Wondering why Patton Oswalt left The 1% Club, who’s replacing him, and what’s changed for Season 2? With the new season now airing, fans of the trivia game show are noticing some major shifts, starting with a brand-new host at the helm.
Here’s what we know so far about Patton Oswalt’s exit from The 1% Club and who’s taking over for the latest season on Fox.
What was Patton Oswalt’s reason to leave The 1% Club?
Patton Oswalt has not publicly shared why he left The 1% Club after Season 1. Fox aired the second season exclusively, while Amazon Prime co-produced Season 1 with Fox.
The shift in network production may have played a role in the change. No statement from Oswalt or the producers specifically addressed the reason for his departure. However, Oswalt appears to have returned his focus to stand-up comedy, according to updates on his social media account
Who replaced Patton Oswalt on The 1% Club?
Joel McHale replaced Patton Oswalt as host of The 1% Club in Season 2.
Fox announced the change in January 2025. The network confirmed that Joel McHale would take over hosting duties as the show moved solely under Fox’s production.
McHale expressed excitement in a statement: “I am 1,000,000 percent excited to be partnering with Fox to host The 1% Club. I absolutely love the show and love the gameplay to the 10x and guarantee my hair, makeup and wardrobe will look great at least 68 percent of the time” (via Variety). Fox President Michael Thorn added that McHale brings “unrivaled energy, irreverence and charisma” to the show’s new season.
The 1% Club is based on an international quiz format and tests contestants on reasoning and logic skills rather than general knowledge. The show’s goal is to correctly answer a question that only 1 percent of the population can solve. Season 2 premiered on June 10, 2025.
