Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings Fans Feud Over Latest 'Jeopardy!' Permanent Host News
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Jeopardy! has reportedly made a decision about who will be behind the lectern next season — and it’s not what many were expecting to hear.
On July 25, multiple outlets reported that Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings and Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik will “continue sharing hosting duties” for the quiz show’s upcoming season 39. As viewers know, the search for a new Jeopardy! permanent host has been ongoing since Alex Trebek’s death in November 2020. After a roster of celebrity guest hosts tried out for the position, former Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards was named the next permanent host in August 2021. But he stepped down only a few days later following reports about past offensive and derogatory comments.
Ken and Mayim were then tapped to split time for season 38. Most recently, Jeopardy! producers teased that there would be an announcement about the new permanent host coming “very, very soon.” While the trivia show hasn’t formally revealed if Ken and Mayim will, in fact, return to the lectern for season 39, Deadline sources state that both TV personalities are currently in the middle of negotiations.
According to Variety, the show has sorted out how the duo will keep working in tandem. Ken and Mayim are set to share airtime for regular in-season episodes. In addition, Mayim will also host primetime specials (like the National College Championship and Professors Tournament) and the new spinoff Celebrity Jeopardy!. She’s also worked in time to star in her Fox sitcom Call Me Kat, which is set to return in September for season 3.
Though Jeopardy!, Ken and Mayim haven't addressed these reports, fans quickly took to social media to voice their thoughts on the potential arrangement.
On one hand, many folks expressed their desire for Ken to be named the show’s successor. “Love Ken Jennings. He has all the qualities to be an excellent permanent host. Get it together Jeopardy staff. You’re wasting time,” one person wrote on Instagram. “I can’t believe they are going to continue to split hosting between Ken and Mayim! Sony is obviously not listening to real Jeopardy fans,” another added.
On the other hand, some were pleased to hear Mayim would be sticking around. “She's doing a great job hosting. Look forward to more #Jeopardy with her,” a different fan tweeted.
Still, others were simply excited over the duo’s return. “The two current @Jeopardy hosts are very fun, we enjoy them. They're both great! So why not keep them! Ken Jennings is super laid-back and kind of born for the job, but Mayim is super charming, [quirky]-smart, and stylish!” a follower said.
Whether or not this is how Jeopardy! has mapped out the show’s next step is unknown. But viewers are already anticipating that an official announcement will come after season 38’s finale on Friday.
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