Matt Damon teams up with Ken Jennings to face old nemesis Jimmy Kimmel on ‘Millionaire’

The new season kicks off July 23 on ABC at 8 PM EST

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is bringing his quizzing skills to another game show… as a contestant! The trivia whiz will team up with actor Matt Damon on the upcoming season of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?.

In a teaser for the program’s new episodes, Jennings and Damon are shown joking with host Jimmy Kimmel as they compete to raise money for their chosen charities. Season 4 of the celeb-focused Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? premieres July 23 on ABC at 8 PM EST; fans can stream it on Hulu, too.

Ken Jennings and Matt Damon Join Forces on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?

In an unexpected twist that has fans of both trivia and Hollywood buzzing, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? is welcoming two of America’s most beloved icons — Jeopardy! champion and host Ken Jennings and Oscar-winning actor Matt Damon — as they join forces for a special edition of the classic game show. This once-in-a-lifetime crossover promises to blend brainpower, star power, and a bit of high-stakes drama, all for a good cause.

A Match Made in Trivia Heaven

When people think of unstoppable knowledge machines, Ken Jennings is the first name that comes to mind. His record-setting 74-game winning streak on Jeopardy! and his current reign as the show’s host have cemented him as a trivia legend. Meanwhile, Matt Damon, known for his roles in Good Will Hunting, the Bourne series, and countless other hits, is no stranger to playing geniuses on screen. But how will Damon fare when tested on live television, without a Hollywood script?

Producers of Millionaire have confirmed that Damon and Jennings are pairing up for a special celebrity episode, where high-profile duos play to win big cash prizes for their chosen charities. While the show has seen stars like Jimmy Kimmel, Will Ferrell, and Rebel Wilson test their luck in the hot seat before, the combination of an actual trivia mastermind and an A-list actor is a fresh twist that fans didn’t see coming.

How It Happened

According to insiders at ABC, the idea began as a joke tossed around during a late-night brainstorming session. “Someone said, ‘What if we got the smartest guy in trivia and one of the smartest actors in Hollywood together?’ It sounded crazy at first — until we called Ken and Matt, and they both said yes within days,” one producer revealed.

Ken Jennings, known for his quick wit and approachable demeanor, reportedly jumped at the chance to step away from hosting duties and back into the contestant’s chair — this time with a partner. For Damon, who is a self-proclaimed trivia geek, the opportunity to compete alongside Jennings was too good to pass up.

Stakes Are Higher Than Ever

For this special episode, the stakes aren’t just about bragging rights. Jennings and Damon have pledged that any winnings will go directly to charities close to their hearts. Damon, a longtime advocate for clean water and global development through his Water.org foundation, has hinted that he will direct funds to help communities gain access to safe drinking water. Jennings, on the other hand, is known for supporting children’s literacy and education initiatives.

While the standard Millionaire format remains — with escalating questions worth up to $1 million — fans can expect a few tweaks for added tension. Rumor has it the pair have agreed to answer each question together, debating every answer aloud to give viewers a peek into their thinking. “This is going to be fascinating television,” teased host Jimmy Kimmel in a recent interview. “You’ve got a real trivia genius and a Hollywood genius — we’re all going to see how their brains collide.”

A Cultural Moment

Social media has already erupted with speculation. Fans are placing bets on how far Jennings and Damon can go: Will Ken’s encyclopedic mind and Matt’s surprising knowledge of history, politics, and pop culture be enough to land the million-dollar question? Or will nerves, time pressure, and a few trick questions throw them off their game?

Meanwhile, some Jeopardy! loyalists have pointed out that seeing Jennings play Millionaire feels a bit like watching Michael Jordan play baseball — fascinating, but also a little nerve-wracking. Jennings, however, seems unfazed. He recently tweeted: “Excited to get back in the contestant chair — and lucky to have Matt Damon along for the ride. Let’s win a million for some good causes!”

Damon, ever the Hollywood charmer, joked to reporters: “I’m used to pretending to be a genius on camera. This time I have to actually answer the questions. Luckily, Ken’s here to make sure I don’t embarrass myself.”

Why This Matters

Celebrity editions of game shows have always been ratings magnets, but pairing a true trivia legend with a household-name actor takes the concept to another level. TV analysts say this stunt is exactly what network television needs in an age where streaming platforms are pulling millions away from traditional broadcasts.

Moreover, the episode is likely to introduce a new generation of viewers to the timeless excitement of quiz shows. With Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? celebrating its 25th anniversary soon, moments like these remind audiences why a simple Q&A format can still create some of the most nail-biting television.

When to Watch

The Ken Jennings and Matt Damon episode is scheduled to air in prime time next month, with ABC planning a major promotional push. Teaser trailers promise laughs, unexpected stumpers, and perhaps a glimpse of Damon squirming in his seat while Jennings coolly explains obscure facts about Roman emperors or quantum physics.

One thing’s for sure: whether they walk away with $1,000 or $1,000,000, audiences will be tuning in to witness a unique pairing that combines Hollywood charisma with unbeatable trivia prowess — all for a great cause.

Don’t miss it. It might just be the most talked-about game show moment of the year.