Travis Kelce's hosting of ‘Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?’ causes stir for stomping on comic's turf

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Travis Kelce’s new role as the host of 'Are You Smarter Than a Celebrity?' is sparking controversy in Hollywood, despite receiving rave reviews. Prime Video announced Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, Kelce as the host in April, and early reports highlight the high praise his rehearsals have received from studio executives. 

However, fans of Jeff Foxworthy, the original host of 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' criticize Kelce for taking on a role they believe was meant for Foxworthy’s unique comedic style. They argue that the new show overlooks the format’s origins and stomps on Foxworthy’s turf.

Travis Kelce’s hosting debut ruffles feathers

According to a source, the show was originally designed to highlight Jeff Foxworthy’s unique strengths.

The source stated, "Not to take anything away from Travis' incredible success, but this show and this format was originally tailored - pun intended - to be a Jeff Foxworthy vehicle and to play to his incredible strengths when it comes to being funny with regular people and bringing them out of their shell." 

It further added, "It seems pretty unfair for Travis just to march into the franchise and do Jeff's schtick without at least a little acknowledgment of who made the format work in the first place."

Jeff Foxworthy hosted ‘Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader’ from 2007-2015

Jeff Foxworthy, 65, hosted the popular game show 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' on Fox from 2007 to 2015. The format featured a single contestant answering ten questions plus a final bonus question, all drawn from elementary school textbooks ranging from first to fifth grade. 

Each correct answer increased the contestant's potential prize money, with a maximum payout of $1 million. The show’s second season introduced Celebrity 'Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?' where stars like Gene Simmons and Ken Jennings appeared, with winners donating their prize money to charity.

In 2019, the show was briefly revived on Nickelodeon with John Cena as host. 

Travis Kelce’s show promises to recreate fun-filled format

Prime Video has since announced a new 20-episode spinoff hosted by Travis Kelce, promising a “fun, new twist on the premise of the original popular format." The revamped show is set to premiere on October 16 with the first three episodes.

In this new version, contestants will be aided by a panel of celebrities to answer 11 questions from the elementary curriculum. Celebrities participating include comedians Nikki Glaser and Natasha Leggero, Vanderpump Rules' Lala Kent, podcaster Sophia Stallone, and Thursday Night Football analyst Ryan Fitzpatrick. Also joining are actress and producer Lilly Singh, former NFL receiver Chad Ochocinco, 'Real Housewives of Beverly Hills' alum Garcelle Beauvais, and comedians Ron Funches and Nicole Byer.

Jeff Foxworthy has yet to publicly comment on the new show. A source from The US Sun noted, “You'd think Jeff himself would be interested in defending his own hard-won territory, but that's just not Jeff's personality at all.  The guy doesn't have an egotistical bone in his body, and unfortunately, that's the thing that made it so easy for Travis and his team to come in, grab this franchise, and turn it into something totally celebrity-driven. “I really wonder if Jeff's fans are just going to sit by and let this happen or if Travis will actually get called out by them for hijacking Jeff’s bread and butter.”