Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, known for his prowess on the football field, is reportedly in discussions to embark on a new venture as the host of a rebooted version of the popular game show “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?”
The negotiations are in partnership with Amazon Prime Video and could see the three-time Super Bowl champion transition into a new role in the entertainment industry.
The game show, which originally aired on Fox from 2007 to 2015, challenges contestants to answer questions based on grade-school education, with previous versions featuring a panel of elementary students vs a panel of adults. The rebooted version, however, plans to introduce celebrity guests, a change that signifies a shift in the show’s format to potentially attract a wider audience.
The discussions around Kelce’s involvement in the show raise questions about his capacity to juggle hosting duties with his ongoing football career. The tight end, who has become a household name not only for his sports achievements but also for his relationship with pop superstar Taylor Swift and ventures into the entertainment world, including hosting “Saturday Night Live” and starring in the reality dating show “Catching Kelce,” is under contract with the Chiefs through the 2025 season.
Kelce’s potential commitment to the game show could be arranged to avoid conflicts with the NFL season, with possibilities of filming episodes during the offseason. This approach would allow him to maintain his football career while exploring new opportunities in television hosting.
The interest in Kelce as a game show host reflects his growing profile beyond the realm of sports. His engagement in various entertainment projects, including executive producing a feature film and co-hosting the “New Heights” podcast with his brother, Jason Kelce, showcases his versatility and appeal across different media platforms. Kelce’s experience on “Saturday Night Live” and his agency representation by Creative Artists Agency since last year further highlight his ambitions in the entertainment industry.
The reboot of “Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader?” comes at a time when the intersection of sports and entertainment is increasingly prevalent, with athletes exploring roles as media personalities and content creators. The show’s focus on celebrity guests, alongside the traditional quiz format, aligns with current trends in programming that leverage the popularity of public figures to engage viewers.