KEN Jennings is so committed to Jeopardy! that he is willing to take a pay cut if it means hosting for decades to come, US Sun has been told.
The former champion, 50, was named sole host in December 2023 after Mayim Bialik, 48, was dropped from the series.
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Ken and Mayim were initially announced as Jeopardy! co-hosts in July 2022, succeeding the late great Alex Trebek.
It was previously reported that they were each tied to contracts worth $4 million, which is what Ken likely still earns.
Sony – the company behind the iconic game show – has cut ties with the Big Bang Theory actress.
Now, it feels like Jeopardy! has finally chosen Ken as host for good, and he’s determined to keep it that way.
Read more about Ken Jennings
WELL WITH ‘LESS MONEY’
A source claims that Ken has made it clear to superiors that he is in it for the long haul, just like Alex.
“Danger! is Ken’s religion; he lives it, breathes it, and despite all the outside pressures, he won’t screw it up,” they shared.
“He is proud to have reached this position and believes he has what it takes to make it last for decades to come.
“Of course, he recognizes that no one could ever fill the shoes of Alex Trebek, an icon and someone Ken himself considered a personal hero.”
They continued: “What he really wants, more than anything, is to stay and make this position work in the long term.
“And if that means making less money to ensure his longevity, you can bet your life he would be in the game.
“It’s not just about money,” they added. “It’s a way of life for Ken and more. He’s in it for the long haul and to secure his status in program history.”
Of course, Ken is already comfortable. He earned $2.5 million from his record 74-game competitive streak, $4.3 million including tournaments.
That said, Alex reportedly earned $10 million a year at the end of his 36-year tenure, which is more than double Ken’s salary, even before a possible pay cut.
‘NO TREBEK STYLE CONTRACT’
Ken is also being watched closely now that he is the face of the beloved quiz show, which continues to rake in money for Sony.
“Jeopardy! is Sony’s cash cow and is as important financially to them as ‘Breaking Bad,’ even though it makes ten times as much money,” the source continued.
“Now that Ken is at the center of the action, everything has changed.
“For one, they are no longer paying Mayim her huge co-host salary.
“The show is instantly a lot more profitable than it was when she was around.
“Two, they are absolutely cheering Ken on and trying to fill him with confidence about the huge journey that lies ahead, about keeping this show going for another 25 years.”
“But this is a path full of traps. It’s crazy and it’s a leap of faith, but Ken wants this job and has strengthened his backbone to deliver his best work.”
Ken has clearly honed his hosting skills onstage and off; he also gave up posting on his once controversial Twitter page.
However, the source stated that while it is understood that Ken is in it for the long haul, that deal has not yet been written.
“He doesn’t yet have a Trebek-style long-term contract, and the president of Sony TV could replace him at any time on a whim.
“She has all the power in this relationship, which is why someone like Ken is so afraid of her.
“The whole rug could be ripped out from under him at any moment.
“He’s trying his best, but in the long run, that might not be enough!”
Fortunately, it seems like that’s enough, as Ken is beloved by fans and players alike.
US Sun has reached out to Sony representatives for comment.
HAVOK HOST
Ken holds the record for longest winning streak on Jeopardy! history with 74 consecutive victories in 2004.
Alex hosted the modern iteration of the show from 1984 until November 2020, after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer.
After his death, things got a little chaotic, as viewers know all too well.
After a series of guest hosts, officials announced that producer Mike Richards and actress Mayim would take over as co-hosts.
However, in August 2021, Richards resigned due to resurfaced sexist comments and Ken stepped in to share hosting duties with Mayim.
In July 2022, it was announced that Mayim and Ken would continue to host together in season 39, leaving.
However, following the show’s hiatus in the summer of 2023, it was revealed that Jennings would take over as permanent host for season 40.
Mayim announced in a personal Instagram message in late December 2023 that she would “no longer host” the show.
“As the Hollywood holidays begin, I have some Jeopardy! news,” she began her post.
“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!”
Danger! cobbled together a similar message on Instagram an hour later, and it has since been reported that Mayim broke the news without consulting the show first.
Ken later said he “understood” the decision, as the shows “don’t have two hosts”.
Now, Ken runs every facet of Jeopardy! including specials and spinoffs.
In another interview, he said clearly, “I’m looking forward to another 37 years of doing this [hosting]when I’m a very, very old man.”
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This story originally appeared on The-sun.com read the full story
