Ken Jennings takes on two challengers

More than pride, a cottage industry may be at stake when “Jeopardy!” ace Ken Jennings takes on two challengers in the finale of the game show’s $2 million challenge tonight (7 p.m., KHQ-6 in Spokane).

Comedy Central said Monday it has signed Jennings to be the central figure in a new game show the channel is developing with Michael Davies, the producer behind “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.”

That goes along with the upcoming board game “Can You Beat Ken?” and the “Quizzology” CD trivia game that he’s behind. Oh, and the book Jennings is writing that’s due out next year.

So it would probably help if he keeps the mystique going.

“We’re hoping that he does as well as he’s done in the past,” said Lauren Corrao, chief of development at Comedy Central.

Jennings won more than $2.5 million last year during his 74-game winning streak. The winner of tonight’s tournament finale, which pits him against two other former champions, wins $2 million.