Show summary Hide summary
Ike Barinholtz is bringing his Jeopardy! dominance to a new arena. The Comedy Central star launches Funny You Ask, a weekly comedy-trivia podcast, on March 25 that will test his knowledge against Hollywood’s funniest friends. It combines two passions: trivia battles and riffing with celebrities.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Launch Date: March 25, 2026 across all major podcast platforms
- Host Credentials: Barinholtz is the 13th highest-earning game show contestant with $1,635,000 in winnings
- Confirmed Guests: Jimmy Kimmel, Mindy Kaling, Kate Hudson, Dave Franco, Tiffany Haddish
- Show Format: Customized trivia questions centered on each guest’s specific interests and expertise
From Jeopardy! Winner to Podcast Host
Ike Barinholtz didn’t just appear on Celebrity Jeopardy! last season, he dominated it. The actor and writer won both Celebrity Jeopardy! and the regular version of the game show, cementing his status as a trivia savant. His The Studio co-star Seth Rogen frequently brags about this accomplishment to everyone on set. Now Barinholtz is leveraging that expertise into a new multimedia venture that celebrates knowledge in a fun, comedic format. The podcast will feature full audio episodes plus YouTube and social media clips.
Barinholtz explained his motivation to The Hollywood Reporter, saying, “I’m not saying this to be soap-boxy, but we live in an era now where people question facts. So having really funny conversations centered around knowledge and facts felt like something I’d want to listen to.” The show merges his passion for trivia with his love of comedy.
Aditya Dhar’s Dhurandhar: The Revenge delivers massive box office win with Ranveer Singh
Tame Impala announces additional 2026 European tour dates with Djo and Dominic Fike support
Celebrity Lineup and Custom Trivia Questions
The comedy elite are stepping up to the trivia challenge. Barinholtz has already recorded episodes with Jimmy Kimmel, Kate Hudson, Mindy Kaling, Dave Franco, and Tiffany Haddish. The genius of the format is personalization. For Mindy Kaling, questions focus only on fashion, food, and 1980s Boston Celtics trivia. Dave Franco impressed with his knowledge of 1990s movies, while Kimmel proved to be surprisingly knowledgeable despite his public persona. Tiffany Haddish continues to amaze with her unique perspective and radically different thinking style.
| Guest | Trivia Specialty |
| Jimmy Kimmel | Low-key trivia knowledge, general pop culture |
| Mindy Kaling | Fashion, food, 1980s Boston Celtics |
| Kate Hudson | Music and band knowledge |
| Dave Franco | 1990s movies and film history |
“I’d love to do a multifaceted one where I’m bringing on a bunch of people that I faced on Celebrity Jeopardy!, like Patton Oswalt. And then I’ll say Timothée Chalamet just because my kids would lose their shit.”
— Ike Barinholtz, Host
Dream Guest List and Future Episodes
Barinholtz is actively seeking trivia heads for future episodes. Emma Stone tops his wish list because she’s a known Jeopardy! fan and genuinely funny. He also wants Patton Oswalt, who faced him in the Celebrity Jeopardy! Season 1 finals, for a rematch episode. Timothée Chalamet made the list purely because his kids adore the actor. What makes Barinholtz unique is his willingness to find lesser-known expertise in friends, from cow knowledge to world capitals.
A family edition is already in the works featuring his father, mother, and actor brother. All four family members excel at different topics. His father can name bands from 1958 onward, his mother knows painting history, his brother specializes in science, and Ike dominates history. These family episodes promise to be personal and competitive.
Multi-Platform Distribution: Audio and Video Strategy
Podcast consumption has evolved beyond pure audio. Barinholtz is meeting audiences where they are with full-length episodes on all major platforms, complete YouTube videos, and short-form clips for social media reels. He’s thinking about how people experience content: commuters listen to audio, while YouTube viewers want to see the facial expressions and comedy. 30 to 60-second clips will capture viral moments like Kate Hudson discussing band-aide fantasies or Mindy Kaling calling him a fraud. This multi-platform approach maximizes reach and engagement across different viewing habits.
Why This Show Matters in Today’s Media Landscape
Funny You Ask arrives at a cultural moment when facts feel contested. Barinholtz emphasizes that the podcast provides substantive conversations grounded in knowledge, all wrapped in comedy. The scoring system is flexible and fun, not punitive. Even wrong answers can earn partial credit if Barinholtz appreciates the response quality. He wanted to avoid the traditional interview format of “where are you from?” and instead gamify the experience. Will Emma Stone finally appear on the show and claim her stripes? Can Patton Oswalt redeem himself against Barinholtz? Tune in starting March 25 to find out.
Sources
- The Hollywood Reporter – Ike Barinholtz exclusive interview on podcast launch, celebrity guests, and dream competitors
- CBS 19 News – Celebrity Jeopardy! winner reveals trivia podcast dream guests and confirmed participants
- TV Insider – Details on podcast format, guest list, and Barinholtz’s game show credentials
