Jeffrey Dean Morgan is stepping into the role of host for NBC’s new competition series, Destination X, despite his hesitation to take on such a gig. Known for his iconic role in The Walking Dead, Morgan spoke about how he initially felt unqualified for hosting. “I live on a farm, kill zombies, and I’m a dad,” he said, referencing his life outside of acting.
Producers reached out to him about the hosting position, but Morgan humorously thought they had made a mistake. “I’m not like a typical host. I’m a bit on the crass side and I’ve got a very sarcastic sense of humor,” he explained. Nevertheless, the producers persisted, convinced he was the right person for the job.
Destination X, which premieres on May 27, features contestants traveling across Europe on a blacked-out bus, solving challenges to determine their location. The premise draws inspiration from a Belgian series and mixes elements from popular reality shows like The Amazing Race and Big Brother.
Morgan shared that he was navigating personal challenges, including the decline of his father’s health, when asked to host the show. His wife, Hilarie Burton Morgan, encouraged him to embrace the opportunity, reminding him that he had a unique personality that could resonate with audiences. Her past experience in hosting on MTV’s Total Request Live gave her insights into the world of entertainment that she shared with him.
Morgan’s father also offered thoughts, albeit highlighting his own preference for more traditional television. “I’m not really a reality show guy,” he said, to which Morgan responded that his disinterest might make for a more authentic and entertaining experience.
Preparing for the role, Morgan invested time in understanding the format by watching episodes of NBC’s Traitors, which shared a creative team with Destination X. He felt that bringing his genuine self to the show was important and aimed to create a welcoming atmosphere for viewers.
Reflecting on the experience after filming in Europe, Morgan expressed contentment. “I spent a month and a half… being a weird, fun host, and it was great,” he said, underlining his enjoyment and the excitement of taking on a fresh challenge. He looks forward to sharing this new journey with audiences.
Destination X airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with episodes available the following day on Peacock. This venture marks a new chapter for Morgan, one that showcases his versatility in the entertainment industry while infusing his unique charisma into the hosting format.