
Yo, LA fam, we’re taking you straight to the heart of Hollywood at Television City, where Jane Lynch is bringing some serious SoCal summer energy to the revamped 'Celebrity Weakest Link.' Since taking the host reins in 2020, Jane’s flipped the script on the classic game show, and she’s hyped about the new themed episodes. “These themes have totally leveled up the vibe. It’s way more fun for me,” she told us during a taping for the first season, where celebs - not your average Joe - take the hot podium in 11 fresh episodes with themes like Reality Couples and Football Legends.
We got a front-row seat to see how the “TV Doctors” crew handled the pressure. Think reality show MDs mixed with actors who’ve played docs on the small screen. It’s a wild blend of brains and drama, straight outta a Sunset Strip script, and Jane’s loving every second of hosting this star-studded showdown.
Picture this: Jane, looking fierce in a black suit like she just stepped off a red carpet in Hollywood, cheering on the contestants while the director buzzes around. Torrey DeVitto from 'Chicago Med' is getting camera tips, while Dr. Terry Dubrow of 'Botched' fame learns when to slam that big red “bank” button for cash. Standouts? Hill Harper from 'CSI: NY' and 'The Good Doctor' is giving major brainiac vibes, but don’t sleep on Kal Penn of 'House,' the sweet Ryan Eggold from 'New Amsterdam,' or the hilarious Jason George of 'Grey’s Anatomy.'
Then there’s Dr. Will Kirby from 'Big Brother 2,' keeping it cool, and Dr. Sandra Lee - aka Dr. Pimple Popper - who’s picking up the game fast like she’s popping zits on YouTube. Jane’s a legit fan, admitting, “I’m obsessed with Dr. Pimple Popper’s videos. She’s so kind to her patients, even with cystic acne the size of that ‘bank’ button. My wife can’t watch, but my niece, sister, and I are always trading her clips!”
“I told Dr. Sandra straight up, ‘You’re a total celeb in my house,’” Jane gushed to us during a break.
Once the cameras roll, Jane’s all business - no favoritism here, even for her YouTube faves. But she’s got a sharp eye for strategy, spilling to us post-game about a sneaky alliance among some of the “TV Doctors” cast. “I clocked it after a couple of rounds, and watching it play out was straight-up fascinating,” she said with a smirk, keeping the deets on lock like a true Hollywood insider.
Don’t worry, though - Jane’s not here to rattle anyone. “I wanna make folks comfy, but I’ve got that strict schoolteacher energy going. My tongue’s in cheek, and there’s a twinkle in my eye,” she explained. Unlike the OG host Anne Robinson, who was intense as a Venice Beach heatwave, Jane’s approach is pure charm with a side of sass, and it’s working.
Jane’s likability is basically LA legend status - she’s got friends everywhere in this tight-knit acting scene. One episode, “8 Degrees of Jane,” features folks she’s connected with over the years. “Even if I haven’t worked with them, I know ‘em, and there’s instant vibes,” said the five-time Emmy winner, who recently slayed as a murder victim in 'Only Murders in the Building.' She called that role a “peak moment” of her life.
Her 'Glee' roots run deep too, with a themed episode reuniting her with castmates. “My niece worked on the show, and these ‘kids’ - now in their thirties - still come over for parties. They all said yes to this, and I’m so grateful,” Jane shared. She teased major surprises, laughing, “The ones you’d think are clueless? Total geniuses. I’m not saying blondes, but… okay, I’m a blonde, I can say it!”
After the interview, we went head-to-head with Jane in a quick TV trivia round. We were crushing it until the final question about 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' tripped us up. “Who won an Emmy for playing…” - cue the brain freeze. The studio felt huge, the spotlights blinding, and we blanked on the lead’s name before guessing “Rachel Brosnahan!” Jane hit us with a stare colder than a Malibu morning. “Nope, it was me, for Sophie Lennon,” she deadpanned. (Yep, she nabbed that Emmy in 2019.)
So, next time you’re watching 'Celebrity Weakest Link' and a doc flubs an easy one, cut ‘em some slack. Even the sharpest minds can be the weakest link under those Hollywood lights. Catch the season premiere Monday, September 15, at 9/8c on Fox, and stay tuned for more Tinseltown tea!