Jeffrey Dean Morgan Credits Wife Hilarie Burton for Convinving Him to Host 'Destination X'

Published: May 28, 2025

Jeffrey Dean Morgan, the star of The Walking Dead, has revealed that his wife, Hilarie Burton Morgan, was the one who convinced him to take on his first hosting job for NBC's new competition series, Destination X.

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Morgan admitted that he didn't think he fit the role of a TV host, especially considering his background as an actor, farmer, and dad. "I live on a farm, and I kill zombies, and I'm a dad, and I'm kind of a pain in the a--," he joked.

However, producers were convinced that Morgan was the right man for the job, and eventually, his wife Hilarie Burton Morgan, who has experience in hosting from her time on MTV's Total Request Live in the early 2000s, convinced him to reconsider. She told him, "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, Morgan recalled.

Morgan also credits his wife for pointing out that, unlike his typical acting jobs, he probably wouldn't get hurt on Destination X.

Before taking on the hosting gig, Morgan also spoke with his father about the opportunity before his death in July 2024. His father's input? "Well, you know, son, I'm not really a reality show guy."

Morgan eventually took on the hosting role, and to prepare, he carved out time to watch a few episodes of NBC's hit Traitors, which shares the same creative crew. He also made sure to be himself, from the moment he rides in on a motorcycle on the show's premiere, putting his stamp on Destination X.

After taking on the gig, Morgan had a great time being the "ringmaster of the circus" and is excited to bring something new to the table". Destination X premieres Tuesday, May 27 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with episodes available the next day on Peacock.

Related Stories