Ken Jennings Breaks Silence on 'Jeopardy!' Co-Host's Departure

Ken Jennings has opened up about Sony Pictures Television's decision to remove Mayim Bialik as co-host of Jeopardy!. The actress and former champion had shared hosting duties on the syndicated version of the popular game show from 2021 to 2023, following the 2020 passing of longtime host Alex Trebek. Additionally, Bialik had also hosted the prime-time Jeopardy! National College Championship and first Celebrity Jeopardy! tournaments.

"It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m gonna miss her," Jennings said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter published on Tuesday. "I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it."

"But on my end, I’m just a fan of Jeopardy! and I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me," the 49-year-old continued. "I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster."

Jennings conceded that it was "kind of a weird thing" that the show brought back an ex-contestant to host, and that he's been learning as he goes.

"But I loved growing up with Jeopardy! where Alex was the host of that show for almost 38 years, and people just kind of felt like he was part of their family, and it’s impossible to fill those shoes," he added. "But it’s such an honor and and hopefully I look forward to 37 more years of doing it, when I’ll be a very, very old man."

Bialik broke the news on Dec. 15 that she had been informed by Sony that she was not being brought back as a host. The news raised eyebrows as the 48-year-old had made the decision back in May to step down from hosting the final week of filming season 39 in solidarity with the Writers Guild of America strike, with Jennings stepping forward to host the remaining episodes.

“Mayim Bialik has announced she will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!," Sony later said in a statement. "We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!. We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to Jeopardy!, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials."