Is Jimmy Kimmel Coming for Ken Jennings's Job? 'Jeopardy!' Host Reportedly 'in a Panic' as Replacement Rumours Swirl

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is reportedly a 'dead man walking' as he faces the axe, with insiders claiming executives are eyeing late-night star Jimmy Kimmel as his potential replacement. The pressure is mounting on the former champion amid criticism of his hosting style and fears that his job is on the line as filming for the new season begins.

Is Ken Jennings a 'Dead Man Walking' as Jimmy Kimmel Eyes His 'Jeopardy!' Job?

A source informed The National Enquirer that Ken entered the summer break with much apprehension. The insider added that executives are looking for a new host with more charisma, saying: 'There's talk his job is on the line. He came back to the show with a heavy heart because, according to a lot of people, he's like a dead man walking'.

The 51-year-old host has already faced criticism for his numerous blunders and conflicting judgments regarding contestants' responses. According to the informant, the stress has escalated the former champion's anxiety, particularly with speculation that prominent figures like Jimmy Kimmel are being considered for his position.

The tipster claimed: 'It's really messing with Ken's morale. But he's trying to keep a stiff upper lip and work on improving his jokes and camaraderie with the contestants and staff. He's determined to lose some weight so he can look a little better on camera, too.'

Insiders suggest that the potential replacement has prompted Ken to seek the assistance of a stylist to reboot his stale image. The spy emphasised that ultimately, it is a company like any other, and Ken recognises that his continued presence may be contingent upon improvements.

This situation presents an opportunity for 57-year-old Jimmy, who is allegedly seeking a new professional direction as late-night television ratings decline. He possesses the advantage of being a seasoned game-show host, having hosted the celebrity edition of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? for four seasons.

IBTimes UK has reached out to a representative for Ken Jennings for comment and cannot independently verify these claims at this time.

Jimmy Kimmel's Shock Suspension and Apology Over Charlie Kirk Jokes

Any potential replacement of Ken by Jimmy might not happen anytime soon, as the late-night host has officially returned to television after being suspended over comments about the assassination of Charlie Kirk. In his opening monologue on Tuesday's episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the comedian addressed his earlier remarks.

Jimmy said: 'I have no illusions about changing anyone's mind, but I do want to make something clear... it was never my intention to make light of the murder of a young man. I don't think there's anything funny about it'.

He continued: 'I posted a message on Instagram of the day he was killed, sending love to his family and asking for compassion, and I meant it and I still do. Nor was it my intention to blame any specific group for the actions of what was obviously a deeply disturbed individual... I get why you're upset. If the situation was reversed, there's a good chance I'd have felt the same way'.

Donald Trump Weighs In as Affiliates Drop Jimmy Kimmel's Show

His return occurred one day after ABC announced that Jimmy Kimmel Live! would resume broadcasting following its sudden cancellation on September 17. In a statement, the company wrote: 'Last Wednesday, we made the decision to suspend production on the show to avoid further inflaming a tense situation... we felt some of the comments were ill-timed and thus insensitive'.

Nonetheless, two of ABC's affiliate stations, Nexstar Media Group and Sinclair Broadcast Group, declined to run Jimmy's program. On September 17, the host was suspended from broadcasting 'indefinitely' due to his remarks regarding Kirk's death the previous week.

During his Sept. 15 monologue, Jimmy said: 'We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang trying to characterize this kid who killed Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them'.

His remark incited outrage within Nexstar, which contacted ABC to threaten to preempt the show, asserting that it 'strongly objects to recent comments made by Mr. Kimmel,' according to Variety. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr also expressed his intention to explore a potential investigation into Kimmel's on-air remarks.

President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to commemorate the announcement, writing: 'Great News for America: The ratings-challenged Jimmy Kimmel Show is CANCELLED. Congratulations to ABC for finally having the courage to do what had to be done. Kimmel has ZERO talent, and worse ratings than even Colbert, if that's possible. That leaves Jimmy and Seth, two total losers, on Fake News NBC. Their ratings are also horrible. Do it NBC!!! President DJT.'

Celebrity Support for Jimmy Kimmel Amid 'Freedom of Speech' Battle

Speaking to the Daily Mail, a producer for the show revealed the host was 'absolutely f---ing livid' over the suspension, blasting it as 'governmental overreaching.' The insider warned that free speech in America is under threat if the government can successfully pressure companies to silence voices they dislike. Sources for the outlet indicated that Jimmy was 'pissed' and was actively seeking ways to terminate his contract.

A multitude of prominent celebrities, such as Ben Affleck and Jennifer Aniston, supported Jimmy in a signed statement that characterised his suspension as 'a dark moment for freedom of speech.'

Concurrently, Sinclair, the media firm for ABC's principal affiliate group, presented a series of stipulations for Jimmy's reinstatement, which included a direct apology to Kirk's family and a financial contribution to both the Kirk Family and Turning Point USA.

With Ken Jennings fighting to secure his position at the iconic lectern and Jimmy Kimmel allegedly navigating the fallout from his own recent controversy, the future of the Jeopardy! host role remains uncertain. Both stars find themselves at a critical crossroads, with their next moves being watched closely by executives and fans alike. Who do you think should be the permanent face of the beloved show?