Exclusive: 'Jeopardy!' host Ken Jennings reflects on game show fame, Alex Trebek's legacy

Jennings became the permanent 'Jeopardy!' host in 2023

When Ken Jennings invites you behind-the-scenes of the iconic game show, you go!

On The Red Carpet's George Pennacchio scored that exclusive invite and spoke with Jennings about the game, the fame and the legacy.

"Do you ever think about what your life without 'Jeopardy!' would have been like," Pennacchio asked.

"I think about that all the time, because 'Jeopardy!' really came into my life at this pivotal moment," Jennings said. "And who could have predicted that trying out for a quiz show turned out to be the thing that changed my life. I'm so lucky."

Jennings first appeared on "Jeopardy!" in 2004 and he went on a record-breaking 74-game winning streak. He returned to the show over the years for special tournaments, and after Alex Trebek passed away in 2020, the show brought him back as a guest host in 2021. He was given the permanent job in 2023.

"The thing about 'Jeopardy!' is everybody loves it. Everybody has warm feelings about it. They remember watching with their dad or watching with grandma or in college or whatever it is. So like people's eyes light up when they see me. It's very flattering to be associated with like a TV institution like this," Jennings continued.

Jennings showed Pennacchio the dressing room that once belonged to the late, great Trebek and now belongs to him.

"What we do have are some Alex Trebek-era game worn neck ties! So occasionally we will mix in an Alex worn game tie into my repertoire," Jennings said.

And he admits when he does don one of the ties, he feels different!!

"I do feel like I get some of that legacy. He was such a graceful host. Like, if you ever watched him host in person? Technically perfect. It was daunting to watch! It was so impressive. And I can't do that. I'm more of a mascot maybe than an old school broadcaster like Alex. But I do kinda feel like i have some of that authority," he said.

Does Jennings ever have gameplay FOMO?

"I don't miss playing, partly because hosting happens at the same intense speed, so it kind of scratches the same itch, but also because I know I'm a little past my prime now," he admitted. "I think I'm very lucky to be still at 'Jeopardy!' and not having to respond to these very tough clues."

You can watch Jennings on "Jeopardy!" weeknights. Check your local listings.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station.