Jeffrey Dean Morgan, best known for his gritty roles in The Walking Dead franchise, is taking a sharp turn in his career by stepping into the role of a television host. When NBC first approached him to host their new competition series Destination X, Morgan admitted he was shocked. “I think you have the wrong person,” he told them, highlighting his rural lifestyle, zombie-slaying screen persona, and self-described grumpy demeanor. Hosting a show wasn’t something he had ever envisioned, and the idea initially felt out of character.
Producers Persisted, Believing Morgan’s Unique Edge Perfect For Destination X Hosting Role
Despite his reservations, the producers of Destination X remained persistent, convinced Morgan brought a unique edge to the role. The show, adapted from a Belgian format, takes contestants across Europe in a blacked-out bus, with each episode centered around guessing their hidden location through challenges. The furthest-off guesser is eliminated. While the original host of the Belgian version had a sleek, James Bond-like demeanor, Morgan wasn’t interested in pretending to fit that mold. Instead, he was drawn to the idea of being himself — sarcastic, a little crass, and undeniably authentic.
Gritty Actor Jeffrey Dean Morgan Finds Unexpected Joy as Reality Show HostDuring the offer, Morgan was already juggling demanding circumstances — filming the Walking Dead spinoff Dead City while coping with his father’s declining health. At first, he wasn’t sure he could take on anything new. But his wife, Hilarie Burton Morgan, who had her own background in TV hosting, encouraged him to give it serious thought. She reminded him that hosting could allow him to show a different, more playful side to the world — and importantly, it was one of the few jobs where he likely wouldn’t get hurt.
A New Adventure Begins As Morgan Embraces Authenticity, Motorcycles And Unexpected Opportunities
Before his father passed away in July 2024, Morgan discussed the opportunity with him. Although his dad wasn’t a fan of reality TV, he didn’t discourage his son. The producers also reassured Morgan they weren’t looking for a polished presenter — they wanted someone relatable and a bit edgy. That down-to-earth pitch finally won him over. To prepare, Morgan watched episodes of Traitors — a show from the same creative team — and drew inspiration from host Alan Cumming, though he was quick to admit he wasn’t trying to mimic anyone else’s persona.
When filming began, Morgan embraced the adventure wholeheartedly, even making a grand entrance on a motorcycle in the premiere episode. Reflecting on the experience, he says he had a blast being the “ringmaster of the circus.” The opportunity, he explains, was a refreshing chance to do something new—something that allowed him to be himself while still entertaining an audience. At 59, Morgan is relishing the challenge and fun of his unexpected new gig. Destination X premieres on May 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with episodes available the next day on Peacock.