Ken Jennings Exits ‘The Chase’, Could He Become ‘Jeopardy!’ Full-Time Host?

Meaghan Darwish
30 Comments
Ken Jennings, The Chase
ABC/Peggy Sirota

The case for Jeopardy!‘s full-time host may be in jeopardy no more as Ken Jennings has stepped away from The Chase at ABC.

The current Jeopardy! guest-host joined ABC’s game show alongside his fellow Jeopardy! alums James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter when the show debuted in 2021. But now he’s taking a step back as teased by Holzhauer who tweeted, “By popular demand, The Chase is now 100% @KenJennings-free.”

Meanwhile, Jennings responded by saying, “I’m already missing all the lovely folks at @TheChaseABC, and the great trivia minds, and James.” The exit coincides with Jennings recent milestone of hosting 100 Jeopardy! games, something he commemorated a few nights before the mention of his exit from The Chase.

“Apparently tonight is my 100th time hosting Jeopardy!,” Jennings wrote on March 11, “which means (a) I have now hosted more games than I played, and (b) I’m just 9,950 hours away from achieving Malcolm Gladwell-style mastery.” With plenty of Jeopardy! episode sunder his hosting belt, Jennings has more than enough experience to take over as he currently shares duties with Mayim Bialik who previously was designated primetime hosting rights.

While it’s mere speculation at this point that Ken will be the full-time host on Jeopardy! moving forward, it would seem fans of the series are on the same mindset. Whether it’s his ongoing presence or Jennings’ association to Jeopardy!, something just fits right for viewers. See what they’re saying about Jennings potentially taking over full-time, below, and stay tuned for any possible updates.

Ask Matt: 'Jeopardy!' Second Chances, Prime-Time Tournament & More Debate
Related

Ask Matt: 'Jeopardy!' Second Chances, Prime-Time Tournament & More Debate

Jeopardy!, Weeknights, Check your local listings

Jeopardy!The Chase (2021)Ken Jennings



Conversation30 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Comments are closed on this story.

  1. R

    RedCloud

    Ken has shown he’s the far and away the best choice to permanently host Jeopardy. Pretty sure the Jeopardy producers know this. Pls Make it so.

    I will miss him on The Chase.

    49 3

  2. B

    BlueChefHat

    If Ken is leaving The Chase, it would only make sense that he's packing his things up at ABC for something bigger at Jeopardy. If that isn't the case, he's getting shafted.

    He's hosted the most episodes of any guest, has brought in the highest ratings, is well-known to the viewing audience, had a good relationship with Alex, and does a respectable job of hosting (keeps the game flowing without being a showy presence). The best formula moving forward would be to have him host the regular episodes while Mayim takes the reins for primetime and spinoffs. Win-win no matter who the audience prefers.

    47 2

    1. P

      PurplePopsicle

      My preference would be NO Bialik, but if SOME Bialik is the key to getting MORE Ken, I will take it.

      48 2

  3. O

    OlivePaw

    We love Ken in my house. He’s not Alex, but he’s the next best thing. Mayim just doesn’t have the same finesse or exude a love of the game, and it makes her presence distracting. I certainly hope that Ken gets the job.

    46 4

    1. C

      CyanFish

      Agreed!’!

      8 3

  4. C

    CyanPin

    Hallelujah! This has got to mean that Ken is FINALLY getting the job that only he should have got in the first place. Jennings has embodied Jeopardy for decades and NO ONE even comes close to reign the podium, than the Jeopardy GOAT himself. I am beyond thrilled to see him (hopefully) receive this overdue honor. So enjoy his professionalism, humor and easy dignity. No offense to Mayim, but she doesn't fit the Jeopardy stage. The GOAT has proven himself the clear winner.. in every sense.

    35 4

  5. O

    OliveProcessor

    I hope Ken Jennings become the permanent host of Jeopardy otherwise I will stop watching the show. I am 79 years old and have been watching for a lot of years

    33 2

  6. O

    OliveFlower

    I’m sorry Ken is leaving the Chase. I hope that means he’ll be too busy hosting “Jeopardy!” permanently. Please! He is the natural choice as host. Having him host has given me calm after the passing of Alex Trebek. He is professional and effortlessly puts the contestants at ease with understated charm, much like Alex.

    I get distracted with Bialik. Sorry to say. She’s an actor. I get the feeling she’s acting the part.

    Ken is natural. Please make him the permanent host.

    30 2

  7. C

    CyanCandy

    I’ve tried to like Mayim but her hosting sticks out like a sore thumb. Even though nobody can replace our beloved Alex, Ken J all the way!

    27 3

    1. C

      CyanFish

      Agreed!

      10

  8. G

    GreenQuill

    I certainly hope so. He is so witty and collected. His doesn't giggle and shout out like the other host. He is the best at taking over for Alex. I will only watch when he is hosting.

    27 5

  9. P

    PurpleAnchor

    Ken has proven his worth as Alex's successor. Please make him the permanent host; I'm sure he'll never let us down!

    23 4

  10. G

    GreenBee

    I have wanted Ken Jennings from the beginning for the new Jeopardy host and I sincerely hope that he gets it full time. I love the show with him on it!

    21 4

  11. P

    PurpleFlame

    Ken Jennings should be the permanent host with out a doubt!

    21 4

  12. R

    RedPlane

    We don't watch when Mayim is hosting. We wait to see who is introduced and then make a decision whether to continue with the show. Family Feud airs opposite Jeopardy where I live, so we have options. They should announce who hosts ahead of time!

    14 5

  13. O

    OrangeCoathanger

    Yes, please make Ken the permanent host.

    11 3

  14. C

    CyanScissors

    I’ll miss you in The Chase, but I hope you will now be the permanent host of Jeopardy!!!

    10 3

  15. O

    Olive8Ball

    Yes yes yes for Ken. He’s the best.

    8 3

  16. O

    OrangeFish

    Please have Ken as the host of Jeopardy if you have her I know several of us will not watch we can not stand her PLEASE PLEASE HAVE KEN .

    4 1

  17. G

    GoldLeaf

    LY KEN JENNINGS CAN'T STAND THAT BIALIK- NO FOR BIALIK can't stand to look at her do not watch the College Bowl because of her. Her manner just ticks me off

    2

  18. C

    CyanBus

    I hope so, he is the best, won’t watch Mayim, she’s terrible

    3 1

  19. P

    PurpleChilli

    Please make Jennings the host of Jeopardy or I and a lot of other people will not watch Can’t stand her smirky looks

  20. R

    RedPlane

    My original preference was Ken and Mayim in that order. Lately, for some unknown reason, when the picture switches to Mayim, she was always moving one way or another as if she couldn't speak without moving her body, and I found that very distracting. Alex was like a rock, a subtle glance sometimes speaks volumes.

  21. O

    OliveLocomotive

    I would like to see Mayim become the permanent host. I think she does a terrific job while hosting. Ken is real good but she brings a different flare to the show. Make your decision and end this back and forth. The show should only have one host.

    1 2

  22. P

    PurpleBlowdryer

    ick to jennings won’t and do NOT watch when he’s on. What an obnoxious braggert.

    1 2

  23. O

    OliveSnow

    My husband won't watch as long as Ken Jennings is hosting

    5 6

  24. B

    BlueTooth

    I understand the real and ORIGINAL Chaser is not invited back also. Will no longer be watching.

    2

  25. O

    OliveUmbrella

    NO

    2 6

  26. O

    OrangeGuitar

    I love Aimee. She is so personable

    Ken is too stiff!!!!!!!!!!

    3 22

  27. P

    PurpleRing

    Mayim Bialik does a much better job than Ken Jennings in my humble opinion.

    She is a joy to watch and her personality far outshines Jennings. She brings

    a livelier and much more energetic presence to the show. Jennings just seems

    stilted somewhat and not spontaneous. I vote for Mayim.

    10 44