Colin Jost to Host New Game Show ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’

Colin Jost to Host New Game Show “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”

If you’ve been captivated by Colin Jost’s insightful commentary from Tahiti during the Olympics surfing events, you’re in for a treat! On Wednesday, Sony Pictures Television announced that he will take the helm as the host of the highly anticipated new game show, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”

At 42 years old, Jost is no stranger to the entertainment scene. As a seasoned writer for Saturday Night Live, he has been a familiar face on the Weekend Update segment since 2014, where he shares the screen with co-anchor Michael Che. This new spinoff, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”, is a fresh take on the iconic quiz show that has been a staple of American television for decades, airing both on broadcast and in syndication. However, this iteration will be exclusively available for streaming on Amazon Prime Video.

Suzanne Prete, the president for game shows at Sony Pictures Television, praised Jost’s selection in a news release, stating, “He possesses a sharp wit and intelligence that align perfectly with the essence of our contestants. We are confident that he will not only keep pace with them but also infuse this new series with his distinctive flair.”

In a playful nod to the show’s famous answer format, Jost expressed his excitement, saying, “What is: I’m thrilled to be part of this!”

The format for “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” introduces contestants in teams of three, competing in a tournament-style setup. Participants will rush to answer a diverse range of questions spanning categories such as alternative rock, the Marvel Avengers, and Broadway hits. Production for the show is slated to kick off in August, setting the stage for what promises to be a vibrant and entertaining experience.

This spinoff is part of a broader expansion of the so-called “Jeopardy! Universe,” a term the show’s producers have coined to describe the ongoing growth of the franchise. This evolution also includes the introduction of special tournaments in addition to the flagship program. Since the passing of the legendary host Alex Trebek in 2020, who led the show for 37 remarkable years, “Jeopardy!” has undergone significant transformations. A lengthy process of auditioning potential hosts led to Mike Richards, the show’s executive producer, initially being chosen. However, he stepped down following controversial remarks made on a podcast. The hosting duties were then shared between actress Mayim Bialik and former champion Ken Jennings until last year, when Bialik announced her departure from the hosting role. Since then, Jennings has comfortably settled in as the sole host, bringing his own unique style to the beloved game show.