‘Jeopardy!’ Announces Its First-Ever Professors Tournament With Host Mayim Bialik
“It’s time to graduate to a new level of competition,” as Jeopardy! has announced its first-ever Professors Tournament. Hosted by longtime guest host Mayim Bialik, the 10-day event will begin on Monday, December 6, and air on consecutive weeknights through December 17.
Professors from 15 different colleges and universities across the country will compete in the show’s usual style of tournament play for the chance to win $100,000 and earn a spot in the upcoming Tournament of Champions.
“It was an unbelievable thrill to see so many brilliant professors from all kinds of schools and backgrounds come together on the Jeopardy! stage,” Bialik said in a statement. “There was a sense of kinship and academic camaraderie among the group, along with a healthy dose of competitiveness. That energy made this inaugural Professors Tournament incredibly special.”
Below, check out the lineup of professors who will compete head-to-head to win Jeopardy! Professors Tournament!
- J.P. Allen, a Professor of Business at the University of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA
- Hester Blum, a Professor of English at Penn State University in University Park, PA
- Sam Buttrey, a Professor of Operations Research at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA
- Marti Canipe, a Professor of Elementary Science at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ
- Lisa Dresner, an Associate Professor of Writing at Hofstra University in Hempstead, NY
- Ramón Guerra, a Professor of English, Literature, and Latino Studies at the University of Nebraska-Omaha in Omaha, NE
- Gautam Hans, an Associate Clinical Professor of Law at Vanderbilt Law School in Nashville, TN
- John Harkless, an Associate Professor of Chemistry at Howard University in Washington, D.C.
- Ed Hashima, a Professor of History at American River College in Sacramento, CA
- Gary Hollis, a Professor of Chemistry at Roanoke College in Salem, VA
- Alisa Hove, a Professor of Botany at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, NC
- Ashleigh Lawrence-Sanders, an Assistant Professor of U.S. and African American History at University of Colorado-Boulder in Boulder, CO
- Katie Reed, an Associate Professor of Musicology at California State University Fullerton in Fullerton, CA
- Deborah Steinberger, a Professor of French Literature at the University of Delaware in Newark, DE
- Julia Williams, a Professor of English at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN
Jeopardy! Professors Tournament, Weeknights beginning Monday, December 6, Check Your Local Listings
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Conversation24 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
Can't wait to see Mayim back in action! Why she isn't permanent host is beyond me. She is the best since Alex's unfortunate passing.
22 11
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C
I couldn't wait for Bialik to leave! I found her demeanor off-putting and her appearance was downright depressing. Ken Jennings is on his second tour as host (right behind Bialik so it's easy to compare), and his hosting performance is remarkably better than the first time. He was nervous, rushed, even giggly, and a bit squeaky before. Now he presents as comfortable and relaxed in the role. He seems to be enjoying it. Perhaps he's had some 'tv lessons', but contestants appear to like his easy rapport and he doesn't project any sort of 'attitude' given his history with the game. Most appreciated is that (this time) the timbre, tone and cadence of his voice make him more relatable to viewers than others who have come and gone. I'd tune in as I have for three decades if Ken continues but would, sadly, lose interest under others.
1 1
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A
Glad to know Mayim will be back soon!
23 12
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R
Stopped watching once Ken Jennings became host. Will return on 12/6 to watch the best back at the podium. How she is not the permanent host makes no sense
20 13
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O
There is no podium, it's a lectern. No wonder she's your favorite.
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P
Sounds very competitive and I will definitely watch the tournament.
8 2
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B
I have to laugh at all of the obvious bot votes for Mayim. The same thing happened when Levar Burton was shooting for it and he was dreadful too. Clearly if those votes were legit there would be more comments and more names. Nice try, kids.
6 3
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G
I like Mayim to be the permanent host.
13 10
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B
No...no...no
7 5
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R
We just relaxed and are enjoying Ken Jennings. Will not be joining jeopardy when Bialik hosts.
6 5
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B
What? No math professors? I guess that would be unfair.
2 1
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B
Ken is my choice!
I like his professionalism, his mind, voice, and clothing!
His knowledge amazes me!
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C
I couldn't wait for Bialik to leave! I found her demeanor off-putting and her appearance was downright depressing. Ken Jennings is on his second tour as host (right behind Bialik so it's easy to compare), and his hosting performance is remarkably better than the first time. He was nervous, rushed, even giggly, and a bit squeaky before. Now he presents as comfortable and relaxed in the role. He seems to be enjoying it. Perhaps he's had some 'tv lessons', but contestants appear to like his easy rapport and he doesn't project any sort of 'attitude' given his history with the game. Most appreciated is that (this time) the timbre, tone and cadence of his voice make him more relatable to viewers than others who've come and gone. I'd tune in as I have for three decades if Ken continues but would, sadly, lose interest under others. (sorry to double post but I accidentally placed my comment as a Reply to someone instead of entering it here - oops!)
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R
So the prevailing wisdom, thus far, is that Jeopardy, a show ostensibly entirely about known facts, should retain the “scientist” host who espouses fringe views on a variety of things?
The producers wanted Mike and Mayim.
Everyone else was an afterthought.
2 2
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B
Mayim is now busy with shooting her Fox sitcom and that is why she is not hosting Jeopardy. This tournament was likely filmed before she left to film her series.
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O
Not a fan of hers…something about the clip in her voice..feels like she is talking down to people…prefer Ken
6 1
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O
Exactly. She's so full of herself it's repugnant.
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O
Can't wait to see mayim come back i miss her i haven't watch it since she been gone hope they considering keeping her she amazing
5
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B
Professors, yaayy! Mayim Bialik , booooo! I disliked her on Big Bang Theory, but despise her on Jeopardy.
15 20
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B
Maybe you just think women shouldn’t do things like this!! She just seems like she should be there love her!!
2 2
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C
She is a terrible host!
4 2
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O
ITA. Brooke Burns is a great host. Mayim is smug, haughty, and condescending.
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P
Sounds to me like you went into this with your mind made up…
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C
Uuhm, Leslie, isn't that what a poll is for??
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