Jeopardy! enthusiasts are in for a treat as the news about Celebrity Jeopardy! and Ken Jennings' status with the ABC special has been making waves. On Monday (December 16), the popular quiz show unveiled the first promo photo of Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 3. This photo prominently featured Ken Jennings in the center, putting to rest any doubts about his hosting role in the spinoff.

Ken Jennings: The Host with a Smile

In the Instagram photo, Ken Jennings was seen snapping a selfie, giving fans their first look at him hosting the new season. He appeared well-groomed, with his hair slicked back and a wide smile from the host lectern. It was clear that he was ready to take on this exciting challenge. No A-listers were visible in the photo yet; the lineup is likely to be announced in the coming weeks.The post's caption, "Ken's ready for the new season of #CelebrityJeopardy. Are you?", set the tone for what was to come. It was announced that Season 3 would premiere on Wednesday, January 8, at 9 p.m. on ABC and Hulu.In the comments section, fans were ecstatic about the new season of Celebrity Jeopardy! and relieved to know that Jennings would be at the host podium. There had been some speculation about his role, with some thinking Mayim Bialik might host or even Colin Jost from Pop Culture Jeopardy! after his positive reviews."Oh I'm so relieved to hear it's Ken hosting! Yay!!!", one fan exclaimed. "I LOVE YOU KEN," wrote another. "Mastered the selfie!!" quipped a third. "Bring back the one who played blossom," said a fourth, still hoping Bialik would have been chosen. "I really hate to say this but Ken is even better at this than Alex," gushed a fifth. "A+ selfie content, Ken," wrote one more.Last month, Jeopardy! producers shared details about the annual spinoff. Once again, it would be an hour long, include the Triple Jeopardy round, and be held in a tournament style. The special would air weekly on Wednesdays, and the winner would receive a $1 million prize (for their chosen charity) and a berth in the next Tournament of Champions."If I was describing Celebrity [Jeopardy!] I would say 'great gameplay," producer Sarah Whitcomb Foss promised fans on the Inside Jeopardy podcast. "And that may not be something people are used to associating with Celebrity Jeopardy! but really, it was great gameplay." Executive Producer Michael Davies shared, "Jeopardy!, when this is an evenly matched game, always works."Meanwhile, the Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 3 buildup is in full swing on social media. The quiz show recently shared a clip from the POV of a contestant answering Final Jeopardy, which fans said they had never seen before. "That's the first time I've ever seen the final jeopardy screen that contestants write on, thanks," one fan wrote in the comments.Ken Jennings hosted Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 2, while Mayim Bialik, who was let go last December as a syndicated host alongside the former champion but not from potential involvement in future specials, presided over Season 1.It was widely assumed that Jennings, who hosts the syndicated (or nightly) quiz show, would host Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 3. However, his role had not been officially confirmed. When Celebrity Jeopardy! was renewed in May, Deadline pointed out that no host was attached. "It's not clear whether Ken Jennings, who replaced Mayim Bialik will remain as host of the Sony Pictures Television-produced show," the outlet shared at the time. So, it was great news when Jennings was quietly announced as the host by ABC.Are you excited for Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 3? Let us know in the comments section below!Celebrity Jeopardy!, Season 3 Premiere, Wednesday, January 8, 9/8c, ABC