Is Ken Jennings a Better ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Than Alex Trebek? Vote in Our Poll
For 37 seasons, Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy!. Then, after he died in 2020, the game show had to pivot, first with guests and then eventually with Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik splitting hosting duties.
In the latest issue of TV Guide Magazine, we tackled a tough topic: Who’s the best Jeopardy! host? Is it the classic favorite or the champ-turned-Emmy nominee? Check out our cases for each below, then vote in the poll.
Alex Trebek
There are GOATs, and then there are lions. With no knock against “Greatest of All Time” player turned host Ken Jennings, whose nerd-tastic savoir faire is keeping Jeopardy! relevant for the next generation of trivia nuts, Alex Trebek will now and forever be remembered not only as the face and voice, but as the soul and heart, of TV’s smartest quiz show.
Icons like Trebek aren’t born, they’re made, and Alex honed his craft as a newscaster and TV host in Canada before decamping to California in the early 1970s. After rising through the ranks of more middling game shows, he landed the prized Jeopardy! gig when it was successfully relaunched in syndication in 1984. It was a perfect fit. As I noted in my tribute when Trebek passed away in November 2020 after a public battle with pancreatic cancer, he was “a constant and reassuring presence in so many lives…a comforting oasis of intelligence
and quick thinking presided over by a man with the air of a gentleman scholar.”
It may be unfair to compare a relative newbie with a legend who spent 36 years behind the Jeopardy! podium, but even so it’s hard to imagine Jennings commanding headlines by shaving off his facial hair. (Please, Ken, don’t grow a mustache. It’s not worth it!) Or ranking No. 8 in a 2013 Reader’s Digest poll of America’s most trusted people. Will Saturday Night Live find a way to parody Ken’s milquetoast persona the way Will Ferrell so memorably spoofed the more dashing, authoritative Alex? Not counting on it.
Personally, I’m thrilled that Jennings is upholding the Jeopardy! standard so admirably. I’m also sure he’d be the first to agree that there will never be another Alex Trebek. —Matt Roush
Ken Jennings
The perfect host for Jeopardy! in 2023 — and beyond — is Ken Jennings.
He has brought fresh energy and a more modern appeal to the esteemed show since taking over from Alex Trebek. While Alex was beloved, the show was beginning to feel a tad dated with him standing at the lectern for so many seasons. It’s crazy to think that Mike Richards was actually the preferred choice to replace him after those interminable guest host tryouts two years ago. After all, Ken understands Jeopardy! better than anyone and has an aura that goes with being the show’s GOAT. He is charismatic, warm and, yes, slightly awkward. But that’s part of his charm and why contestants and viewers love him. He’s been there, seen it, done it…and he’s not very different from the show’s legion of fans.
Alex was from the old-school world of TV hosting, a smooth-talking professional broadcaster who had fronted other game shows before. Undoubtedly, he was a large part of Jeopardy!’s success, but fans also remember how he could appear aloof and condescending with contestants.
In contrast, Ken bonds beautifully with even the more eccentric contestants and genuinely seems interested in their anecdotes. He’s a nerd just like them. When Ken corrects a wrong answer, you suspect he knows the answer and isn’t simply reading a card. Then there is the way he seems to slightly flinch in disbelief when contestants draw a blank on questions he deems easy. He instinctively understands the flow of the show and has helped Jeopardy! move forward since Alex died. The show is a TV juggernaut and a lot of that is down to the genius that is Ken. —Martin Smith
Jeopardy!, Weekdays, check your local listings
This is an excerpt from TV Guide Magazine’s 2023 Returning Favorites issue. For more first looks at fall’s returning shows, pick up the issue, on newsstands now.
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Conversation40 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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I have been a fan of Jeopardy since it started. I loved Art Fleming and Alex Trebek. Before Alex even announced his illness, I started to think who would be the best Alex replacement when he retired. My thought was always Ken Jennings. The thought of an “entertainer” did not appeal at all—we fans take this show very seriously. In fact, as much as I like Mayim Bialak as an actress, and as smart as she is, I don’t like her hosting style on Jeopardy. She’s a little too bubbly, she moves around too much and her timing is frustrating as she sometimes doesn’t respond quickly enough after a contestant answer. Ken, on the other hand, has all the qualities of a good host, I think he models himself a lot on Alex. I can’t wait until he feels more confident in his role. He has a great, dry sense of humor and and you can tell he loves what he’s doing and is committed to its continued success.
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I'm not voting because, yes, tvinsider, it's "unfair" and IMO ludicrous to compare Ken, who's very early in his career as a host, with the man whose name has been synonymous with the show's title for decades. My brain still fills in "Alex Trebek" when it's time to introduce the host, but I still think Ken is doing a great job.
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G
I'm guessing you guys were tired of Jennings winning every poll vs. Mayim in decisive fashion, so you tried to come up with a poll that he'd lose? Because otherwise what is the point of this?
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R
Why does this website constantly post articles about the host of Jeopardy. You get people complaining on both host, more Mayim then Ken and they do this that has no relevance to the current show. Let Alex RIP, enjoy watching the show no matter who the host is, whether you like or dislike Ken or Mayim (who will eventually be back).
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O
What the point of comments because I never saw a Ken vs Mayim poll. Then again this artis about Ken vs Alex so of course why not bash Mayim
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R
I think Ken Jennings is a great choice for the host of Jeopardy! He's most respectful to Alex Trebecks memory and the decades he's been host of Jeopardy. He's totally engaged with the contestants, and always puts the game and contestants as the major focus. There's no doubt he's brilliant and also entertaining. When he adds alittle extra information after a contestant's response, it's always informative and sometimes makes us giggle. It's obvious how much he loves and respects this show. He has a quick pace and always articulate. He is a complete joy to watch! You can not compare Ken to Alex because they are two different personalities and Alex had been doing this job for decades. Alex was Jeopardy. Ken is doing a fabulous job with grace and dignity! It is a joy to watch Jeopardy with him as host. He also shows in every episode how much he loves this show.
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C
Great comment Alison. I definitely agree with you. I hope he becomes the permanent host and Mayem should stick to her comedy shows.
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O
Ken is great, but not better than Alex. Both are obviously better than Mayim, and by a longshot.
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C
Alex was the best, Art Fleming not even worth mentioning. Ken is the worthy successor, far better than Mayim. The End. Enough with the tabloid nonsense.
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B
Great answer,just let the games begin, who cares about that anyway.
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Don’t ask stupid questions
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O
There will never be another Alex but, Ken is doing a great job. So much better than Mayim, she was horrible.
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TV Guide Magazine actually entertaining the idea of Ken Jennings being better at hosting Jeopardy! than Alex Trebek immediately reminded me of the 2000s when some people actually had the audacity of believing that Justin Timberlake was going to be the next Michael Jackson. I can’t believe that this is an actual poll.
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C
Alex was in a league of his own. No one can replace him. It took him a long hard road to get to where he was. He will always be remembered as the Host of Jeopardy.
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"It may be unfair to compare a relative newbie with a legend who spent 36 years behind the Jeopardy! podium...,"
YA THINK???
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I stopped watching Alex because I agree with Martin. I thought Alex was very condescending and rude when contestants didn’tknow the answers. it was easy to him, he had the answers in his hand.
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C
How dare you even think to do this comparison. Ken learned every thing he knows from Alex!
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O
I like Ken but no one will ever be better then Alex he will alwaysbe the best.
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B
So,s Ken
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B
Definitely NOT!!!!!! Alex WAS JEOPARDY!! I can't believe anyone would compare this mistake-making, almost idiotic and insulting to guests as an equal to Mr. Trebek. I like Mayim much better. She is a Neurobiologist or a Neuro-scientist at the very least. She is truly smart with a degree and what is the "other "? A knowledge of trivia!? I am a very real scientist AND I am also a Retired Paramedic/Surgeon and I am a degreed Fine Artist & Graphic Designer. I use those talents to help me in authoring and publishing my own anthologies of different types of Spiritual or "Miracles" (Christmas, Easter and Patriotic). I enjoy doing that and I my name is different on Amazon KDP from my username, but I wrote a "children 's book for all ages," THE PUPPY'S WISH:: A CHRISTMAS MIRACLE STORY, and my mother illustrated it due to an life-threatening to my art, which consists even now, but I have gotten a lot back w/hard work. Like Ms Bayik, I have parservered......and she didn't change the game and so blaming her is wrong. Stop doing that and making the trivia king the hero. Producers changed a few things, but blaming her, is wrong and also bullying her is also even more wrong!! I enjoy her hosting and she doesn't insult any guests or competitors.
Don't bring 'him' as host!!!!!! I may be a lady......and it's not obvious from my username, but I believe in HER!! HE bothers me!!!!!
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I totally agree with you Peter R.
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P
Conflict of Interest Jennings, who has a winning streak to protect, should not be hosting this show. Rather than doing the job he's being paid for, the little man Is constantly playing mind games with the players during the crucial moments that they are deciding how much to bet. When he's not doing that, he's giving beneficial hints and innuendoes to the player he prefers or tries to influence player's DD bets with comments that unfairly put the player on the spot... usually a weak player, while they're pondering their bet, so he can influence that bet and get a weak player within striking distance of a strong player who could be a potential future threat to his precious winning streak record. It's pretty transparent with 5 game + players if you pay close attention. Very corrupt.
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C
I like Ken so much better. Alex didn't even know more than what he read on the cards. And he always corrected contestants' pronunciation of words, making them look stupid, but making himself look worse. I really never liked him, even on his other hosting game shows. And doing an insurance commercial that rips people off, didn't set well with me. It was all about the money.
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What do I think??? I think this is the most ridiculous question/contest I have witnessed in a long, long time! I voted even though I did not want to add my name to anything so silly! What purpose does this serve? Why would anyone want to pit one wonderful person/host against the other wonderful person/host especially since each of them admired, respected and dare I say, loved each other equally!
I really wish I could understand what's gong on here. What is wrong with you people?
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Where's the poll???
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C
No one could be better than Alex although Ken does a good job and is getting better as time goes on. Please do NOT bring Mayem back. She was so seemingly phoney with the contestants. I couldn’t watch when she was on.
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We stopped watching when Ken is hosting. We won't watch Jeopardy again until he is gone.
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G
She's not right for the job. We dont need two hosts. Ken deserves this.
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I totally agree with you Martha - in fact - if Mayim returns - I will not watch.
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K
Can not stand Ken. He is a poor excuse for a host. I have been a fan of Jeopardy since the Art Fleming days. I even quit watching Jeopardy when Ken originally was on the show as a contestant. His arrogance really got to me!
Mayim Is so much more professional and has the credits to prove it.
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Alex, no comparison!
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🤣 What a ridiculous argument. They're not quarterbacks; they're standing behind a podium reading things.
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C
Actually, I thought Mike Richards was better than either of them, but I won't go there again. I cannot stand to even look at Ken Jennings. He is so arrogant. I lost all respect for him when on Master Minds he had to "mansplain" his answer about Cedar Point being in Dayton OH. Uh, not even close Ken.
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But know one can take Alex's place!
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C
Alex is much superior, but he had years of experience. Ken seems to still be competing by giving more/most correct answers. Although, not his fault, Ken's lisp is a constant distraction. We all knew that Ken was the "heir apparent'. Ken and Mayim are equal but there are entirely too many special contests. Just stay with the regular contests.I hated Buzzy as a contestant but he really stood out during the auditions.
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"We" know no such thing. But having been a contestant is no reason to make someone the host.
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I preferred Arron Rogers to Ken and Mayim. I think he did a great job when he hosted!
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Ken is now and has always been an arrogant little twit. I no longer watch the show and likely never will again. Personally, the very first man filling in was better than anyone else they have had since then and of course, he was canceled by today's ultra-elite. But, I would have settled for "Blossom". Their loss.
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From his Twitter history, he not only actively hates half the country, he's just plain snarky about it, not principled.
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I don't know if you are arrogant, but you certainly are a twit...and a baby.
"I'm not watching anymore 'cause Ken is on. Whah, whah whah."
Just go suck your thumb.
The ultra elite? Oh brother!
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