Ken Jeong. Michael Becker / FOX
Ken Jeong, 54, is expanding his already illustrious career by stepping into the role of a talk show host. Lionsgate's Debmar-Mercury, known for their successful shows like Sherri and The Wendy Williams Show, has joined forces with the comedian to create a syndicated talk show set to debut in 2024. Alongside his hosting duties, Jeong will also be taking on the role of executive producer.
Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein expressed their enthusiasm for being in business with Ken, stating that he possesses the necessary qualities to thrive as a talk show host. They highlighted Ken's talent, entertainment value, and unapologetic hilarity, along with his authentically kind, compassionate, and fearless nature. The co-presidents also emphasized Ken's ability to connect with audiences on various levels. They further acknowledged his skill in captivating viewers and conquering any time slot with his unique blend of comedy, celebrity connections, and engaging presence.
Jeong is primarily recognized for his stellar performances on the TV series Community and in blockbuster films such as Knocked Up, The Hangover, and Crazy Rich Asians. Prior to attaining immense success in the entertainment world, Jeong displayed his talents as a practicing doctor, an experience that became the driving force behind his sitcom Dr. Ken, which aired for two seasons on ABC.
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Since its debut in 2019, he has been a regular judge on The Masked Singer, alongside Jenny McCarthy, Nicole Scherzinger, and Robin Thicke. During the show's first season, Jeong revealed that he and the other judges were intentionally kept separate from the contestants behind the scenes. They were assigned separate hallways and buildings, with the judges in dressing rooms and the contestants in trailers. Jeong humorously mentioned in an interview that he would always move and leave if he encountered someone wearing a mask, as he wanted to maintain the purity of the competition and avoid any clues about the participants' identities.
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Jeong's presence as the source of comic relief on the singing competition has endeared him to viewers, making him a cherished part of the show. With his increasing popularity, he was also chosen to host Fox's competition show, I Can See Your Voice, which is set to air its third season next year.