Ken Jennings Leaves ‘The Chase’ and Fans (and James Holzhauer) React
Jeopardy! GOAT Ken Jennings continues his stint at the legendary lectern as guest host. Also a steady presence on ABC’s game show The Chase, Jennings joined the show with Jeopardy! alums James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter. Apparently there is a change in “Chasers” for the show’s upcoming new season in May, and Jennings’ name is not on the roster.
‘The Chase’ announces a new lineup of ‘Chasers’
After the success of Jeopardy!’s Greatest of All Time tournament with Jennings, Holzhauer, and Rutter competing for the title, ABC recruited the three brainiacs for The Chase. On the show, three competitors bring their trivia knowledge against a “Chaser”, which is either Jennings, Holzhauer, or Rutter. The Chaser tries to stop the contestants using their trivia expertise, thwarting the winning of a cash jackpot.
Mark “The Beast” Labbett was added as a Chaser in the show’s second season, having already made his mark on the original UK series and the Australian version of the game show. Sara Haines has hosted the program since its premiere in January 2021.
The Chase announced on its social media accounts what’s coming up when the new season launches in May, and Jennings’ name, as well as Labbett’s, were notably absent.
“New season. New Chasers. Victoria Groce, Brandon Blackwell, and Buzzy Cohen join Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer on May 3 when #TheChase returns,” the caption read on Twitter.
Banter continues between Ken Jennings and James Holzhauer
Jennings and Holzhauer have maintained a humorous back-and-forth on social media over the years, and this occasion was no different.
“By popular demand, The Chase is now 100% @KenJennings-free,” Holzhauer tweeted after the news was released.
Not one to be outdone, the Jeopardy! GOAT commented on the announcement along with a playful jab at Holzhauer.
“I’m already missing all the lovely folks at @TheChaseABC, and the great trivia minds, and James,” Jennings posted.
Labbett alluded that the end of his run on The Chase may have not been his decision.
“Gutted to not be invited back but really excited at the new lineup. Am expecting Brandon and Victoria to wow America :)” Labbett wrote on Twitter.
Game show enthusiast are most likely thrilled to see Jeopardy! alum Buzzy Cohen land a spot on The Chase.
‘Jeopardy!’ fans speculate on Ken Jennings’ host status
Fans expressed their disappointment that Labbett and Jennings wouldn’t be back on The Chase, though many voiced their hopes that the change on the prime time show means some long-awaited Jeopardy! news.
“Please tell me this is because you are taking the full time Jeopardy hosting job,” a fan posted on Twitter.
“I hope this means you’ll be the permanent host of Jeopardy! You are fantastic there but I’ll miss you on The Chase,” another wrote.
“Permanent J hosting announcement incoming?” a viewer asked.
“So are we going from ‘hosting Jeopardy‘ to ‘the host’? Let’s hope so,” a fan commented.
“I’m hoping that means good things for your ‘other’ gig. Will miss you on The Chase though,” a fan remarked.
Though no decision has been made on Jeopardy’s! permanent hosting gig, fans can see Jennings at the iconic podium as he continues to trade off with Mayim Bialik throughout season 38.
The new season of The Chase premieres on May 3 on ABC.
