Celebrity Weakest Link Release Date, Cast, Plot & More

The beloved and brutally honest quiz show “Celebrity Weakest Link” returns for a new season, premiering on FOX with next-day streaming on Hulu on September 15, 2025. The classic format sees eight celebrity contestants banding together as a team to bank the maximum amount of prize money for a chosen charity. They must answer rapid-fire trivia questions across multiple rounds, with each correct answer increasing the potential winnings in a growing money chain. However, a single incorrect answer breaks the chain, forcing them to start over from the lowest value, turning teamwork into a high-pressure test of knowledge and nerve.

Presiding over the tension with impeccable comedic timing and a signature stern gaze is the Emmy Award-winning Jane Lynch as the host. This season features a highly anticipated reunion, as the celebrity contestants are all alumni of the global phenomenon Glee. The cast includes Chord Overstreet, Dot-Marie Jones, Heather Morris, Alex Newell, Amber Riley, Max Adler, Jenna Ushkowitz, and Becca Tobin. The combination of Jane Lynch’s masterful hosting and the inherent chemistry—and friendly rivalry—of the Glee cast promises a season filled with laughter, shocking brain freezes, and the iconic dismissal: “You are the weakest link. Goodbye.”

Celebrity Weakest Link: Host & Contestants

1- Jane Lynch as Self – Host

The incomparable Jane Lynch returns to her throne as the queen of quiz show quips, reprising her role as the host of “Weakest Link.” Lynch, an Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actress renowned for her iconic performance as Sue Sylvester on Glee, possesses the perfect blend of imposing authority and razor-sharp wit that defines the show. She masterfully controls the tempo of the game, oscillating between cheerleading the team’s success and delivering perfectly timed, withering insults after a particularly bad missed question. Her presence is the engine of the show, creating an atmosphere of delightful tension.

Lynch’s hosting is a performance art in itself. She expertly plays the role of the disapproving headmistress who is simultaneously amused and horrified by the contestants’ intellectual follies. Her delivery of the show’s famous catchphrase, “You are the weakest link. Goodbye,” is a moment of high drama and comedy in every episode. Lynch doesn’t just host the game; she elevates it into a hilarious theatrical experience, playing the ultimate antagonist that the contestants must brave to win.

2- Chord Overstreet as Self – Contestant

Chord Overstreet, who won hearts as the charming, dim-witted, but lovable Sam Evans on Glee, brings his affable personality to the competition. Known for his musical talent and his character’s infamous “trouty mouth,” Overstreet enters the game as a potential dark horse. His trivia prowess is an unknown variable, but his good-natured charm will undoubtedly make him a popular figure amongst his former castmates, potentially shielding him from early votes.

However, in the cutthroat environment of “Weakest Link,” likability can only take you so far. Overstreet will need to prove his mental mettle to avoid being targeted for his potential gaps in knowledge. His journey will be a test of whether his easygoing Sam Evans persona can withstand the pressure of Jane Lynch’s glare and the strategic voting of his peers, making him a fascinating contestant to watch.

3- Dot-Marie Jones as Self – Contestant

The formidable Dot-Marie Jones, who portrayed the tough but tender-hearted Coach Shannon Beiste on Glee, steps into the arena. Jones, a three-time Emmy nominee for her role, brings a completely different energy to the game. Known for her strength and sincerity, she will likely approach the trivia with determination and focus. Her no-nonsense attitude could make her a formidable competitor and a reliable link in the money chain.

Jones’s presence introduces a fascinating dynamic. Will her peers see her as a strong asset and keep her for her reliability, or will her competitive nature make her a threat in later rounds, leading to a strategic vote? Her interactions with Jane Lynch, a fellow master of the deadpan put-down, promise to be particularly memorable, as two powerful forces from the Glee universe go head-to-head in a battle of wits and wills.

4- Heather Morris as Self – Contestant

Heather Morris, who became a global sensation for her iconic portrayal of the delightfully dim and literal-minded Brittany S. Pierce on Glee, is perhaps the most anticipated contestant. The irony of Brittany, a character known for her legendary nonsensical quotes, competing on a show about knowledge is a comedic goldmine. Morris herself, however, is a sharp and talented performer, and the disconnect between her character and her real-life intelligence will be a central theme of her participation.

Morris’s strategy will be captivating to watch. She could play into her character’s persona for laughs, or she could stun everyone with unexpected trivia expertise. Regardless, every answer she gives will be met with heightened anticipation. Her presence guarantees laugh-out-loud moments and ensures that the game will be as much about entertainment as it is about trivia.

5- Alex Newell as Self – Contestant

The powerhouse Alex Newell, who broke boundaries as the confident and talented Unique Adams on Glee, brings their vibrant energy to the competition. Newell, who made history as one of the first nonbinary actors to win a Tony Award for their performance in Shucked, is known for their incredible talent and fierce intelligence. They enter the game as a likely frontrunner, possessing both quick reflexes and a wide breadth of knowledge.

Newell will be a force to be reckoned with, likely dominating the trivia portions and building impressive money chains. Their strategic mind will also be key; they will need to navigate the social politics of the game to avoid being voted out for being too strong of a player too early. Newell’s competitive spirit and sharp wit will make them a standout contestant throughout the season.

6- Amber Riley as Self – Contestant

Amber Riley, the powerhouse vocalist and actress who brought the unforgettable Mercedes Jones to life on Glee, is a formidable addition to the contestant pool. A winner of Dancing with the Stars and a West End star, Riley has proven her talent and determination time and again. Her intelligence and competitive drive will make her a serious threat to win the entire game, as she likely possesses both the knowledge and the strategic acumen to outlast her opponents.

Riley’s confidence will shine under pressure, but it may also make her a target. The other players may recognize her as a strong link and therefore a long-term threat, potentially leading to strategic votes against her even after strong rounds. Watching Riley balance demonstrating her strength with managing the target on her back will be a masterclass in game play.

7- Max Adler as Self – Contestant

Max Adler, who portrayed the complex bully-turned-ally Dave Karofsky on Glee, joins the competition. Adler’s role on the show was emotionally charged and dramatic, but in real life, he is known for his thoughtful and kind demeanor. He enters the game as an underdog, whose trivia knowledge is an unknown quantity. His strategy will likely be based on social gameplay, forming alliances and flying under the radar during the voting process.

Adler’s journey will be one of the most strategic. Can he avoid being seen as a weak link in the early rounds? Will he be able to build trust with his competitors to survive the votes? His participation adds a layer of quiet strategy to the more boisterous personalities, and his success will depend on his ability to read the room and adapt his game accordingly.

8- Jenna Ushkowitz as Self – Contestant

Jenna Ushkowitz, the talented actress and author who played the ambitious and sometimes overlooked Tina Cohen-Chang on Glee, is a contestant. Ushkowitz has since co-hosted the hugely popular Glee rewatch podcast, “And That’s What You REALLY Missed,” showcasing her intelligence, memory for detail, and sharp humor. This experience makes her a potential trivia sleeper hit, with a keen mind for pop culture and details others might forget.

Ushkowitz’s knowledge could make her a crucial asset to the team, but she must avoid the fate of her Glee character and ensure she is not overlooked or strategically voted out. Her gameplay will be a interesting study in leveraging her strengths without making herself appear too threatening, using her sharp recall to bank money while maintaining a low profile.

9- Becca Tobin as Self – Contestant

Becca Tobin, who joined Glee in later seasons as the witty and fashion-forward Kitty Wilde, rounds out the cast of contestants. Tobin, also known for her co-hosting duties on the podcast “The LadyGang,” is quick, witty, and culturally savvy. Her strengths will likely lie in modern pop culture, fashion, and entertainment trivia, making her a valuable link for certain question sets.

Tobin’s strategy will involve proving her value in specific domains while trying to survive rounds that focus on more academic or historical topics. Her social savvy and humor will be her tools for survival, as she uses her personality to endear herself to the group and justify her place in the game against more traditionally “knowledgeable” players. Her journey will be all about playing to her strengths and outsmarting the competition.