Overview
- Mina Kimes, named host on Tuesday, will lead the televised semifinals and finals in a sports-style presentation.
- Embassy Row, led by Jeopardy! executive producer Michael Davies, will produce a refreshed broadcast that centers on the stakes and the winning moment.
- The semifinals air Wednesday, May 27, from 8–10 p.m. ET on ION, with the live finals Thursday, May 28, from 8–10 p.m. ET on ION.
- The 2026 Bee runs May 26–28 at Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., where 247 spellers will compete for a trophy and more than $50,000 in prizes.
- Scripps is making the shift after Nielsen figures showed stagnant or dipping finals viewership since the move from ESPN to ION, with 2025’s audience at 488,000.