Colin Jost Is Jeopardy!’s Secret Weapon, Sources Say Network Wants Him as Full-Time Host

Comic Colin Jost insists he’s not after Ken Jennings’ job, but sources reveal the show’s bosses are eager to change his mind — and are offering big bucks to sweeten the pot!

The 42-year-old Saturday Night Live funnyman was an instant hit with viewers when Pop Culture Jeopardy! hit screens in December, and according to a network spy, head honchos are convinced he’s the answer to their quiz show prayers.

“The ratings for Jeopardy! have been very hit or miss, so of course they’re looking to make some changes,” blabs the snitch.

As readers know, fans have been ripping Ken ever since he beat out Mayim Bialik for the plum TV gig in 2023, with critics blasting his stiff delivery, cringe-worthy blunders, and sketchy treatment of contestants.

The 50-year-old ex-software engineer, who shot to fame as the show’s most celebrated champion, lacks the “star quality and charisma” that Colin exudes, tattles a source.

“The most important thing to understand with the franchise right now is that Colin’s hosting efforts on Pop Culture Jeopardy! represent a major creative and business win for the studio, and it’s working out better than anybody anticipated,” dishes the insider.

“The show is a word-of-mouth phenomenon and has brought a load of young new fans into the Jeopardy! universe. If it was possible from a business perspective to just hire Colin as the full-time nightly host, the studio would do it in a heartbeat — and replace Ken in the process — but Colin continues to be under contract at SNL and he still wants to live full-time in New York City,” adds the source.

“The ball is in his court — I bet he could even convince them to tape the show in New York, if that’s what he needs to make a deal!”

After Pop Culture Jeopardy! premiered, Colin insisted in an interview that he has no ambition to replace Ken. “I promise I am in no way trying to steal his job,” Colin swore.

But his denials have done little to quench the network’s thirst to bring him on board, spills the source!

“The leadership at Sony very much wants a longer- term deal with Colin and they continue to keep Ken on short-term deals where his on-air and ratings performance is scrutinized no end,” explains the source.

“Colin is becoming a beloved figure among Jeopardy! fans — plus, he has the kind of pretty-boy face that you can put on the side of a bus or on a billboard!”