Ken Jennings, the co-host of Jeopardy and the highest-earning American game show contestant of all time, will host Celebrity Jeopardy, a primetime spin-off of the popular trivia show, starting from September 27. He will replace Mayim Bialik, who hosted the first season of Celebrity Jeopardy but decided to step back in solidarity with the striking writers and actors.
Bialik, who is also a co-host of Jeopardy, expressed her support for Jennings and her fellow writers and actors.
The writers’ strike has affected the main series of Jeopardy, which will use a combination of pre-written and recycled material for its 40th season. The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, said that they are doing their best to keep the show running while respecting the rights of the writers. “Ken is a legend in the Jeopardy community and a natural fit for this special edition of the show. He brings a wealth of knowledge, charisma, and humor to the table, and we’re confident he’ll make Celebrity Jeopardy a hit with fans and celebrities alike,” he said.
Celebrity Jeopardy will feature celebrities playing for charities, such as LeVar Burton for Reading Rainbow, Neil Patrick Harris for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Mindy Kaling for Girls Inc. Kaling, who is a fan of the show, said that she is excited to meet Jennings and test her trivia skills against him.
Celebrity Jeopardy will air on ABC on Mondays at 8 p.m. ET/PT, starting from September 27. The show will also be available on Hulu and ABC.com.
Relevant articles:
- Ken Jennings to replace Mayim Bialik as Celebrity Jeopardy host, Entertainment Weekly, August 21, 2023
- Ken Jennings To Host ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ As ABC Sets Premiere Dates For Gameshows, ‘Shark Tank’ & ‘AFV’, Deadline, August 21, 2023
- Why Mayim Bialik Will Miss Upcoming ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ Tournament as Ken Jennings Steps In as Host, Yahoo Entertainment, August 22, 2023
- Ken Jennings Named New Celebrity Jeopardy Host, ComicBook.com, August 22, 2023