ECONOMY & WORK
MONEY 101
NEWS
PERSONAL FINANCE
NET WORTH
About Us Contact Us Privacy Policy Terms of Use DMCA Opt-out of personalized ads
© Copyright 2023 Market Realist. Market Realist is a registered trademark. All Rights Reserved. People may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice.
MARKETREALIST.COM / NEWS

'Jeopardy' host Ken Jennings was nearly 'stabbed' with a knife — then it took an unusual turn

A lot of things on set were put to the test during the "Is it real or is it cake?" challenge, including the host.
PUBLISHED AUG 25, 2025
Screenshots showing Ken Jennings participating in the 'Is it real or is it cake?' trend on Jeopardy! (Cover image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)
Screenshots showing Ken Jennings participating in the 'Is it real or is it cake?' trend on Jeopardy! (Cover image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)

While the game of "Jeopardy!" is serious, it doesn't stop its makers from having fun around the set and behind the scenes. During the season break, the show has shared many blooper videos and funny outtakes, much to the delight of fans. However, one such trendy reel almost went wrong after Ken Jennings barely "escaped the knife." In an old video from the show's "Is it real or is it cake?" challenge, Jennings himself was put to the test, and he, in fact, turned out to be cake!

Screenshots showing Ken Jennings almost getting stabbed (Image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)
Screenshots showing Ken Jennings almost getting stabbed (Image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)

In the video, the game show joined in on the viral trend to find out if everyday objects, like the different elements on set, were real or cake. The cameraman first took the knife to the contestant's podium to see if it was real or cake. As expected, the podium turned out to be real and solid. 

Next, the hand with the knife was seen turning to the host's lectern, which, like the podium, turned out to be real. The next to be tested was the show's iconic buzzer, which wasn't cake either. At this point, viewers were wondering if anything on the show's set was cake at all, and that is when a twist happened. 

Screenshots showing the knife testing different items  (Image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)
Screenshots showing the knife testing different items (Image source: YouTube/Jeopardy!)

The cameraman then turned his attention to the show's host. As the text on the screen read, "Let's try Ken Jennings," the knife approached the host who was standing at the podium, minding his business. As soon as Jennings saw the weapon, he let out a scream. Shockingly, the video then transitioned to reveal that Jennings wasn't real at all, but cake. A photo of him was put on a red velvet cake, with white and blue frosting. As the knife cut into the "Ken Jennings cake," a voice said, “Wow, it’s cake! Yum!”

While it was obviously a joke, viewers of the show decided to play along. Fans on Reddit recently brought the old clip back to the limelight and carried the joke forward.  "Ken Jennings was cake this whole time? Bloody, meaty, screaming cake!" a user, @KentuckyFriedEel, joked on the thread. "Uh, I think you're skipping over a few things that happened in the middle there, but all's well that ends well, I guess," added @DataDrivenPirate.

Screenshot of a comment (Image source: YouTube/@iggie9352)
Screenshot of a comment (Image source: YouTube/@iggie9352)

Viewers in the comments of the YouTube clip also dragged on the joke to make it funnier. "Wow, I can't believe Ken is actually cake. How do they get the cake to speak, though? Is there a speaker in the cake that reads off the questions? Technology these days will never cease to amaze me," wrote @sabermoonlight. "You tricked me, I thought you were really gonna do the real Ken Jennings, but looks like it was just a cake with a picture on it," added @Scerenebutterfly with some deadpan delivery. 

More on Market Realist:

Fans are urging 'Jeopardy' to revive one classic tradition that ended several years back

'Jeopardy' icon Sam Buttrey has an excellent advice for anyone hoping to compete on the show

'Jeopardy' host Ken Jennings reveals the most cringeworthy part of his job and we totally get why

RELATED TOPICS JEOPARDY
MORE ON MARKET REALIST
A single batch of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream bars contain undeclared allergens in them.
1 day ago
With rising food, energy, and healthcare costs, state leaders are calling out the trade policies.
2 days ago
Harvey said it in response to another player who came up with an awkward answer.
2 days ago
The player, Greg Swiszcz lost a Toyota on a puzzle that previously cost a player $100,000.
2 days ago
John Furner, who serves as the Walmart US CEO will be tasked with leading an AI push at Walmart.
3 days ago
The contestant Matt Lee drove home a brand new Toyota RAV4 Hybrid after his big win.
3 days ago
The contestant, Sarah was already overwhelmed after making it to the big stage.
4 days ago
The contestant, a magician, tried to steal the watch before he lost a Toyota SUV in the Bonus Round.
4 days ago
The Coast Guard Veteran, Josh Post flubbed the final puzzle to lose out on the big prize.
5 days ago
Two pre-packaged Caesar's Salad items have been recalled over contamination concerns.
5 days ago
Harvey decided to act out the scenario which the contestant thought would be inappropriate.
Nov 14, 2025
The contestant, Ron Sheppard was inches away from solving the Bonus Round puzzle.
Nov 14, 2025
In a major breach, the systems of Mobile Commons that serves the New York State were compromised
Nov 14, 2025
Playing "The Lion's Share", Riley Shepherd won big with just two lucky picks.
Nov 14, 2025
The new legislation will allow federal workers to quickly get back to work.
Nov 13, 2025
The player, Gary, won a brand new Toyota on his 50th wedding anniversary.
Nov 12, 2025
When a bald man came up with a strange answer, Harvey roasted his entire team.
Nov 12, 2025
Walmart's dupe of the viral cup is on sale for nearly half the price of the original.
Nov 12, 2025
Harvey admitted that he had never hear someone say this about American men.
Nov 11, 2025