‘Jeopardy!’: Should There Be Rotating Hosts? (POLL)
Jeopardy!‘s 38th season is nearing its end and with it comes the question of what will hosting look like in Season 39?
The beloved game show’s permanent hosting gig has been in limbo since longtime helmer Alex Trebek died in late 2020. Since then, a plethora of guest hosts has rotated in and out of the position with a brief reign by former executive producer Mike Richards before he stepped down.
(Credit: Jeopardy!, Inc.)
Leaving the position open at the beginning of Season 38, Richards passed the baton to primetime host Mayim Bialik and GOAT Champion Ken Jennings who have since rotated in and out of the guest hosting role over the past several months. The pattern has become the new normal, but differing opinions about Bialik and Jennings have divided viewers as to who they’d like to see in the position permanently.
Could the alternative to a permanent host be a continuously rotating series of guest hosts among which include Bialik, Jennings, and individuals like former champion Buzzy Cohen? If some viewers feel so strongly about specific hosts, why wouldn’t the show want to cater to their varied tastes?
It would make sense, but the question is whether this should be the case or not. If Jeopardy! chooses to keep its rotating cast of hosts, it would present the opportunity for more individuals to helm the game show. But is a show like Jeopardy! contingent upon a sure and steady solo figure occupying the hosting position?
That’s what we want to hear from you. Let us know your thoughts in the poll below, and if you’d like to see rotating guests, sound off in the comments section about who you’d like to see in the mix.
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Conversation239 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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It puts contestants at a disadvantage if they constantly have to reacclimate themselves to the cadences and styles of different hosts. They should hire only one, the most qualified, for the job. That person in this case is Ken—no contest.
114 7
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True. When Pat Sajak was off for health reasons, Vanna White did a few shows. She was OK, but the show felt off. It's even more essential for Jeopardy to have a single host because the contestants carry over. Changing hosts is disconcerting to the contestants and the viewers; the rhythm suffers.
24 6
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Don't underestimate the ignorance of the people in charge. They don't care about the audience or the contestants. Letting go of Bialik would hurt their ego more than anything because she was their initial selection.
25 4
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I would think that money should be a determining factor. When she hosts, ratings drop. Sponsors pay attention to that. Every time she hosts the value of the viewership goes down. Business is business.
11 1
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But, this is not news. Why is she still there?
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This is EXACTLY why being on the show this year or last would have been so difficult. The lack of consistency puts contestants at a disadvantage. Only the best of the best, such as Matt and Mattea, have been able to overcome such challenges. I wonder how Amy would have fared if she had to endure a host change.
11 4
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Since when does being a contestant qualify someone to be the host?
2 33
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It doesn't. Being a competent host qualifies somebody to be the host.
17
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I just want to raise what a disgrace it would be for Ken to continue simply as a co-host after Sony dangled the full-time job over his head for nearly two years (going on three if you consider the date of his initial hiring) while forcing him to quit his other shows in the past year. Meanwhile, under this scenario, Mayim still has a handful competing non-Jeopardy-related commitments and could stay on as a rotating host in addition to her primetime duties. How is that even fair?
54 7
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B
Mayim Bialik should not be anywhere near a Jeopardy soundstage for any reason. She is incompetent.
29 9
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B
Our family feels she eoes a fine job, and it's nice to have a female, though we also like Ken.
8
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Read her comments on sexual assault. Hiring a “female” like Mayim Bialik is not a victory for women.
2 1
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Mayim is 100 percent better than cardboard Ken
7
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i would love to know how Mayim is incompetent;;;does she have a monotone delivery ...doe she miss read clues...etc etc...for whatever reason people only want Ken and will nit pick on anyone but Ken.....
3
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There is a reason why Alex Trebek achieved icon status and is so beloved and it is not because he was really good at reading clues. Any host (of a party, a game show, an awards show) needs to be a master facilitator, keeping everyone relaxed and all the moving parts running smoothly—all while making it seem effortless. Mayim Bialik acts like hosting Jeopardy is just another acting role. She doesn’t understand the responsibilities and challenges of an actual game show host and can only offer a middle-school level performance of a game show host character. She’s reading lines. She giggles, sways, and jerks. She interrupts contestants frequently. Everything is forced when she attempts wit or banter. Bottom line: people don’t like her. She only gets single-digit approval in polls and ratings drop when she hosts. If you think a woman should have the job, watch Sara Haines, Meredith Vieira, Jane Lynch. They are breaking glass ceilings and knocking it out of the park. They are competent, strong, likeable. Then read Bialik’s thoughts on sexual assault. They are disturbing. Hiring a woman like her is no victory for women.
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I am glad Ken is back this week! Haven’t watched since MB took over and I and (many friends) have stopped watching when MB is on. The show has a natural in Ken and if the Producers can’t see that, then we will not watch!
52 9
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Ken Jennings is more like Alex. If you want the show to continue, we need Ken Jennings. Not everyone is suited to be a host of a show. Ken Jennings knows what it is like to be behind the podium as a player. He has a good relationship with the players plus he is comfortable as the host.
22 4
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Not if Bialik is part of the rotation. I'd be fine with a Ken/ Buzzy split, or Ken on the syndicated eps and Buzzy on the TOC and Celebrity versions. MB tanks the ratings and will turn advertisers away.
43 8
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We felt Buzzy was a poor replacement,but enjoy Ken and Mayim. When the opening host announcement is pronounced, I still think "Art Fleming"!
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I'm not insinuating in the slightest that it should have been easy to find a successor to the great Alex Trebek, but how has this saga been unresolved for almost two years? Nearly every piece of media I read depicts Ken in a favorable light as a host, so why are the folks in charge kicking and screaming their way out of doing what the people want?
34 2
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Plain and simple, it's because the decision makers have too much pride to admit they were wrong. Remember how long Mike Richards stayed involved before the onslaught of media coverage eventually took him down? And for the same reason, even if Ken becomes the host, Mayim will be associated in some way with the franchise because the people in charge do not have the courage to let her go.
14 1
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They’d better find the courage because viewers will not support her. Can Jeopardy really afford the low ratings she brings?
11 1
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Someone else posted, and I agree that there were time limits on their contractural obligations to Ms. Bialik for this season with an option to renew. If that is the case, they decline to renew and she can't sue. Crossing my fingers that it is the reason for the delay.
14 1
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I would have been more sympathetic to the difficulty in finding a host if Jeopardy producers didn’t keep trying to shove the utterly incompetent Mayim Bialik down our throats. Rumor has it that Alex wanted Ken and was grooming him. FACT has it that Ken started taking on behind-the-scenes responsibilities and reading clues MONTHS before Alex died. That sure sounds like grooming to me. I am wracking my brain to understand what the producers’ endgame could possibly be and I come up with nothing. Every day that goes by further tarnishes the show’s brand of setting the bar high and disrespects Alex’s legacy. It’s shameful.
21 6
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I agree
I want Ken Jennings!
11 1
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Ken Jennings ratings share before he left in May: 5.8
Mayim's ratings since then: 4.8 - 5.2
Why is this so difficult?
31 3
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Mayim is hosting during summer months when viewership always goes down. You want to blame her for the CALENDAR?
36
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Her episodes from this year are getting beaten by episodes from last year in which the guest hosts brought the ratings to then-all time lows. That's not the calendar's fault.
21
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You want to explain why for the same period “Family Feud” ratings are up and “Wheel of Fortune” held steady? Are they using a different calendar?
12
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It's simple math, ratings drop when Mayim hosts. That bleeds advertising dollars costing Sony profits. The lion's share of Jeopardy viewers can't stand her. DO THE MATH!
31 4
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No, that's not the case. In fact, viewership goes down during the summer months. That's why the networks run cheap programming rather than new episodes of their regular lineup.
2 35
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First of all, Jeopardy is a syndicated show and not dictated by network demands. Secondly, all the networks are running new shows over the summer. Each one. Third, Ken hosted this summer as well with ratings that beat Mayim's by nearly 20% (this according to TV News Check and Showbiz411). The summer didn't seem to hurt him, now did it?
15
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B
During the time that Mayim Bialik hosted Jeopardy’s ratings dropped. Family Feud’s increased and Wheel of Fortune’s remained steady. What does that tell you?
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If not Ken, then Buzzy. If neither, then NOT Mayim. Choose somebody from last season’s rotation. David Faber, Sanjay Gupta, Robin Roberts and Savannah Guthrie all did a good job. I think Aaron Rodgers will be preoccupied.
30 3
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Buying the job should be an automatic disqualifier for anybody.
25 1
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Ken Jennings is the best. I was so glad to see him back. Please just use Ken.
27 3
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Ken is by far the very best. Seeing him this week is so refreshing. He enjoys the contestants and he’s real. His cadence is perfect. PLEASE give the job to Ken. What is wrong with you people
22 2
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Ken Jennings is the embodiment of elitist entitlement.
2 22
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You're right, I remember fondly when he falsely said he had Alex Trebek's family blessing and used his gender to entitle himself to this job in February. Oh wait, that was Mayim, on both counts.
19 1
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Rotating hosts is fine but get rid of Mayim Bialik. She's awful
26 2
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How many polls does Ken have to win for TV Insider to concede that the audience wants him as the only permanent host???
24 1
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There have been no scientific polls on this, only internet polls, which are worthless.
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There have been ratings releases, not the least of which are worthless, which have Mayim trailing Ken's numbers often by millions.
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Mayim Bialik also tanks in the RATINGS during a time when Family Feud ratings increased and Wheel of Fortune held steady. I don’t know where you get your “facts,” but I can assure you there have been scientific focus groups. We just have not seen the results.
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I’ve been watching Jeopardy since it’s beginning. After seeing the guest host I feel Ken would be the best person to carry on the show.
26 4
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IF Ken Jennings isn’t hosting, which he does SO WELL, we don’t even bother to tune in. NOBODY even comes close to his ability and charisma.
23 1
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Don't drive the villagers to resorting to torches, axes and bonfires. She HAS to go permanently.
25 3
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LOL! Good luck storming the castle.......er stage.
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As a loyal fan since the age of 12 we want the GOAT, Mr. Jennings please.
22 1
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The execs have been playing games since the days following Alex’s passing. Do they really think they will go ahead with Mayim and not leave a big stink in doing so?
21
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I've watched jeopardy for many, many years but I discontinued watching when mayim bialik was on. Only will watch if Ken jennings is host.
24 4
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It's pretty obvious at this point that Mayim's continued involvement is just for the producers to pander to her small cult of followers and to delay the presumed backlash of the Twitterati because Ken Jennings is a white male. The average viewer just wants to see the most qualified candidate up there, and that happens to be Ken, as evidenced by the ratings, polls, and focus group analysis. The roundabout path they chose did not have to be this way.
24 4
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Actually Twitter is overwhelmingly pro Ken.
18 4
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My wife audibly groans whenever it's a new week and Johnny introduces Miam. We call her "Princess Giggles" in my house.
22 2
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Ken Jennings all the way -- sorry Mayim but I turn the channel when you "host". On the side, am still waiting to actually find the poll. Have never actually seen the poll where I can actually choose and be counted.
25 5
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The poll is at the top of this story.
5 1
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Thanks BridgetO -- after clicking everything blue above the comments section (except for Mayim's name🙄), finally found it but not on this site, but from my phone. Go figure! And, Ken got my official vote for permanent host. Now if we can only get Jeopardy higher ups to realize what the great Alex did and that is Ken Jennings to replace our still sorely missed Alex.
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82% want KEN Jennings
16 5
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I turn the channel when Ken is the host. He seems to be full of himself. He thinks he is better than everyone else on the show.
1 15
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Technically he probably is better. Alternatively, Mayim isn't even the equal of the least contestant.
7 1
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Sorry Caseymacphee - We will just have to agree to disagree.
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Would like only one host and that would be Ken. We turn off the other host
18
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Yeah she blows. I love Ken.. he's a natural. He can correct someone's pronunciation but I don't think he does very much compared to her. Mayim is always acting like she's a know it all. #NOTAFAN
20 2
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TVInsider believes in redoing polls until they receive the desired result. If they are trying to warm the audience to rotating hosts, they are dead in their tracks. Anything involving Mayim in a permanent capacity would be a disaster.
18
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Just curious, there are plenty of good photos of Ken floating around, why did you run photos of Buzzy and Mayim looking smiley and confident, but one of Ken looking unsure and concerned? That smacks of manipulation.
17
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They used a still from Ken's somber first episode without Alex versus publicity photos of the other two hosts. Don't forget that this is the third time TV Insider ran this poll; Ken won the other two in landslide victories. Somebody here (or at the behest of an outside source) has an agenda.
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Neuriva had to cut bait with Mayim Bialik because she ended up being detrimental to their brand identity in their advertisements. Hilarious!
17
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Hilarious! She couldn't even sell snake oil to the gullible? Where some may succeed, she can be safely relied upon to fail.
15
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In my house Mayim Bialik looks and sounds a lot like Steve Harvey. Ok that was a joke but actually we change to channel 20 for Family Feud whenever she is the host.
17 1
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O
The Jeopardy people found a way to eclipse Carson-Leno in terms of all time TV screwups. Congrats, that one was a tough one to top.
16
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I think the above analysis is right. You have to remember that these execs are very one dimensional in their decision making. They think “woman, PhD, once on a famous TV show” and chose her. It wasn’t universally received, but TPTB were definitely patting themselves on the back and believed they did the right thing. These are the same people who thought Mike Richards was the best choice for the long term too. We’ve seen the fruits of the labor, for better or worse, for a year now.
17 1
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You have a good point. The producers probably heard “Ph.D.” and thought “gravitas!” I guess somehow they missed some of her “scientific” theories. Then somehow, they mistakenly assumed she had a large pop culture following. She does not. The cherry on the top was the fact that she’s a woman. The producers were oddly oblivious to the fact that she has some disturbing opinions on the reasons for sexual assault. Finally, did they really think they could gloss over the fact that she has no idea what the responsibilities and challenges of the job are? They are now aware of all of this and sinking ratings when she hosts and yet she’s still there. Why?
18 1
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I find her opinions on sexual assault victims bringing it on themselves by dressing provocatively to be in sharp contrast to her baring her breast to nurse her 31/2 year old son on a crowded subway. What a hypocrite.
10 1
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The definition of insanity is doing something multiple times expecting a different result. TV Insider ran a poll at least twice gathering the readers’ preference for a successor to Alex. Both times it has been Ken, and not particularly close either time. Now they are running a third.
TV Insider: Insane by definition 🤡
18 2
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Anyone else notice that Mayim's Minions are filing into the comments one by one now that they realize that she can't put up a reasonable second place showing in the poll?
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Was this article commissioned by Bialik's PR team after she lost the two previous polls in resounding fashion?
16 1
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O
I only watch when Ken Jennings is hosting. He is the obvious choice. If MB is hosting, won't watch. The show only needs one host and Ken is it!
16 2
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Maybe we could recruit someone named Dorothy to toss a bucket of water at her?
14 1
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B
Or drop a house on her?
6 2
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"I'm melting!" LOL
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Shame on the show for not advertising that Ken would return this week. My wife and I had stopped watching over the last couple months because we couldn't take any more of Mayim
13
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Her agent and their lawyers need to get on the record to answer to this, it will be the only way people will know the truth.
14 1
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Democrat's playbook, lie, misdirect, sidestep?
3 1
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Ken has the same relaxed style as Alex, Mayim's conversations seem forced and unnatural. Ken's intelligence is obviously well rounded and he probably knows all the answers while, and although Mayim may be bright, she just comes off as a condescending know-it-all who doesn't really know the answers or the show. The original feel and pace of Jeopard! is in jeopardy without Ken.
14 2
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B
I always feel like she's on commission and trying to sell me something I don't want.
10
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She is. She’s trying to sell herself as the host of Jeopardy.
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B
Please stop trying to turn Jeopardy into another version of “The Bachelor.” There is no reason for us to still be debating this almost two years after Alex’s death.
12
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I voted that it doesn't matter to me but if 82% really prefer Ken there is no reason that the producers should concede to the preference of a far outnumbered minority
12 1
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Please make Ken Jennings the permanent host!!
12 1
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You know how the saying goes: "Too many cooks spoil the broth." Why does the job have to be shared to cater to the taste of a vocal minority?
11
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Honestly I’m not even surprised. She always struck me as an opportunist.
13 2
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Ken Jennings is a much better host due to the fact that he is smooth and relaxed. Bailey is jerky and moves around all the time. Voice raises and lowers. I hope to see the end of her.
12 2
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Ken is like wayyyyy better than Mayim. He has won 74 games on Jeopardy as well as becoming the runner-up on both Ultimate Tournament of Champions and All-Star Games. He even won Jeopardy The Greatest of All Time and later was featured in a game show called Master Minds (formally called Best Ever Trivia Show) on the Game Show Network and became The Professor on The Chase. So I'm absolutely sure that Ken would be Jeopardy's permanent host.
14 4
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Would like Ken Jennings to host and have Buzzy for special occasions
10
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Ken Jennings SHOULD DEFINITELY become the new permanent host. Producers should pick Ken. I’m voting for Ken Jennings. If he’s available, PLEASE pick him. I would rate Ken 5 stars and Mayim 4 stars.
12 2
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For all the people that are dead set on Mayim because of diversity reasons, just remember that she doesn’t believe that Palestinians have a right to their ancestral homes; she believes in the formation of an ethnonationalist state and will willingly donate money to support that cause.
11 1
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That's the tip of the iceberg in her list of shortcomings. She believes in survival of the fittest which rules out Caesarean birth. The list is long and reprehensible.
14
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Ken Jennings hates half of his OWN country, as shown by his series of unhinged mean tweets.
26
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If Ken is unhinged (he isn't) what does that make you?
13
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Since Pseudonym Sam is posting both supportive and derogatory things about Mayim, I'm guessing bi-polar?
2
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O
Bailik is Rude to the contestants. Does she really think she is a superior intellect?
Well, consider this even thought she holds the OFFICIAL JEOPARDY ANSWERS IN HER HAND, she blunders and makes her absolutely foolish responses, only to attempt to embarrass all involved, That “SHE IS JEOPARDY!” NO! Mr. Ken Jennings IS JEOPARDY
Ken Jennings represents JEOPARDY with the pride of being the foremost champion!
JEOPARDY depends on viewers and sponsors, when she is on=We find other activities rather than feel that all except her are OF A LESSER SPECIES!
Ann & Dennis G. Barker.
9
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She's certainly the dimmest and least aware PhD I've ever encountered. Did she buy her degree or just study to the tests? She took up a spot at university that might have gone to a serious scientist. Everything about her is reprehensible, including her personal remarks off camera, her son's "art piece" and the subway incident.
4
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You’re just noticing this now? They’ve publicly screwed this up since the news broke that Mike Richards was the frontrunner. Internally there were shenanigans going on well before that. If they choose Mayim, I won’t even be surprised since almost every step of the way, they’ve found a way to alienate the core fanbase.
9
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You misunderstand. What’s a revelation is that it’s actually turned into gaslighting because of HOW LONG the producers have let this continue, not the fact that they have screwed up so much. It's gotten to the point where it can’t be explained by repeated blunders made under a lot of pressure. There is an endgame. I just don’t know what it is, but I think the producers do. I also felt like something was very wrong when they named Mike Richards host. After MONTHS of guest hosts? EVERYONE pushed back on that one. The guest hosting seemed weird, but it grew on me. It was interesting that no one tried to channel Alex Trebek and everyone had their own take on hosting. It could have put some distance between Alex and the new host so the new host and viewers would be spared some painful comparisons. But it continued ad nauseam until they named the EP, who had been there all along? And then when he was quickly removed they started this childish “everybody takes a turn and shares.” But a year later, still promoting this nonsense, especially when one of the candidates could not possibly be more unqualified and the other was born for it and groomed by Alex Trebek himself? They have tarnished the brand and I don’t think it will recover.
3
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I like Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik but Ken should be the full time host. He has a Jeopardy background and the contestants are not caught off guard with a pause after an answer like they get with Mayim. They are left wondering if they have given a correct answer. Ken is quick to reply correct or incorrect....no pause.
10 1
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The Jeopardy producers need to stop taunting us NOW or it won’t matter who they choose. Jeopardy used to be so classy, always setting the bar high. That is no more with all these idiotic dilemmas. We were all so worried how we would ever fill Alex’s hosting shoes. The real problem seems to be in filling his producing shoes. Since his death, it’s been the Keystone Cops running the show. It’s embarrassing and heartbreaking. It needs to stop or they will run the show into the ground.
9
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O
Ma'am, respectfully, the show jumped the shark the moment Mayim was announced to be involved as a permanent host with Ken nowhere to be found. This has been a game of agendas from day one and the powers that be have absolutely no regard for the wishes of the viewers. Now the show is consumed by clickbait and tabloid journalism because the executives don't want to admit they made a mistake by hiring Mayim. Nobody will ever fill Alex Trebek's shoes, but the show is actively finding ways to destroy those shoes, not fill them.
7 1
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Sir, respectfully, why do you have the impression we are disagreeing? The producers are destroying the show. We are saying the same thing. Alex was not only a host, but also a producer, and it is there his absence is really felt.
6
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O
What an absolute disgrace.
9
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Ken ONLY
10 1
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Only Ken
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I want a host that doesn't include 3 hosts I hate mayim Bialik as a jeopardy game host she should never host that game show ever again and she needs to go back to the show where she's a star
8
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O
No I don’t think so. I know there is no voting but I truly think Ken is better at this.
8
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The folks in charge are hesitating to hire a host longer than even Mayim hesitates to say correct/incorrect 🤣
7
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I wonder if this delay may have something to do with contracts. Perhaps there were time limits on Sony's contract with Mayim with an option to renew and they're riding it out.
7
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I thought of that and maybe that’s the case. But people get bought out of contracts all the time. Shows get canceled after only a few episodes air. Actors in pilots are replaced. So much vitriol is being generated by this debacle. The show’s legacy is being tainted. What could possibly make this worthwhile?
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Possibly her lawyers wrote a contract that would be very costly to renege on and it's more feasible to run out the calendar.
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And pay for it with plunging ratings and this acrimonious blowback tainting the show’s image. That’s a very stiff price to pay. The show may never recover.
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I like Ken and Buzzy. If it is not one of those two we are through watching. We almost cry with joy when Ken returned this week but like Buzzy as well. DO NOT PICK LAVAR BURTON
7
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Lavar is busy on the new Star Trek iteration, so no sweat.
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I like how these big brains thought it would be clever to redo this poll and then add extra options so it would dilute Ken's support, only for him to be winning over the next option by a margin of 80%+. 😆
9 2
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Ken Jennings permanent host. That's what Alex wanted. You take A-poll..Ken obviously wins and you still come up with this joint hosting. I hope your ratings go down the tube...actually I know they will. When Ken is not on I will not be watching. And I have watched Jeopardy since Art Fleming....
6
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I never notice a lisp when Ken hosts. Buzzy is my first choice because he's young enough to pull in younger viewers and is very personable. I agree, Mayim is insufferable.
8 2
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I guess the new rule is that if Ken wins a poll, TV Insider has to scrap the results, not publish them and then put out a new one. Laughable "journalism"
7 1
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O
Pretty sure Ken never forced his teenage son to get a, um, snipping and then turn it into a living room exhibition, so yeah. He should get the job by virtue of not being bats—t insane.
8 2
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Ken Jennings is winning this poll not just by double digits, but by several orders of magnitude. You know what that means. TV Insider will scrap the poll and discard the results so that we can get a new one that better reflects how Mayim's PR wants it. You will be told to like her because the executives want you to like her. See how it works?
7 2
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B
How would that work? Every time she hosts she creates more HOSTility! Short of SOMA for the masses, I see no way of changing public opinion.
10 1
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Nice reference to Brave New World. It would take that to make her palatable.
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I think that Ken has his timing down pat; I don't dislike Mayim, but her timing is off, and it's a little jarring. There were a few of the auditioning hosts that I wouldn't watch if they hosted Jeopardy: but Mayim and Buzzy are not
among my hate list.
8 3
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B
I dislike Mayim (as a host) specifically because her timing is so off. Even some of last year’s auditioning hosts didn’t suffer from the same problem. Let Mayim go back and do what she excels at: acting.
20 3
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B
Unfortunately, she doesn’t excel at acting either. Her “performances” are very cartoonish and she seems to think host of Jeopardy is just another character.
4
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I agree
I want Ken Jennings
3
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We are consistent Jeopardy fans, but shudder to watch Buzzy! We are fine with Mayim, and enjoy Ken. It's difficult to replace Art and Ken!
1
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Oops... that's Art and Alex! Ken is very good.
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B
We do not watch if Mayim is hosting...
period
4
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Mayim is smart, quirky and brings liveliness to the game! I don’t actually believe any of that, but have you noticed how all her supporters write the same 3 or 4 characteristics, usually within a few minutes of each other?
4
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What I've noticed scrolling through this is that someone using your handle is alternately pro and anti Mayim. Are you playing games, dual personality or just conflicted?
13
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Ken Jennings. Nothing against Mayim, I'm sure she is a good person but Ken is obviously more comfortable and fluid then she. Tired of hearing about it actually.
5 1
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R
At one point, I remember that Rosie O'Donnell was a finalist to replace Bob Barker as the host of The Price is Right. Imagine if CBS decided to split the job between she and Drew Carey so they could appease the very few people who thought she would be a good fit. Thankfully they didn't, and hopefully the folks at Jeopardy will not fall for the same trap.
5 1
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The flap created by Mike Richards' exit and then the tryout hosts, followed by this alternating rotation of Ken and Mayim makes Chicken Little seem organized by comparison. Dear SONY: Get it together, announce Ken as the permanent host and save what's left of your dignity.
17 1
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Mayim wants $400,000 per day of shooting. They shoot 5 shows each day, so 45 days per season equaling $18 million per season as her salary.
5 2
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Inconceivable!
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Actually they shoot 46 days in a season, or 230 episodes in total. Just for accuracy's sake that's $391,304.35 per day. Still absurd.
4
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Chump change difference, still ridiculous.
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If for some reason Mayim becomes the permanent host, I would suggest to everybody here to invest in the company that manufactures teleprompters because she will single handedly keep that industry afloat. Who needs natural ability and talent when you can just surround yourself with teleprompters and cue cards? At least that's what this futile exercise has shown me.
4 1
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No offense, but Ben is too blue collar for a show aimed at intellectuals. Even cleaned up in a suit, he's too "street". Kind of Chris Meloni 2.0 JMO
2
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G
Spot on!
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I think they should make a decision, this is becoming very old. I do think it should be someone who knows the game, in & outs & what the contestant are going through & understand. Alex new it was always about them not him.
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Here's my theory:
Mayim was initially Sony's top choice, but due to scheduling issues she was relegated to the primetime editions with Mike Richards taking the everyday edition and the mutual understanding that when her schedule would eventually clear up, she would take the daily shows as well. Then Mike's controversies forced him to step down, which elevated Mayim's role to the main show earlier than expected, but also for only half the season. Ken meanwhile was brought onboard to fill in the gaps, again with the understanding that he was just a stopgap in the immediate future. Then the audience warmed up to him way more than the executives ever expected, now leading to the current timeshare that nobody seems to like due to the fervor on both sides.
Now that Mayim's sitcom has been renewed, and this time for even more episodes, it's pretty clear that her availability is affected again for the upcoming season. And Ken's approval is sky high by every perceivable metric, objective or otherwise. My official prediction is that they will once again split the hosting duties, with Ken taking the daily edition and Mayim handling primetime and streaming spinoffs, but with an agreement that neither should bleed into each other's versions for any reason.
For what it's worth, my personal preference would be for Ken to do everything. But I don't make the decisions.
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Not.
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I believe you. That IS all you know.
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I'd like to see the host(s) of jeopardy to be Ken ideally as he is the GOAT. If not, then jeopardy champions only and high winners.
1 1
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Disagree. I was all for Ken until Mayim was on for a while. After a while I changed my mind to believe Mayim is perfect for host position.
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Buzzy is the best. He doesn't come with baggage and arrogance like Ken.
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You and I both know why Mayim has stuck around this long but polite society doesn't want to entertain that conversation.
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I disagree with you wholeheartedly. She brings a lightness to the program that is refreshing.
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Ben Bailey (Cash Cab). He blows them - and everyone else so far out of the water it's not even a debate.
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Personally I was done once Alex was gone... Just not the same 😔
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Alex Trebek was not only a host, but a producer. He very much wanted Jeopardy to continue and actively participated in discussions about who he would pass the baton to. No one expects the show to be the same. Alex created the template and became an icon. But that doesn’t mean that the next host forever needs to be second best and always in his shadow. The producers are disrespecting Alex and loyal Jeopardy viewers by continuing to torment us with Mayim Bialik. She could not possibly be less qualified.I don’t watch when she hosts. It’s too insulting. Why on earth would the producers replace an icon with her when Ken Jennings is RIGHT THERE?
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I like rotating hosts but I love Mayim. She is cute and has such a good personality. Don't get rid of her.
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Good move to split the hosts!! They each have strengths and weaknesses. Blalik brings clarity in enunciation and execution of questions which is a weakness with Jennings.
Go figure - it is a show business job and the person who has show business expertise
is favored.
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Alex would be screaming right now that you should never watch this show because of the host,I don't and could not care less if it's one,two or all three choices or someone else.You're spending a total of around 22 minutes a day with the host of this show,you can live with it no matter who that is.
7
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So by that logic, you would be okay with Ken hosting everything?
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I love how all of these Bialik defenders (not even supporters, just defenders) feel the need to bring up the "host doesn't matter" narrative, which is true yet hurts her cause. There's no need to hire a flashy expensive celebrity if the "host doesn't matter." And certainly not one with as subpar skill as Mayim.
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What sticks in my craw is that she wants nearly twice what Alex was paid and she is terrible at the job.
10 1
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She want $18 million per season and they only shoot less than 45 days a year. Unless my math is off that's $400, 000 per day? ????????????????????????????????????????????????????
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You don't get it. Everyday routine can be stressful, especially so in 2022's unrest and pandemic. Many of us who lead complex lives look forward to the half hour we can put it all aside and decompress with Jeopardy. Alex was a calming influence, as is Ken. Mayim is anything but with her posturing and look at me showboating. She ruins the vibe, plain and simple.
13 1
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Personally, I do not care for Ken Jenning. I get the feeling that he thinks he is better than anyone else!
9
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All that I know is that I do not watch the show when Ken Jenning is on, especially after he made them apologize and give him more money!
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I know I’m in the overwhelming minority here. But, I like MB. better than KJ! Sorry guys. J
1. Jen is not a tv personality, Mayim is.
2. Mayims voice goes up and down more and she’s more animated than Ken.
3. Mayim smiles more than Ken.
The only thing Ken does better than Mayim is that he knows the answers so he’s faster at responding when the contestant answers. There are times when Ken struck me as appearing a bit awkward handling the timing of the commercial breaks. But that was in the beginning. Try not to be so ridged, no matter who gets it!
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It must say a lot about Ken that he is not a TV personality yet excels at this job over Mayim. Her charisma, while possibly appropriate for other game shows, is over the top in the typically reserved setting of Jeopardy. As somebody who has watched close to 30 years, I can tell you that the game's pace of play is far more important to the show than the width of Ken's smile.
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One thing you neglected to mention that Ken does better than Mayim is keep the ratings up, because the show drops up to a million viewers every time she hosts.
6
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Len talks to fast , he is hard to understand. She is not interested in game she seems to be reading personal comments . Probably contestants are nervous and I doubt these little written comments help. I liked the producer. He seemed to have a feel for the show.
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There was already a vetting process
Mayim was given the job. Let it be.
Ken Jennings is producer. Let it be.
Keep them where they ought to be. Ken behind the camera, Mayim out front.
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What’s with the creepy prayer? Who says this is where they “ought” to be? People get fired all the time, even in Hollywood. Maybe especially in Hollywood when so much money is at stake. Eric Stolz was hired to play Marty McFly in “Back to the Future.” After shooting several scenes it was clear he was a bad fit. He was fired, replaced with Michael J. Fox, scenes were reshot, and the rest is history. Hiring Mayim Bialik showed an appalling lack of judgment. She is terrible at the job and the ratings show it. Get her out of there.
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You want to get scriptural? Try Ecclesiastes 3: 1-8. "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose". Her time, season and purpose are over.
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ENLIGHTENMENT! Perfectly stated! Done and dusted.
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Mike Richards did the "vetting" and gave himself the job and hired Bialik as his shield. Then he quit as host, ironically due to poor self-vetting, and she ascended to the main show while he produced. Then Mike was fired and the new producer immediately brought in Ken.
My point: Don't let the old guard's mistakes dictate what should guide the future.
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1 Corinthians 15:10
"But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me."
Ken deserves the job, and everyone knows it.
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Very disappointed that Mayim is not the permanent host. She is a natural-enjoy her quick humor.
1 18
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Pro tip: People might actually take you Mayimites seriously if you describe qualities that she actually has. Does she not actually have any good qualities? Describing her as a natural with a quick humor is preposterous.
6 1
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I’m so tired of bullies and mud slinging. Is this really the way we want this interesting show with a long history to be remembered? All hosts of game shows make mistakes, they’re human. Stop the rock throwing. How about a few kind words? I imagine trying to fill the shoes of a legend is pretty difficult. Thanks for a bit of kindness to all involved.
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Like the kind words Mayim has for Harvey Weinstein's victims? Like the kindness [not ]she feels toward women who had a C section because they or their child wouldn't have survived a normal birth? She doesn't live up to your expectations.
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What does it say that so many people think a CONTESTANT should be the host?
1 19
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It says that they are judicious enough to know where to find talent, regardless of the candidate's former contestant status.
18 1
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B
Oh, stop! It has nothing to do with the fact that Ken Jennings is a contestant. It has everything to do with the fact that he was born for that job and has an obvious love and respect for the game. He just happens to be a contestant.
10 2
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I love her I think rotating is great
Ken is also good but she is more lively
20
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Yeah, I guess constant swaying and giggling could be described as “lively.”
4
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Bordering on ADHD.
7
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I like the rotating hosts. I do wish they would only have one e writer of answers and categories. Some are so hard no one answers at all. Some, more here lately, are way to easy. I have swept categories and that never used to happen.
1 21
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Yes change Hosts .
New people is fun and different .
New 💡 ideas. So it will nor get bored.
20
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Mayim Bialik is incompetent. It is not fun and different to watch someone destroy a beloved game show.
9 2
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My problem with Ken, he mubbles.
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The written clues are displayed on the screen, CC is available [I use it when Mayim hosts so I don't have to tolerate her sing song voice], what is the problem?
13 1
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It's a small thing, but is anyone else bothered by Ken Jennings' occasional speech impediment? While it's not a constant thing, there are occasional words or letters that really trip him up. Also, I wish he would get his comb-over perfected...it seems to change daily!
22
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So what? The clues are written for everybody to read. I would take his slight speech impediment over Mayim's non-improving pauses any day of the week!
12
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You’re really grasping at straws. It just shows the desperation Mayimites feel to justify her continued presence on the Alex Trebek Stage. She doesn’t belong there.
4
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I think people are so cruel. Read some of the views and am ashamed of how humans act. Both are well educated and good at what they do. Enjoy watching no matter which one hosts.
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"When someone shows you who they are, believe them." Research Mayim Bialik's views, beliefs and actions and get back to us about whether she should be hosting a show aimed at intellectuals.
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I don't judge a television host's skill simply by his or her educational background. We're looking for the host of Jeopardy, not a replacement for Bill Nye the Science Guy.
3 4
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I really, truly enjoy Jeopardy when Mayim is the host! She is very smart, kind & compassionate. I just think so is an excellent choice for a permanent host!
Ken Jennings is not at all very personable! Dull & boring!!!!
1 25
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Ken is warm, comforting and gentle. Mayim is obstreperous, intrusive and out of her element.
16
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If you put Ken Jennings on as host I will turn to a different channel. He is an ass
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You’re funny. Mayim is only getting single digits in the polls. You won’t be missed.
4
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Bye Felicia
10
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I think Mayim Bialik should be the permanent Jeopardy host. She is confident, intelligent, presents well, and has both a serious host side and a sense of humor. She really has the best presentation. Ken Jennings is arrogant, always bringing up his own Jeopardy accomplishments. He has a flat affect and his voice is almost monotonous.
Pick Mayim please or my 30 year streak of watching will end
1 26
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This is not the threat you think it is. Many times more people have promised the same if Mayim continues to host. And it’s more than a threat. The ratings drop when Mayim hosts.
6
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It's effect, not affect, which you would know if you were Jeopardy material. Hope she's paying you well.
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I’m not a Mayim fan (can’t stand her), but in this context, “affect” is 100% correct and “effect” is 100% wrong. Look it up. BTW: A person doesn’t have to be Jeopardy material to be a fan or have an opinion about who should host.
4
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Nope. Affect is a verb, it would affect something. Effect is a noun, so something would have an effect.
5 1
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From Merriam-Webster: AFFECT is “a set of observable manifestations of an experienced emotion : the facial expressions, gestures, postures, vocal intonations, etc., that typically accompany an emotion.” It is a word used in general psychology EXACTLY the way the original writer did, especially to describe a flat affect or lack of affect. You know, you can look stuff up on the internet. You don’t have to go straight to flaunting your ignorance.
2
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Exactly. The sentence says "a flat affect". An article [a] never precedes a verb [affect].
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In that sentence “affect” is a noun and why it has an article. It is pronounced differently than “affect” the verb. In the verb the second syllable is emphasized. In the noun, the first is emphasized. Both versions of the word are in common usage. The noun “effect” and the noun “affect” have different meanings.
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Are you dictionary-resistant? Just look it up if you choose to ignore my citation. AFFECT can be either a noun or a verb. As a noun, the meaning is as I cited and the first syllable is emphasized. As a verb the second syllable is emphasized. The nouns AFFECT and EFFECT mean different things. You are obviously unaware of the general psychology term AFFECT, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist. It is not an obscure term. It is in common usage.
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With all due respect, affect denotes action [affects the outcome] and effect denotes result [has an effect].. in rndhk1's case , effect is the proper word.
5 1
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Get a dictionary. You’re embarrassing yourself. An outward display of emotion is being described. That’s “affect.” No result was being described.
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Read the sentence again. You're wrong.
1 1
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Go pick a fight with Merriam-Webster. They will have several staff members to deal with people like you.
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After you contact Merriam-Webster, you should contact WebMD. You’ll give them a good laugh. From WebMD and what was being described in the now-controversial post. “A flat affect means that your emotional expressions don't show. You may speak in a dull, flat voice and your face may not change. You also may have trouble understanding emotions in other people.” For the record, I do not think Ken has a flat affect. I think he’s charming, warm, approachable. But the giggly, twitchy, smirking, swaying Mayim is often described by her fans as “energetic” or “lively,” so it is not surprising they would think Ken has a flat affect.
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Read my reply to Phil G. below. If you want to dispute this further, please contact Merriam-Webster.
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No Buzzy!!! BTW, in the photo above, is that his actual hair, or did an animal die on his head?
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Hair shaming? That's low even for you.
9 1
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Mayim is the true professional in front of the camera and doesn't struggle as much as Ken does. Both are great, but Mayim runs a smoother half hour.
1 31
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She even struggles to stand up straight on camera.
12 1
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Mayim is an unequivocal mess. There is simply no way to underestimate her, she's that disappointing.
14 1
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Constant swaying, inappropriate giggling, forced banter, and inexplicable pauses makes things smoother for you? Maybe in OppositeLand.
9
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Mayim all the way.
Sorry!
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All the way out the door, never to return.
15 1
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I'm fine with either Ken Jennings or Mayim Bialak (I know a lot fans can't stand her, but she's been just as good as Jennings) as permentant host....What makes the most sense is Jennings gets the regular gig and Bialak gets the prime time shows (since she agreed to it last year), especially since Call Me Kat got renewed for a third season. I can even see them giving Buzzy Cohen the Celebrity Jeopardy since Bialak will be very busy.
3 36
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Why on earth should they give even five minutes, let alone a permanent primetime slot, to an incompetent host like Mayim Bialik?
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I want Mayim, not Ken. If not Mayim, someone NEW!! NOT Ken!! When he is on, it’t about him, not the contestants!!
1 35
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Oh yeah, I can’t stand when Ken takes every passing opportunity to remind us that he is a neuroscientist or has a personal comment about the clues.
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And the moon is made of green cheese, there really is a Tooth Fairy and Biden's doing a good job.
9 2
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The rotation of hosts is fine. After all, the host is not the most important role on Jeopardy. I love the battle of the contestants and the strategy on wagering.
3 44
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And by the way, I am not saying that one of the two rotating hosts has to be Mayim. I just like the idea of different voices on the show.
8
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You don’t get it and don’t understand how much the host does. It’s not a job of reading clues. Do you also think Alex Trebek became such a beloved icon, because he wasn’t doing much of anything—just reading clues? He made the contestants the stars of each show. If you don’t care about the host you can get the board online the next day. Every clue, every wager, every response. Why watch at all?
3
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I know that the host does more than just read clues. But the stars of the show are the contestants, first, and then the game itself. The host is a necessary but humble third.
And I really don't care who gets the permanent gig -- if they give it to just one person. I just was saddened and disappointed to see the hate and anger directed at the only woman in the race for the job.
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You still don’t understand that without a good host the game and the contestants CAN’T shine. A big part of the host’s job is to help them shine without drawing attention to himself or herself. Mayim Bialik’s giggling, swaying, pausing just distracts. Her banter is forced and cringey. No woman should consider it a victory for women to hire an incompetent woman. She is not the only woman who could have been considered. She is an embarrassment and sends the message: You wanted a woman. You got a woman. This is what you get. It is an insult to the likes of Sara Haines, Jane Lynch, and Meredith Vieira, who are breaking glass ceilings and knocking it out of the park in their hosting gigs. Finally, read Bialik’s opinions on sexual assault and ask yourself if you really want that particular woman hosting Jeopardy and claiming a victory for women. Her views are disturbing.
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I'm done with your lectures. Find someone else that you can rant to.
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