Jeopardy! has launched its 40th season, with Ken Jennings at the helm as the first solo host since Alex Trebek's tenure ended in 2020. Regular episodes are back, following a hiatus for tournament play. Jennings is beginning to forge his own identity, separate from Trebek's legendary persona.
In a recent Inside Jeopardy! podcast, executive producer Michael Davies discussed Trebek's unparalleled legacy.
Jennings humorously admitted, "You know, I’m never gonna have the voice. I’m never gonna be the good-looking silver fox, the Canadian silver fox that we were so lucky to have with Alex."
Jennings openly acknowledges that he lacks Trebek's iconic "silver fox" appeal. When Davies inquired about the possibility of Jennings growing a mustache, Jennings joked, "I don’t think you’re gonna like it, if you ever see it. You will see the ratings drop."
Jennings' self-deprecating humor shines through, despite his massive success on Jeopardy! He suggests that his mustache wouldn't be well-received, although it's hard to imagine it affecting the show's ratings seriously.
Alex Trebek’s mustache was indeed iconic. It became a symbol of his identity during the early years of his career on Jeopardy! Trebek famously shaved it off in 2001 but brought it back intermittently, including a brief return with a beard in 2018 and 2020.
Ken Jennings stepping into his own as Jeopardy!’s host doesn't include taking on Trebek’s facial hair legacy. It's an element of style unique to Trebek that Jennings feels best left untouched.
For fans wanting to see Jennings in action, Jeopardy! airs syndicated episodes regularly. Additionally, Jeopardy! Masters is slated for a return on ABC at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, May 1. Also, keep an eye on the 2024 TV schedule for more upcoming premieres.