Additional Coverage:
- ‘Jeopardy’ host Ken Jennings relieved as ‘Wheel of Fortune’ star Ryan Seacrest doesn’t want his job (marketrealist.com)
Game show hosts Ken Jennings (Jeopardy!) and Ryan Seacrest (Wheel of Fortune) may be perceived as rivals, but behind the scenes, it’s all smiles.
Jennings recently shared his admiration for Seacrest, even expressing relief that Seacrest hadn’t pursued the Jeopardy! hosting gig.
The two shows film on adjacent stages at Sony Studios, and Jennings revealed he often sees Seacrest and Vanna White. He praised White as “delightful” and “unchanged by her decades of being a TV legend.” He noted the shows share some crew members, including a hair stylist, which facilitates friendly interactions.
Jennings also lauded Seacrest’s smooth transition to Wheel of Fortune, admitting it was “almost frustrating” how good Seacrest was from day one. “There is no show, no format, I think, that would rattle Ryan Seacrest,” Jennings commented, adding, “I’m very glad he has not expressed any interest in Jeopardy!”
Despite reports of ratings competition between the shows, the hosts seem to maintain a good-natured relationship. Jennings even reportedly joked with a Jeopardy! audience, asking if anyone wished they were watching Wheel of Fortune instead, drawing laughter and demonstrating his lighthearted approach to the so-called rivalry.