Saturday Night Live writer and co-host of Weekend Update Colin Jost has been tapped to join the Jeopardy! universe as the host of the new Pop Culture Jeopardy! spin-off — but could he also helm other future Jeopardy! enterprises?
While the comedian, 42, is set to start production on Pop Culture Jeopardy! this month, according to a Sony official who spoke to The U.S. Sun, it's not unreasonable to think that Jost could expand to take over the franchise if his ratings outshine those of current main host Ken Jennings.
Jennings, 50, holds several records as a contestant on the iconic series – in addition to the longest winning streak, he also holds the record for the highest average correct responses per game. After sharing guest hosting duties with actress Mayim Bialik, the Washington native became the official syndicated host of Jeopardy! in December 2023.
According to the Sony source, however, Jennings shouldn't panic just yet. "The only real reason to replace Ken is if the ratings took a nosedive, and that hasn't happened yet," they told The Sun.
It has not yet been confirmed whether Jost will return to SNL for the next season, but given that this will be season 50 of the historic series, most cast members are expected to stay on for the celebration. Still, the comedian has expanded his hosting and reporting slate recently. He hosted the 2024 White House Correspondents' Dinner and was meant to be a surfing correspondent for NBC (SNL's home network) during the 2024 Olympics, but had to go home due to an injury.
The Sun's Sony source says that the studio plans to let Ken Jennings become "the de facto face of the franchise - for now." Since fan reactions to the news that Jost would host Pop Culture Jeopardy! were mixed, Jennings' longevity as a host doesn't appear to be in immediate danger, but Sony is not committing to a long-term contract just yet.
Alex Trebek, the original host of Jeopardy!, was the face of the franchise for 37 seasons.
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