'Jeopardy!' Fans Can’t Get Over the Huge Changes Made Amid Ken Jennings' Return as Host
Jeopardy! is officially back. But the new episodes have already proven to be slightly different, thanks to important changes that were made.
On Monday night, the quiz show returned with the highly anticipated premiere of season 39. After the latest installment concluded in late July, folks were excited to welcome back Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings and Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik as the official hosts. But before either TV personality stepped up to the podium, viewers watching from home immediately took note of several differences in the introduction.
Apart from Jeopardy! champion Amy Schneider being added to the carousel of memorable moments on the trivia show, the camera also panned across the live audience cheering. What’s more, Ken was introduced as the host of Jeopardy! for the first time since he started the role in January 2021.
“I am so honored to be introduced as the host of Jeopardy!” Ken said on the show. “But I’m even more excited to be here with you beginning a new season with our Emmy-winning Jeopardy! staff and crew, with an audience back in the studio for the first time in two and a half years.”
Reacting to his heartfelt message, Jeopardy! fans instantly began celebrating the historic moment online. “So great to hear Ken announced as ‘the host of Jeopardy!’ instead of ‘hosting Jeopardy!’. Season 38 was quite a record-breaking season. Looking forward to seeing what the class of season 39 will be like,” one person wrote in the comments section of a Jeopardy! Instagram post, referencing Ken’s promotion from guest host to official host. “LOVE KEN AND LOVE JEOPARDY ❤️❤️❤️,” another added. “My prayers have been answered!!!! YAY 👏👏👏,” a different fan said.
Hhhmmm ... pretty sure there's something happening tomorrow.
That's right, it's the premiere of S39! RT if you're ready for new episodes of Jeopardy! pic.twitter.com/Xj8MaWwc8a— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) September 11, 2022
Still, there were others who admitted to feeling conflicted over seeing Ken instead of Mayim standing at the lectern. “Congratulations Ken but I am going to miss Mayim 👏,” a follower commented. "Is Ken THE NEW HOST? No, Mayim?" another asked.
Luckily, Mayim won’t be gone for too long. Ken will be leading Jeopardy! games until December. Then, in the new year, Mayim will be resuming her hosting duties for a while. That said, Mayim will return to TV very soon as the solo host of the new spinoff Celebrity Jeopardy! debuting later in September. While that is airing, she'll be wrapping up a new season of her Fox sitcom Call Me Kat.
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