Jeffrey Dean Morgan Told ‘Destination X’ Producers They Had the ‘Wrong Person’

Jeffrey Dean Morgan is the host of NBC’s new show “Destination X,” which premiered yesterday, on Tuesday, May 27, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. The show focuses on 12 contestants who travel around Europe on a blacked-out bus. They compete in challenges and find clues to help them discover their location and get one step closer to winning the grand prize of $250,000.

It’s an interesting concept, but do you know what else is interesting? Casting “The Walking Dead” actor as a host when he has no previous hosting experience. This is something Morgan discussed in a recent interview, and although he may not seem like the typical host, he is perfectly suited to the job.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan Reveals His Hesitation in Accepting a Hosting Gig

Fans of Morgan know he is an exceptional actor, beloved for his role in “The Walking Dead” and celebrated for his sarcastic humor and edgy personality. But NBC knew he would be the perfect man to host their new reality TV competition, even if he needed some convincing initially.

“[NBC] called… and I said, ‘I think you have the wrong person,'” Morgan told People on May 27. “I live on a farm, and I kill zombies, and I’m a dad, and I’m kind of a pain in the [expletive].” He also admitted that hosting a gig was not something he had ever considered in his career and joked that he was unsure how it had even happened.

“I am not like a typical host. I’m not Ryan Seacrest — who I love, and I think he’s excellent at his job — but that’s not me,” he said. “I’m a bit on the crass side, and I’ve got a very sarcastic sense of humor, and I didn’t picture it.” But perhaps the unexpected is what makes Morgan so great?!

The producers were convinced that Morgan would be great as the host, but it was his wife,
Hilarie Burton Morgan, who encouraged him to sign on. “It was my wife who said, ‘You know what?’ She came from this world. She came from the world of hosting,” he said. “She said — in a very nice way, but much more diplomatic than I’m going to make it seem now — ‘You’re not getting any younger. You’ve got this thing about you that it would be fun for you to be able to share that with the world, and you may have an opportunity to do that [by] hosting a show like this.'”

Fans React to Jeffrey Dean Morgan as the Host for ‘Destination X’

NBC has shared sneak peeks of the show in the build-up to the premiere, including the official poster for “Destination X,” which was posted on Instagram on April 25. The photo features Morgan, who is front and center, and fans have reacted to his casting with great enthusiasm.

“This show will be even more fun with you Jeff!” a fan wrote. “LEGEND HIMSELF,” another shared. Other reactions include “I so hope you had fun doing this and we’ll get more than 1 season!” and “Very cool. I’m not much of a reality TV person? But if you’re attached? I’ll check it out. It looks fun.”

Fans have also commented on how they plan to tune in to the show to see Morgan. “I’ll watch this episode just because of him,” a comment reads.