reason at all for imposter syndrome. You’re doing an amazing job! You had the stress of being the first to try after our precious💜Alex💜passed. You stepped up, gave it your best shot & have grown into the role perfectly. We enjoy when you host & miss you when you’re not on.
— Debi Lee (@_DebiLee) February 28, 2023
One fan commented, “No reason at all for imposter syndrome. You’re doing an amazing job! You had the stress of being the first to try after our precious Alex passed. You stepped up, gave it your best shot & have grown into the role perfectly. We enjoy when you host & miss you when you’re not on.
You’re literally perfect for Jeopardy. It’s uncanny that the game’s best player is also the only person capable of hosting it outside of Alex Trebek.
— Hunny Q (@HunnyQ_TV) February 28, 2023
Another follower shared, “You’re literally perfect for Jeopardy. It’s uncanny that the game’s best player is also the only person capable of hosting it outside of Alex Trebek.”
You’re not an imposter. You’re the real deal. I really enjoy watching you host.
— SusieBryan (@SusieBryan) February 28, 2023
A third fan agreed, writing, “You’re not an imposter. You’re the real deal. I really enjoy watching you host.”
It looks like fans can look forward to watching Ken Jennings host for a long time yet! In January 2023, Deadline reported that both “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” were been renewed for five more seasons, which means that both shows will run through 2028!
