Question: I’ve been watching Ken Jennings on Jeopardy! I think he’s doing a fantastic job. Why not let him be the new host of Jeopardy!? —Diana
Matt Roush: Maybe eventually he will be, but no one’s rushing to make that call just yet, and I understand why. Everything the show’s producers are doing right now is intended to keep the show going while honoring the memory of their legendary and beloved host, who passed away in the middle of the season’s production. By choosing Ken Jennings, who had already come aboard the show as a consulting producer, to be the initial guest host for the first weeks, they were smart to focus on continuity. In many ways, Jennings is second only to Alex as being the face and ambassador for the show, which he so obviously loves. His reverence and respect for Alex, the contestants and the game were apparent from his first episode, which excuses any signs of nervousness or other aspects of his steep learning curve. I was impressed by his rapport and empathy with the contestants (in whose shoes he has been), and I’m looking forward to seeing how some of the other announced celebrity guest hosts will do as the season progresses. The one thing Jeopardy! is trying not to project is the sense that this is some sort of bake-off contest with the winner getting the job. That, too, is appropriate.
To submit questions to TV Critic Matt Roush, go to: tvinsider.com