‘Jeopardy!’ Guest Host Mayim Bialik is a Big Hit With Viewers

Martin Holmes
24 Comments
Mayim Bialik on Jeopardy!
CBS/Twitter

Mayim Bialik began her two-week stint as Jeopardy! guest host on Monday night and, judging by the early fan reaction, it was a big success.

The long-running quiz show has seen a revolving door of guest hosts since the death of Alex Trebek last November, including the likes of NFL star Aaron Rodgers, actor LeVar Burton, and former Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings. Bialik is only the second woman to have hosted the show, following journalist Katie Couric who stepped into the presenting role earlier this year.

“Pit in my stomach here on the east coast as @jeopardy starts soon-ish!!!!!!,” the Big Bang Theory star tweeted before Monday’s episode. “So nervous and excited. I never watch myself ever, but tonight I may have to. My kids are visiting me in NJ and they will tease me SO HARD but I think we will watch.”

Bialik didn’t have anything to worry about as it quickly became apparent that she was a natural in the role. “It is an incredible honor to guest host Jeopardy!,” she said at the start of the show. “I was raised in a very creative and academic family, but it wasn’t until high school that I fell in love with science, and that love led me to a PhD in neuroscience. I so appreciate that Jeopardy! is a show that tests all aspects of intellect and allows the brightest minds to shine.”

Viewers took to social media to praise Bialik’s performance, with one Twitter user writing, “@missmayim is FANTASTIC behind the podium. Gracious. Smart. Fun. Impeccable diction & timing!” Many others shared similar sentiments, with another person stating, “@missmayim is crushing it on Jeopardy! Never have I ever been so excited for a guest host!!”

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Bialik herself took to Twitter following the episode to share her thoughts and seemed happy with her debut, despite a couple of minor criticisms. “My kids were like, ‘What’s with your voice?'” she said. “First of all, that was me trying to put on my best Jeopardy! voice; I was trying to sound friendly and cerebral. But also, I did those Jeopardy! episodes right after I wrapped Call Me Kat, and that is what vocal burnout sounds like.”

Despite that, the Emmy-nominated actress felt good about her performance and actually liked watching herself on TV, something she never usually does. “It was very surreal to see myself there,” she explained. “I don’t know if I’ll get to watch every night, but I will say, it’s the only thing I’ve ever enjoyed watching myself in, mostly because I’m barely on camera.”

Check out more reaction to Bialik’s performance below:

Jeopardy!, Season 37, Weeknights, Check your local listings

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Conversation24 Comments

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  1. A

    Antonio Montealegre

    Loved her on the show!

    16 1

  2. J

    Jena

    It's only been one- day, but she's done very well so far.

    13 1

  3. B

    BlueCactus

    I watched Ken Jennings and Mike Richards. I really liked Mike Richards. I then lost interest but purposefully tuned in to watch Mayim Bialik last night. She did a great job and I am liking her second episode so far as well! I'm sure she wouldn't be the permanent host, but I think she's my second favorite guest host now, behind Mike Richards.

    9 1

  4. R

    RedCupcake

    Mayim Bialik was THE BEST GUEST HOST! I hope she is chosen to permanently replace Alex Trebek on Jeopardy!

    5

  5. G

    GoldScooter

    Think she’s great! Best so far except for Mike Richards. PLEASE NOT Ken Jennings! Tired of seeing him on other quiz shows. Need a fresh face. He’s too boring. I’ll quit watching if he becomes permanent host!

    4 1

  6. G

    GoldPuzzle

    Ken Jennings or Mayim BialekMayim Bialek or Ken JenningsBuzzy Cohen.That's what I think.

  7. G

    GoldScooter

    Happy for Richards. He will do a great job.

  8. G

    GoldScooter

    So glad the football player lost out - what a simpleton!

  9. G

    GoldScooter

    So happy for Mayim. Good luck. You are the right choice.

  10. B

    BlueBullhorn

    I liked Mayim Bialik. Her energy level reminds me of AT and she brings a refreshing element of enjoyment of Jeopardy that has been missing for a while.

  11. O

    OrangeCherries

    mayim is perfect for jeopardy! She is so natural, energetic & sincere. I vote for her.

  12. B

    BlueSword

    I thought Mayim Bialik was the best host presentation. She is bright and has a good command of stating the questions. I would love to see Mayim take over for Alex Trebek, she would do him proud.

  13. G

    GoldHammer

    Think she should get the job she is great

  14. B

    BlueBullhorn

    Keep Mayim.

  15. A

    Antonio Montealegre

    Not too many comments so far. That will probably change when Savanah Guthrie guest hosts...

    1 1

  16. O

    OliveBox

    Like Mike Richards 2

    1 1

  17. G

    GoldBug

    I think she is doing a very good job. Maybe a little too happy sometimes. But no one is going to nail it at first try if this is not something they normally do. Personally, Ken Jennings deserves the job. He is a nerd that made learning "cool" and was sincere in respect and friendship with Alex Trebek. And he has been on the other side of the stage. I would give Miyam host duties during Champion or College tournaments.

    Getting weary of these guest hosts. We need a permanent host.

    1 1

  18. G

    GoldPizza

    Yes!!!! This is so exciting

    1 1

  19. G

    GoldGlasses

    If Bialik were to be selected I would stop watching Jeopardy!!!

    1

  20. R

    RedApple

    Love Miyam's suits. Very classic.

    1

  21. C

    CyanBasketball

    I watched Monday for a few minutes! I could not take her. Shut it off! #MikeRichards

    2

  22. C

    CyanScissors

    😍Buzzy Cohen, followed by Mayim Bialik

    1 3

  23. G

    GoldMustache

    Aaron Rodgers & Bill Whitaker have been the best hosts so far.

    9

  24. G

    GreenQuill

    I think she has potential, but she's not doing well. She doesn't recap scores, nor tell contestants where they stand in relation to other contestants. She's especially poor when contestants find daily doubles. Not only does she not tell them their scores in relation to the other contestants' scores -- e.g., you can take the lead if you make it a true daily double; or you have $4,000 less than so-and-so -- she doesn't advise contestants with less than $1,000 (in single Jeopardy!) and $2,000 (in double Jeopardy!) that they may wager up to that amount. Contestants forget when they are nervous. I also can't stand how she gives contestants the answers to clues they didn't get by saying "What is" first. There's absolutely no reason for the host to ever use the "What is" phrasing. She's personable, but she lacks awareness during the game. She's not really hosting. She's just reading clues and answers. She's also too slow. She leaves too many clues on the board. I'm writing this after 4 days of watching her.

    3 12