What is a game show host rivalry?
During a recent taping of “Jeopardy,” host Ken Jennings reportedly made a joke about his rival, newly minted “Wheel of Fortune” host Ryan Seacrest.
An insider told The US Sun, “After a recent taping, Ken asked the live audience if they enjoyed their time at the show, before asking if any of them wished they’d gone to see ‘Wheel of Fortune’ instead.”
“The crowd erupted in laughter and seemed to appreciate him making fun of the rivalry and not taking it so seriously,” the source claimed. “Ken is very humble, really kind to everyone on set, and eager to answer questions from guests.”
Seacrest, 49, took over from longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak and made his debut in September. Longtime co-host Vanna White, who hosted with Sajak, stayed on with Seacrest.
Sajak, 78, who hosted the game show for more than 40 years, announced his retirement in June 2023. Seacrest was announced as his successor that same month.
Sajak’s final episode aired in June.
“Wheel of Fortune” has enjoyed a ratings boost from its new host, becoming the most-watched entertainment show across broadcast, cable, and syndication during September, per Variety. According to Nielsen data, the show averaged 7.99 million viewers during Seacrest’s debut month. On the other hand, “Jeopardy!” averaged 7.1 million viewers.
Previously, “Jeopardy!” beat “Wheel of Fortune” in ratings.
Jennings, 50, is also a relatively new host, as Alex Trebek hosted for more than 30 years, from 1984 until his death from cancer in 2021 at age 80.
Jennings’ tenure has been under a year so far. After Trebek passed away, former “Jeopardy!” producer Mike Richards lasted exactly one day on the job as the show’s host before he got fired.
Following that incident, Jennings was a rotating guest host with “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik, until Jennings was made permanent in December 2023.
“It seems the role hasn’t gone to his head. There’s no ego about him at all,” the source said about Jennings.
They added that Jennings is even using Trebek’s former hairdresser, Renee Ferruggia.
“Audience members have also asked him which is harder; being a contestant or hosting, and he admitted taking part was much more nerve-wracking than reading out the questions,” they told the outlet.
When he was contestant on the show, Jennings had a record 74-game streak. Per The Sun, he told fans at a taping this week that his total winnings topped $2.5 million.
The Post reached out to reps from “Jeopardy!” for comment.
