Destination X is that 10 strangers are plopped in an unknown European location and use clues to decipher where they are.

In an interview with Destination X season 1, but his wife, One Tree Hill star Hilarie Burton, advised him to take it. Jeffrey said he was in the middle of shooting Dead City when his agent asked him if he wanted to host a new reality show. Jeffrey initially balked, but his wife was on board with him taking the job because she saw the potential opportunity.

"She was like, 'Here's the thing, Jeff. You unfortunately aren't getting any younger. You've been fighting zombies for 10 years. Who knows how much longer that's going to go. You can barely get out of bed in the morning. Maybe this is something that you would enjoy doing.'"

What Does Jeffrey Dean Morgan Nearly Turning Down Destination X Gig Mean?

Jeffrey Wasn't Sure Reality TV Was For Him

Jeffrey's honest ission about his reluctance to take a reality TV gig is no surprise, since reality TV still has somewhat of a stigma. It's less so than when the medium first came into popularity, but still, some mainstream actors and actresses might feel as though doing reality TV is somehow beneath them.

Reality TV used to be the domain of has-beens and A-listers whose star was dimming.

Nowadays, it's much more acceptable to add reality television to a resume, even for someone as established as Jeffrey who has no experience in unscripted entertainment. Jeffrey's ission that his wife saw the opportunity more clearly than he did is a sweet way to credit her for pushing him towards this opportunity. Acting as a host for a major network reality show is a coup for any actor, even Jeffrey.

Our Take On Jeffrey Dean Morgan Nearly Turning Down Destination X Hosting Gig

Jeffrey Is Wise To Get Into Reality TV

Now that Jeffrey's participation is certain, we're thrilled that Jeffrey saw the light and took on the hosting position. The show promises to be action-packed and exciting, and Jeffrey's familiar presence will no doubt help draw in viewers. There are plenty of examples of mainstream actors who made the cross into reality TV without losing credibility (Alan Cumming of The Traitors is one such example). Jeffrey's wife is right in that he should be open to every and all opportunity.

Destination X premieres May 27 at 10 p.m. EDT on NBC.

Sources: Entertainment Weekly, Jeffrey Dean Morgan/Instagram

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Destination X
Release Date
May 27, 2025

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