How Much Money Does Ken Jennings Make From Hosting JEOPARDY!?
By Movieguide® Contributor
After finding himself the most winning contestant in the show’s history, Ken Jennings returned to host JEOPARDY! in 2022. Here’s how much he makes.
It turns out Jenning racks in around $4 million per year for performing his hosting duties. This payday far outweighs his winnings from the show which totaled $2.5 million after his legendary run as a contestant which lasted nearly six months.
Jennings was brought on to host the show in 2022 after the death of longtime host Alex Trebek. For his first season, he cohosted the show alongside THE BIG BANG THEORY star Mayim Balik, and they split time across numerous JEOPARDY! shows. Balik, however, departed from the show in 2023, leaving Jennings as the sole host.
Despite receiving flak from fans for being “awkward,” Jennings cherishes the role and defends his efforts as host, explaining that he doesn’t write the jokes or pick the questions.
“Ken’s well aware of the noise and tittle-tattle, and privately he would acknowledge these are tough times…but he’s insisting there’s a share of blame here,” a JEOPARDY! insider previously shared. “He doesn’t write the lines or pick the questions and contestants, and won’t be made a scapegoat.”
“He won’t take this treatment. He’s calling on bosses to be more supportive and warning people not to trip him up,” the source continued. “Ken doesn’t understand why viewers think this is all his fault, because it’s not. He believes others need to take responsibility. He’s done playing ‘Mr. Nice Guy.’”
The producers of the show clearly still have confidence in him as Jennings was recently named the host of the upcoming season of CELEBRITY JEOPARDY! despite being overlooked for the previous season of the show.
Regardless of his shortcomings, Jennings has an evident love for the show which has drawn in millions of viewers. Though he feels the pressure of filling Trebek’s shoes, he hopes to continue heading the show for as long as he can.
READ MORE: WHO WILL HOST THE UPCOMING SEASON OF JEOPARDY!?
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