Ken Jennings, the record-breaking Jeopardy! champion turned host, has officially stepped into the legendary shoes of the late Alex Trebek. But the road to his current role hasn’t been smooth—and now, it seems, a powerful ally is quietly cheering him on: The Price Is Right host Drew Carey.

After a rollercoaster of guest hosts and behind-the-scenes controversy, Jennings, 50, was confirmed as the sole host of Jeopardy! following the departure of actress Mayim Bialik in December 2023. While some fans were thrilled, others remained skeptical, questioning Ken’s charisma and on-screen presence.

But behind the scenes, Drew Carey has emerged as one of Ken’s most unexpected champions. According to insiders, Carey—who himself took over a beloved franchise when he succeeded Bob Barker in 2007—sees Jennings as someone who has truly earned the right to lead Jeopardy! into the future.

Back when the search for a new host was still open, Carey reportedly backed executive producer Mike Richards for the job, largely due to their personal friendship. But after Richards’ abrupt departure amid resurfaced podcast scandals, and Bialik’s eventual exit, Drew’s opinion shifted.

“Drew really came around to Ken,” said a source close to the situation. “They’re not best friends, but Drew sees Ken as a guy who fought for the job, proved his worth, and deserves a fair shot.”

That support may mean more than fans realize. Drew Carey is deeply respected at Sony Pictures Television, the production company behind both Jeopardy! and The Price Is Right. His smooth takeover from Barker is now seen as the gold standard for game show transitions. For Ken, Drew’s endorsement could be critical as he fights for long-term security.

Despite holding a $4 million contract, Jennings doesn’t yet have a long-term agreement. Insiders say Sony can replace him at any time—and the company is closely monitoring both ratings and vocal fan reactions online. The Jeopardy! fanbase is known for its passionate scrutiny, with viewers quick to dissect every decision and comment.

“Ken has to keep the audience engaged without alienating them,” one insider explained. “It’s a delicate balancing act, and Drew’s quiet support might just help him walk that tightrope.”

It’s a dynamic that mirrors Carey’s own journey. Many doubted his ability to take over The Price Is Right, but nearly two decades later, he’s a staple of daytime television. Jennings hopes to follow that same arc—proving the doubters wrong through consistency, humility, and a deep love for the game.

“He lives and breathes Jeopardy!,” the source said. “This isn’t just a job to him—it’s his life.”

Jennings made history with a 74-game winning streak in 2004 and has since won millions in tournaments. But unlike Trebek, who was a seasoned TV presenter, Ken’s background is entirely trivia-focused. That lack of hosting polish has been his Achilles’ heel, according to critics and executives alike.

Still, Jennings is reportedly willing to take a pay cut if it means staying on long-term. He understands that personality can be learned, but loyalty to the format and fanbase can’t be faked.

“He’s self-aware,” the insider said. “He knows his biggest weakness is how he comes across on camera, not his knowledge. And he’s working on it.”

As Jeopardy! continues into its 40th season, all eyes are on Jennings. He’s walking a narrow path between tradition and change, reverence and reinvention. But with Drew Carey in his corner—and a fanbase slowly warming to his earnest style—he may just carve out his own legendary chapter in game show history.

Only time will tell if Ken Jennings will match Trebek’s iconic 36-year tenure, but one thing is certain: he’s not backing down without a fight.

4o