It’s no shocker that Ken Jennings is a lifelong Jeopardy! fan.
However, long before he succeeded the late Alex Trebek as the host of the iconic TV game show, the trivia champion admitted he didn’t love one of the series’ most notable segments: The contestant interviews.
“So, I have to admit,” Jennings—who was joined by fellow Jeopardy! champ Amy Schneider—revealed on the Aug. 10 episode of the Lovett or Leave It podcast, “as a kid I found the Jeopardy! interviews so cringey that I would leave the room. That’s my Jeopardy! origin story.”
In fact, Jennings thinks the guest Q&A portion, which always takes place after the first commercial break, isn’t what the prize-hungry hopefuls signed up for.
“These people mean well, but you make them stop playing Jeopardy! for a second to talk about their cat or their trip to Thailand or something, and they’re not there for that,” the 51-year-old continued. “They just want to answer the little questions!”
But now that he’s emcee, Jennings attempts to make the interviews as entertaining as possible for fans.
“I try to make it the least bad it can be, and get out of there,” he said. “My promise to you, the viewer.”
Jennings—who holds the record for most money won in regular-season play with $2,520,700 earned during his 2004 stint—also revealed his No. 1 red flag when contestants pitch topics for their interview segment.
“‘You would not believe the crazy thing my cat does!'” he recounted. “And I’m like, ‘I bet I can. Does it sit on top of the couch? That’s nuts.'”
As for Schneider, she praised the hosting abilities Jennings has showcased in the two years since taking over full-time in 2023.
“I have to say, as somebody who’s seen Ken work up close,” she gushed, “his ability to laugh at the end of any story is remarkable.”
Jennings’ reply?
“I’ve spent my whole life trying to get out of conversations in 25 seconds,” he quipped. “That’s why Jeopardy! host is the job for me.”
Jeopardy! returns for season 42 on Sept. 8 (check your local listings). In the meantime, keep reading to see when more of your favorite TV shows premiere this year.
The Young and the Restless (CBS) – Oct. 7
This fall, relationships are tested, unexpected romances flourish and a puzzling mystery leads to shocking revelations. Victor (Eric Braeden) and Jack (Peter Bergman) must decide if they can put their epic rivalry aside in order to protect their legacies; Nick (Joshua Morrow) and Sharon (Sharon Case) find themselves on a dangerous path when a troubling message sends them on a trip looking for answers; Billy (Jason Thompson) and Cane’s (Billy Flynn) power struggle intensifies with the return of Jill (Jess Walton); Nate (Sean Dominic) decides if his future includes Audra (Zuleyka Silver); Claire (Hayley Erin) finds herself torn between two suitors; and Cricket (Lauralee Bell) and Danny (Michael Damian) plan for their long-awaited wedding, airing in November. And Y&R sees the arrival of two intriguing newcomers: Sienna (Tamara Braun), whose unexpected tie to several key characters creates a stir, and a mysterious stranger (Roger Howarth), whose sudden presence raises more questions than answers.
Baylen Out Loud (TLC) – Oct. 7
Baylen and her fiancé Colin are now living together, learning the ropes of adulting and discovering that love and cohabitating require a lot of compromise. From pre-marital counseling sessions to cozy apartment life, this season is all about Baylen leveling up. As she adjusts to a new city, she begins building new friendships and expanding her support system.
Baylen’s journey with Tourette Syndrome continues as she navigates new challenges, medications, and opportunities to learn more about herself. With a wedding on the horizon, Baylen and Colin begin laying the groundwork for their big day, preparing what’s to come through dress shopping, floral design, and venue visits, as they take meaningful steps toward building a life together. But wedding planning isn’t as dreamy as they imagined as they are faced with personal compromise, budget realities, and location dilemmas that challenge their vision and test their teamwork.
Ozzy: No Escape From Now (Paramount+) – Oct. 7
The feature-length documentary serves as the definitive account of the rock icon’s life during the last six years leading up to his July 22 death.
Alongside Ozzy and Sharon, children Aimee, Kelly and Jack speak candidly about the late-night fall their father suffered in February 2019 and the subsequent life-changing impact of that accident, which ultimately led to him cancelling his two-and-a-half-year farewell tour.
The Lost Station Girls (Hulu) – Oct. 8
A teenage girl disappears. Three young women are brutally murdered. All brunette, all last seen near the Perpignan train station. A decades long quest ensues to bring the missing home and bring the serial killer responsible to justice.
HEAUX CHURCH — Oct. 8
Brandon Kyle Goodman stars in their self-written Heaux Church at Ars Nova in New York. The Big Mouth alum will lead the congregation in a rousing service on the birds, the bees and the booty, inviting us to connect and to unleash their inner “heaux.” Runs through Nov. 8.
9-1-1 (ABC) – Oct. 9
The crime drama returns for season nine.
9-1-1: Nashville (ABC) – Oct. 9
The newest entry into the franchise, 9-1-1: Nashville is a high-octane procedural about heroic first responders, as well as their family saga of power and glamour set in one of America’s most diverse and dynamic cities.
Victoria Beckham (Netflix) – Oct. 9
The three-part documentary series gives all of us a front row seat as Victoria Beckham prepares for the fashion show of her life. From the teenager who restyled her school uniform, to the Spice Girl who fought to be accepted by a notoriously demanding fashion industry, Victoria Beckham is the story of resilience, reinvention and self-discovery.
O’ahu Shores (Peacock) – Oct. 9
In Hawaii, the word “ohana” means family and for this bold, vibrant and tight-knit group of friends, they love and argue just like family. These young Hawaiian locals are stepping out of their parents’ expectations and carving their own paths while still embracing their culture. As they navigate love, face heartbreak and test friendship loyalties, this group proves life on the island has just as much shade as there is sun.
The Last Frontier (Apple TV+) – Oct. 10
The Last Frontier follows Frank Remnick (Jason Clarke), the lone U.S. marshal in charge of the quiet, rugged barrens of Alaska. Remnick’s jurisdiction is turned upside-down when a prison transport plane crashes in the remote wilderness, setting free dozens of violent inmates. Tasked with protecting the town he’s vowed to keep safe, he begins to suspect the crash wasn’t an accident, but the first step of a well-crafted plan with far-reaching and devastating implications.
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars (Apple TV+) – Oct. 10
Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars travels to some of the most compelling culinary destinations on Earth. Across eight episodes, the series visits restaurants in New York (Coqodaq, The Musket Room, Noksu), Chicago (Cariño, Esmé, Feld), the Nordics (Aure, Jordnær, Knystaforsen), the U.K. (Caractère, House, Wilsons), Mexico (Em, Máximo), Italy (Agriturismo Ferdy, Kresios) and California (The Harbor House, Pasjoli, Pasta|Bar). At each stop, chefs open their doors and their kitchens, as they chase their first, second, or even third Michelin star.
With unprecedented access to Michelin—including rare, on-the-record interviews with anonymous inspectors—the series delivers a chef’s-eye view of one of the culinary world’s most elusive honors, and the human stories behind the pursuit of perfection.
My Father, the BTK Killer (Netflix) – Oct. 10
Raised by a man leading a monstrous double life, the daughter of the BTK serial killer shares her chilling story in this true crime documentary.
The Braxtons (We TV) – Oct. 10
In season two, Toni, Towanda, Trina, Tamar and Ms. Evelyn reunite with hopes of healing after tragedy, but life throws more curveballs than ever before. While Towanda plans the wedding of her dreams, the family is rocked by medical emergencies, explosive emotional confrontations, and the fallout from a public scandal that threatens to divide them for good.
Frankie Quiñones: Damn That’s Crazy (Hulu) – Oct. 10
Frankie Quiñones hits the stage to unpack love, addiction, and the high-stakes politics of the family carne asada.
Solar Opposites (Hulu) – Oct. 13
Once their alien diamond making machine gets destroyed, the Solar Opposites must face their greatest challenge yet: living their expensive lives on a budget! When their consumerist habits and expensive hobbies are gone, only their true selves will remain… but will they like who they find? ALSO: The epic story of the people of The Wall has all built to this thrilling and shocking conclusion…
Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition (Bravo) – Oct. 14
Based on the hit global format, each standalone episode follows a different Real Housewife and real wife as they navigate swapping their everyday comforts and luxuries to fully immerse themselves in a vastly different familial experience. Through unexpected conflicts, eye-opening moments and emotional breakthroughs, the journey challenges everything they thought they knew about themselves and the world around them. Through this process, the Real Housewives will question if they can appreciate the lives they left behind and conversely, the real wives will question whether the aspirational lives showcased on reality TV are truly as glamorous as they appear.
The Real Housewives featured are Angie Katsanevas (Salt Lake City), Emily Simpson (Orange County), Melissa Gorga (New Jersey) and Dr. Wendy Osefo (Potomac).
Loot (Apple TV+) – Oct. 15
Season three will continue to follow the antics of the beloved group of misfits at The Wells Foundation as they work together so Molly can live up to her promise of giving away all of her vast fortune. Alongside Maya Rudolph, the returning ensemble cast includes Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Nat Faxon, Ron Funches, Joel Kim Booster.
Murdaugh: Death in the Family (Hulu) – Oct. 15
Maggie and Alex enjoy a lavish life of privilege as members of one of South Carolina’s most powerful legal dynasties. But when their son Paul is involved in a deadly boat crash, the family is faced with a test unlike any they’ve ever encountered. As details come to light and new challenges emerge, the family’s connections to several mysterious deaths raise questions which threaten everything Maggie and Alex hold dear. Inspired by the popular Murdaugh Murders Podcast.
Ghost Adventures (Discovery+) – Oct. 15
Paranormal investigators Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley and Jay Wasley return to unearth menacing ghostly activity in their most chilling lockdowns yet. Venturing into the shadows of abandoned buildings, a former military base and even a haunted amusement park, the intrepid team face off against malicious spirits and eerie supernatural phenomena as they pursue answers to terrifying hauntings.
Devil in Disguise: John Wayne Gacy (Peacock) – Oct. 16
The new drama explores the heartbreaking stories of Gacy’s victims and the immense grief and trauma that their families endured. It also highlights the systemic failures, missed opportunities and societal prejudices that allowed his crimes to go unnoticed for so long.
The Diplomat (Netflix) – Oct. 16
A deadly explosion in the heart of London shatters US Ambassador Kate Wyler’s world (Keri Russell). Struggling to rebuild the lives that broke and the team that split apart, Kate’s worst fears unfold: The attack that brought her to the UK didn’t come from a rival nation, it came from inside the British government. As Kate chases the truth, her only real ally is her almost-ex-husband Hal Wyler (Rufus Sewell), very much alive, and very much involved. She faces a fraught marriage, a complex dynamic with British Foreign Secretary Austin Dennison (David Gyasi), and a threatening visit from Vice President Grace Penn (Allison Janney).
Mr. Scorsese (Apple TV+) – Oct. 17
The new documentary examines how director Martin Scorsese’s colorful life experiences informed his artistic vision as each film he made stunned the world with originality. Starting with his earliest experiences (New York University student films) through to the present day, this documentary explores the themes that have fascinated Scorsese, including the place of good and evil in the fundamental nature of humankind.
R.L. Stine’s Pumpkinhead (Tubi) – Oct. 17
A teenager, Sam thought moving to Redhaven was the worst part—until his brother Finn vanishes and no one, not even their mom, remembers he existed. With Halloween ticking down, Sam, his friend Becka, and Rusty, the town’s most eccentric outcast, must stop a harvest curse before Finn is lost forever.
Downey Wrote That (Peacock) – Oct. 17
The hourlong documentary film explores the sketches, contributions and enduring influence of Jim Downey, one of the most impactful comedy writers in the history of Saturday Night Live.
While diving into the storied history of television’s most iconic and longest-running comedy institution, the documentary will uncover the mastery of Downey’s craft as the show’s behind-the-scenes comedic architect for over three decades. Largely unseen by audiences, Downey is the prolific writer behind many of SNL’s most unforgettable sketches, quotable lines and groundbreaking political satire.
The Road (CBS) – Oct. 19
Twelve talented artists on the verge of stardom will compete as opening acts for Grammy Award winner Keith Urban at music venues across America, providing a high-stakes platform to document their musical journey and seize the grand prize. Throughout the season, Keith is joined by executive producers Blake Shelton and Taylor Sheridan, “Tour Manager” Gretchen Wilson and other country music stars (to be announced) who, along with the live venue audience, will determine who advances to the next city. Only one of these talented triple threats – singers, songwriters and instrumentalists – will walk away with the grand prize (to be announced).
Haha, You Clowns (Adult Swim) – Oct. 19
Created by Joe Cappa, Haha, You Clowns is an unexpected new series from Adult Swim that celebrates wholesome family programming. Join the Campbell boys, three doting teenagers and their tenderhearted dad, as they live, laugh, love their way into your living rooms. They’re big dudes with big feelings who are learning to navigate life in the wake of their mother’s death, sensing her presence in everyday adventures.
Nobody Wants This (Netflix) – Oct. 23
First comes love, then comes life. The last time we saw agnostic podcast host Joanne (Kristen Bell) and unconventional (hot) rabbi Noah (Adam Brody), their unmatched chemistry surprised everyone in their lives, including her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), his brother Sasha (Timothy Simons) and sister-in-law Esther (Jackie Tohn), and even themselves. Their spark proved stronger than all of the obstacles trying to keep them apart. Now, they’re back and fully committed to merging their lives—and loved ones—together. But their differences still exist and can’t be ignored. The challenge now is not just falling in love against all odds, but staying together in spite of them.
The Kardashians (Hulu) – Oct. 23
The Kardashian-Jenners are back, and it feels like old times! Kris, Kourtney, Kim, Khloé, Kendall, and Kylie are diving head-first into the drama, the hustle, and the heart. They must revisit their past as they chase passions that push them further than ever before. Through unforgettable moments and deeply personal challenges, the family continues to evolve and redefine their legacy.
Everything on the Menu With Braun Strowman (USA) – Oct. 24
The new series follows WWE legend Braun Strowman as he brings his superhuman appetite to America’s most delicious destinations, from the ultimate greasy-spoon favorites to the Michelin-starred temples of gastronomy and everything in-between. Braun doesn’t just eat…he obliterates every dish in his path, bonds with the culinary warriors behind the counter and picks his favorite from each city’s most iconic flavors. The eight-city tour includes Fort Worth, Washington D.C., Orlando, Las Vegas, Chicago, Milwaukee, New Orleans and Tampa.
IT: Welcome to Derry (HBO Max) – Oct. 26
Set in the world of Stephen King’s IT universe, IT: Welcome to Derry is based on King’s IT novel and expands the vision established by filmmaker Andy Muschietti in the feature films IT and IT Chapter Two.
