Ken Jennings’ New ‘Jeopardy’ Role Might Mean He’s Next In Line To Host

It's almost time for all new Jeopardy! episodes.

The beloved game show has been off their air for months now due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. After all this waiting, Jeopardy! is finally set to return with a number of changes to enhance health and safety measures on set.

Updated health and safety regulations aren't the only big changes coming to Jeopardy! this year, either. Former contestant Ken Jennings will be joining the show as a consulting producer. According to CBS News, Jennings will also appear on-air with his own video categories, develop projects and act as a public ambassador for the show. This news has many fans speculating that Jennings will eventually take over hosting duties from longtime host Alex Trebek, though this has not been confirmed.

“Though I’ve played my last round of Jeopardy! as a contestant, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved with my favorite show,” Jennings said in a statement. “I’m still in on all the action, but I don’t have to worry about phrasing things in the form of a question anymore.”

Many of the new safety guidelines have been put in place to ensure Trebek's safety as he is still fighting stage 4 pancreatic cancer. A new redesigned stage will allow for the contestants and Trebek to keep a greater distance from from each other, while still having fun with the game. “I feel good, and I feel excited because once again Jeopardy! has demonstrated that it’s at the forefront of television programming,” Trebek said. “I believe we are the first quiz show to come back on the air in the COVID-19 era. On a personal level, I’m excited because it gets me out of the house. It gives me something to do on a regular basis, and I was missing that.”

New episodes of Jeopardy! will begin airing on Sept. 14. Will you be tuning in?

Photo: Getty