Jimmy Kimmel has been a fixture of late-night television for more than two decades, but insiders say he’s plotting his next act — and it could put him in direct competition with a longtime friend. According to multiple entertainment sources, the Jimmy Kimmel Live! host is “determined to quit late night before he’s axed” and has quietly set his sights on replacing Ken Jennings as the full-time host of Jeopardy!

If the rumors prove true, it would be one of the most surprising career moves in recent television history — and a potentially awkward betrayal of Jennings, who has been the face of the iconic quiz show since 2023.

Why Kimmel Might Jump

Industry insiders point out that Kimmel’s interest makes sense on several fronts.

First, the late-night TV landscape is shifting fast. CBS shocked the industry when it announced the cancellation of The Late Show With Stephen Colbert effective May 2026, leaving hosts like Kimmel, Jimmy Fallon, and Seth Meyers weighing their own futures. Ratings for traditional late-night shows have slid as audiences turn to streaming, clips, and podcasts for political commentary and comedy.

“Jimmy is 57, and he’s realistic,” says one source. “He wants to leave late night on his own terms, not wait until ABC decides the format isn’t worth the money anymore. Jeopardy! would be a perfect landing spot.”

Second, Kimmel’s personal life reportedly factors in. Jeopardy! tapes only two days a week, allowing hosts far more free time compared to the grueling daily grind of late-night production. “He’s been saying he wants more time with his kids,” another insider adds. “This gives him that flexibility.”

A Return to His Game-Show Roots

The move wouldn’t be without precedent. Before Kimmel became a late-night household name, he launched his television career in the 1990s as co-host of Win Ben Stein’s Money on Comedy Central. That gig, which blended trivia with comedy, won Kimmel an Emmy and helped him transition to The Man Show and eventually ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!

“People forget he started in the game-show world,” says a veteran producer. “He knows the rhythms of that format. He has the temperament, the timing, and the humor to make Jeopardy! his own.”

Trouble for Ken Jennings

The elephant in the room, of course, is Ken Jennings. The Jeopardy! legend — who won 74 consecutive games as a contestant before stepping in as permanent host in late 2023 — has faced ratings turbulence.

Celebrity Jeopardy! in particular has struggled, with numbers falling compared to Alex Trebek’s era and even to Mayim Bialik’s earlier guest-host stint. While the syndicated daily version remains number one among quiz shows, it’s now only about 400,000 viewers ahead of Ryan Seacrest’s Wheel of Fortune.

“Seacrest is killing it with Wheel,” one source told The Daily Mail. “Jeopardy! is still on top, but not by much — and Ken hasn’t built the same aura Trebek had. Sony needs a counterpunch to Ryan.”

That “counterpunch,” insiders suggest, could be Kimmel.

The Seacrest Factor

Sony reportedly feels pressure to compete with the buzz generated by Seacrest’s smooth transition into hosting Wheel of Fortune after Pat Sajak’s retirement. The show has seen a surge of publicity and stable ratings since Seacrest joined Vanna White.

“Sony wants their own headline-worthy host,” says a network insider. “Jimmy brings name recognition, media savvy, and built-in star power. He’d be their answer to Ryan.”

Money Talks

There’s also the matter of Kimmel’s contract. Currently, he reportedly makes about $15 million a year hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! Sources say that if he were to move to Jeopardy!, he would demand at least parity with Seacrest’s $28 million-per-season deal at Wheel of Fortune.

“That’s the number,” one source explained. “Jimmy won’t do it unless Sony matches or surpasses what Ryan is getting. He knows his worth.”

What About Their Friendship?

The sticky part is Kimmel and Jennings’ personal relationship. The two have appeared together on-air in the past and maintained friendly ties.

But insiders say Kimmel wouldn’t let loyalty get in the way of opportunity. “Ken will be collateral damage,” one bluntly put it. “That’s showbiz. Jimmy has ice water in his veins when it comes to career decisions.”

Others note that Jennings himself fought hard to win the gig in 2023 after a long guest-host competition that included Bialik, LeVar Burton, and Anderson Cooper. “It’s not like Ken doesn’t understand how cutthroat this world is,” another insider remarked.

Kimmel’s Exit Strategy From Late Night

The speculation comes as Kimmel openly reflects on the future of his show. In multiple interviews over the past two years, he has hinted that he doesn’t see himself hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live! forever. With Colbert gone after 2026 and Fallon locked in at NBC through 2028, ABC may also be considering its own long-term options.

“He’s determined to quit before he’s pushed,” one insider told Radar. “It’s about leaving while he still has leverage.”

Will It Actually Happen?

For now, nothing is official. Jennings remains host of Jeopardy! with no formal indication from Sony that they plan to replace him. The show, while down from Trebek-era highs, is still the gold standard of syndicated quiz programs.

But the whispers continue to grow. The combination of Kimmel’s late-night fatigue, Sony’s need for a Seacrest-caliber star, and Jennings’ uneven ratings could converge into one of television’s most dramatic host swaps.

“Never say never,” one veteran producer said. “We’re in a moment where legacy formats are under pressure to deliver. Bringing in a superstar like Kimmel would send a message.”

The Bottom Line

Jimmy Kimmel has built a career on sharp wit, celebrity friendships, and late-night longevity. But as the genre faces a rocky future, insiders say he’s preparing for a graceful exit — one that could see him step into one of the most iconic roles in American television.

For Ken Jennings, that possibility must feel like déjà vu: another competition for control of Jeopardy!, this time not against fellow trivia buffs but against one of the biggest names in entertainment.

Whether Sony sticks with loyalty or opts for star power remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: if Kimmel really wants the Jeopardy! podium, he has the leverage, the timing, and — apparently — the ruthlessness to make it happen.