Mayim Bialik, who had co-hosting duties on Jeopardy! since 2021, announced her departure on social media, making way for Ken Jennings.
I’ll take Jeopardy! hosts that didn’t make the cut, Ken… Mayim Bialik, who shared hosting duties of the iconic answer-and-question game show since 2021, is officially out, leaving Ken Jennings as the sole host.
In an Instagram post over the weekend, Mayim Bialik announced, “As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news. Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!.” She noted that she continues to be grateful for being nominated for the inaugural Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Host for a Game Show – with Jennings also competing, no less. She also thanked those who continued to champion her pursuing such a coveted gig. “For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, thank you.”
Mayim Bialik’s departure from Jeopardy! may not be all that of a surprise. As per a spokesperson for the show, “We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers…” That host, as we know, will be Jennings, who won an astounding $4,522,700 during all of his runs on the show (he is topped by only Brad Rutter). Bialik notably recently stepped aside in support of the Writers Guild of America strike, leaving the spot open for Jennings and perhaps sealing her fate.
While Art Fleming was the original host of Jeopardy!, it was Alex Trebek who served as the true face and voice of the game show, with a remarkable Guinness World Record-holding run from 1984 until 2020, the year he passed away. Following his death, a series of rotating guest hosts stepped in, with names ranging from Anderson Cooper and Levar Burton to George Stephanopoulos and Mehmet Oz. While Aaron Rodgers proved surprisingly adept behind the podium, there really is no better choice than Ken Jennings.
How did you like Mayim Bialik as part-time host of Jeopardy!? Are you sad to see her go or is Ken Jennings the natural successor? Let us know below.