‘Jeopardy!’ Ken Jennings & Mayim Bialik Hosting Surprise
Ken Jennings is returning to Jeopardy! hosting duties earlier than expected as Mayim Bialik temporarily steps away in support of the ongoing writers’ strike.
According to the Twitter account Is Ken Jennings Hosting! This Week?, the G.O.A.T. champion “will return to host brand new syndicated episodes of Jeopardy! starting Monday, July 3″ and “will continue hosting the daily episodes through the Season 39 finale on July 28.”
This surprisingly early return for Jennings comes as Bialik steps back to support the WGA writers’ strike, as Jeopardy! is a WGA show and features contributions from WGA writers, though the questions were written before the season and the strike started. Jeopardy! writers such as Michele Loud, Jim Rhine, and Billy Wisse have also joined the picket line.
Some fans were excited about Jennings’ early return, with one Twitter user writing, “GREAT! I can watch 25 glorious days of new episodes with the fabulous Ken Jennings (who should be the permanent FULL-TIME host!) I’ve been on a “not watching Jeopardy” but will eagerly return July 3!”
“I had to stop watching until Ken is back,” added another, while one person tweeted, “The show is so much better when he hosts.”
I had to stop watching until Ken is back.
— Denise Fiore-Alfano (@deeflowers13) June 19, 2023
Not everyone is on board with the decision, though, with one fan writing, “I am a Ken fan, but very disappointed that he will cross a picket line. Without their terrific writers Jeopardy would just be 4 smart people hanging out on a stage.”
I am a Ken fan, but very disappointed that he will cross a picket line. Without their terrific writers Jeopardy would just be 4 smart people hanging out on a stage.
People need to stand in solidarity with the #WGA .
— [email protected] (@therealgloria) May 12, 2023
While the Bialik versus Jennings debate continues, recent Jeopardy! champion Holly Hassel weighed in, coming to the defense of the Big Bang Theory alum.
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“I think Mayim is an excellent host. I read Reddit and Twitter. I think so much of it is mean-spirited and misogynistic,” Hassel told the U.S. Sun. “I think she’s very poised and self-assured and confident, and I love that she brings lightheartedness to it.”
Hassel added, “She seems like she’s having a blast every time she’s hosting. “People hate that she pauses slightly longer than Ken or she laughs. But she’s having fun, and that is what the game is. The game should be fun! I like that she’s enjoying herself.”
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Comments are closed on this story.
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Since Jeopardy! is insisting on allowing this acrimonious duel to continue, I have 2 questions for all: During Alex's reign, do you think it would have been a (respectful) idea to impose having a co-host to Alex, and how do you think Alex would feel about the idea of having TWO hosts instead of just him?? THIS is not the type of quiz show that requires TWO hosts...not that someone to turn letters or cards. My only response to my own inquiry is, why has Michael Davies even allowed this situation, offering up two sacrificial lambs, putting two individually talented people at odds with each other, to be crucified by public opinion? It's cowardly and disrespectful to both. Everyone who has been commenting on this subject knows that I favor Ken Jennings, simply because he knows the waters from experiencing the game from the contestants' position and is, overall, the most knowledgeable and relatable in the field of game shows. I just can't fathom Alex wanting or needing to split his role to anyone. I hope Mr. Davies will find the courage to Make Jeopardy! Great Again!🙏🏽
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Lindy, I have a real problem with the Ken trolls. They’re mean, hateful and act like 12 year old boys. It’s hard to like them or Ken Jennings. What they don’t realize is that they’re not doing Ken Jennings a favor. How immature can these guys be. I say guys because they act like they hate, yes hate women. As for your saying there shouldn’t be two hosts. Baloney. Wheel of Fortune has had two hosts for years. Your argument doesn’t add Up.
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While I agree that the immature response to a female host is annoying, you're not correct about "Wheel". It has a single host, Pat Sajak, who controls the game play and timing. His 'co-host' (sort of), Vanna White, just reveals the letters.
When he was out for a health issue a few years back, she was one of several people who subbed for him. Even she admitted she struggled to do what he does.
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Thanks, BluKat! I was too frustrated to even reply to Kay...sigh.
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🤣 I just fell down this comment rabbit hole today for the first time while looking for something about Mayim to answer a question my fellow viewer asked. I must have been in an 'Alice in Wonderland' mood to have gone for the first 'eat me', 'drink me' bait.
The tea party palls quickly. I'll probably climb out forever fairly soon. But I do agree with your original premise that Alex would find it mostly a silly tempest in a teapot.
Now that I have bludgeoned that metaphor to death, I must seek other windmills...
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I'm a 78-year-old woman who has been a "Jeopardy!" fan since the days of Art Fleming and who rather misses the excitement of inexpertly removed cards from the board; it's almost like being at Wrigley field! I prefer Ken in the hosting role. My preference has nothing to do with the sex of the host and everything to do with timing and familiarity with how the game is played and ensuring the show is about the contestants, not the host. And I've seen plenty of pro-Mayim, anti-Ken trolls, too; is it your position that all of them are women? Egad.
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I love Ken Jennings taking over fr Alex. He’s familiar with Jeopardy, is very poised and enjoyable to watch. Plus he’s intelligent and won tons of money! I enjoy Jeopardy when Ken is hosting, not when Maylam is there. She seems nervous and doesn’t handle herself well.
I think Jeopardy made a mistake with hiring her! She has no history with Jeopardy and doesn’t “fit”! I wish one of the other Jeopardy Masters could be the other Host with Ken.
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Anti Semitic AND anti woman.
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Where is the anti semitic part?
In YOUR mind?
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I prefer and like Ken Jennings best! He is my favorite! I do not really care for Mayhem! She is too silly at times!
Give us Ken full time!
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To many blunders and boring episodes with Mayim
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Ken Jennings is the better host. I'm concentrating on the program when he hosts . When Myam Bialik hosts, I'm concentrating on her, her gestures & comments. Sorry can't wait til Ken returns
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You articulated my feeling perfectly.
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July 3 can't come soon enough!
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Get real! He’s a show off!
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Like so many others, I have refrained from watching Jeopardy since Ken Jennings hasn't hosted. I will start watching again when Jennings returns. If Balik returns later I will give up Jeopardy for good, after watching since 1986.
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Thanks so much for letting us know.
There are so many other choices of things to watch on TV after you quit watching... You'll be fine!
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🤣 I'm always amused by folks who get on a comment thread to tell us the don't watch/ never watch/ intend to quit watching something. Reminds me of a line I heard in a group I follow -- "It's not an airport; you don't have to announce your departure."
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Haa haaa! I haven't heard that one in many years!
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Thank you for your information. I was under the impression that Jeopardy was the only show on television & was about to cancel my YoutubeTV subscription.
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Well, considering that Family Feud has been gaining ground in the ratings since Mayim returned in May, audiences are indeed taking note of this.
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The fact that a Twitter account called “IsKenHosting” exists, and has thousands of followers, tells you all you need to know. The Jeopardy audience is not interested in a subpar diversity hire.
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Twitter is a little universe of it's own. There are plenty of non- & former- Twits who watch Jeopardy, which is just a game show, and don't bother with all the tweet drama.
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The only ratings that have (quite suspiciously) come out since Mayim resumed hosting showed Jeopardy with a 4.5 share in the Nielsen syndicated ratings. That's down by 0.3 year-over-year and nearly a full point since Ken's last ratings were released in April. The Masters primetime tournament was easily the most watched spinoff of the show since the GOAT tournament with Alex in 2020, beating the ratings of the other spinoffs by over a million per episode. The producer can say whatever he wants, but Mayim is a detriment to the show's ratings.
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Ken is clearly better but no offense to Mayim.
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The fact that keyboard warriors have to pull out the tired tropes of "sexism" or "anti-Semitism" in defense of Bialik is proof itself why she was hired in the first place - to deflect any and all legitimate criticism of her shoddy hosting.
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AGREE!
Some people don't even KNOW she is Jewish.
Who cares?
She sucks at the job, but not because she is a woman or Jewish.
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Remember when Ken trounced Mayim in a favorability poll on this very website - 82% to 6% - and the site had the gall to present it as though it was a "mixed" reaction? Pepperidge Farm remembers. Good times.
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Mayim has millions and millions of fans from The Big Bang Theory. That’s laughable.😂😂😂😂
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I suspect that poll was rather self-selecting. The audience reading here is already looking at articles for an "anti-Mayim" slant.
I'm not sure a general poll of all Jeopardy audience members would skew that much.
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Hee! Pepperidge Farm remembers! 💜
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Mayim Bialik is living proof that not all PhDs are smart people.
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I find it more difficult to watch Jeopardy when Mayim is hosting. Ken is way more dynamic.
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Are you crazy? Mayim makes the show fun. Ken it’s like watching paint dry.
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Ken Jennings should be permanent host, I have not watched Jeopardy since he left, glad he is coming back now I can watch again my favorite show again.
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So?
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I do not care for Miayam Bialik; I happy that female is a host, BUT NOT HER. I find her cold and not funny.
The producers CAN DO BETTER!
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The ratings are the SAME for both hosts.
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This is literally untrue. Go to Nielsen's website and you'll see that the most recent batch (last week of May) shows that the ratings have dropped to near all-time lows, with a 4.5 share.
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Jeopardy is NOT what it used to be...I'm OK with change..BUT Mayim B..tells the contestants that time is up for them to answer BEFORE THE BUZZER GOES OFF...Then she takes her time telling the contestants whether the answer is correct...WHAT'S THAT ALL ABOUT..first she makes them wait and it wastes time in the game...GET RID OF HER...Ken is so much better at hosting...Will be soo happy when he returns..Get so TURNED OFF WHEN SHE HOSTS...Been a Jeopardy fan for over 40 years...
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100% agree with this!
Sometimes she absolutely does not give the allotted time.
And I find it very strange when she does that. It pisses me off.
And hate the pauses before saying something is correct so much.
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She is so obnoxious., rude, condescending and just plain impossible to like.
Laughs at nonsense and every time someone picks the Daily Double, a sign of mental issues.
PLEASE fire her NOW
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Please FIRE YOU now! Geez. Get some help.
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Please get Ken Jennings back. Can't watch to much more of current host
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You're
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The thing is, Mayim was originally selected to be the host of the primetime specials, not the nightly program (which was supposed to be the full-time gig for that other guy untill, well, you know). Once Jennings was put into place on the nightly shows, the show could have (and still could) easily just have put Mayim in her originally announced role (and maybe "filling in" on occasion for Ken if he had some sort of schedule/personal conflict) and it wouldn't look like a "demotion." I think the producers like all the attention, nasty or not, that the debate generates, as it shows "engagement" with the show. Just like with the never-ending musical chairs game of guest hosts that went on, they've set up a situation that purposely pits fans of one host against the other, and the producers likely prefer the debate since it keeps the show in the "news." As long as the acrimony continues, they probably won't change anything unless Mayim decides she only wants to do the specials.
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I agree. The sooner the better.
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I find myself wondering if she owns any clothing other than skirts and jackets!
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Why does it bother YOU so much? Strange question.
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Ken Jennings has no personality, sure he's smart, but that's not what matters. Mayim is very entertaining and the better choice, she is fun and relaxing. Ken is robotic and dull.
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Here is a question for every fan that hates Mayim Bialik as Jeopardy host. If you think she’s that bad, do you think you can do any better. She probably works as hard as anyone to try and be a good host. But all you’re complaining the last two years makes me realized how spoiled you are. I’m starting to reach the point where I hope Ken Jennings (who I like as host as much as Mayim) quits being host and allows Mayim to do it permanently. Why, to spite every fan who has done nothing but cry about it the last couple years. And don’t give me I want watch it until Ken returns. That alone proves how spoiled you fans are and how much disrespect you show to Mayim, the show and the legacy of Alex Trabek. If he was alive today he’d be embarrassed by every fans who’s making a mockery at tugs. It’s about the contestants.
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Awesome! I agree 100%.
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Ken trolls are so predictable. They’re anti Semitic, anti woman. You get the idea.
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I don't think YOU get the idea....
NOBODY has mentioned her being Jewish as a factor....ONLY YOU
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Not true. Comments about her nose, her dress. Come on. You’re full of it or live in a tunnel. Get a clue.
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You are the one obsessed with it.
Yours is the first comment I've seen about her nose, and wtf do her (horrid choices) of clothing have to do with being Jewish?
You're looking for prejudice when it isn't there.
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Calm down.
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I thought I was quite calm. I could have been much more excited, to be honest. The bialik deserves it.
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Calm down.
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Why? She's a stupid jerk.
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The above down arrow from a 12 year old. 😂😂😂😂
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Commenters stop being so mean-spirited this is a game. Again, this is a game! As NBC News Lester Holt says he kind to yourself and one another. Jeopardy could run repeats. Plenty of those to choose for the pickings.
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Yep -- Pluto TV has an entire channel dedicated to streaming old Jeopardy! episodes.
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Conflict of interest jennings who has a winning streak to protect should not be hosting this show. The little man is constantly giving hints and innuendoes to the player he prefers, usually a weak player, while they're pondering their daily double bets so he can influence that bet and get a weak player within striking distance of a strong player. It's pretty transparent if you pay close attention. Very corrupt.
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He’s too arrogant.
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Conflict of interest jennings who has a winning streak to protect should not be hosting this show. The little man is constantly giving hints and innuendoes to the player he prefers, usually a weak player, while they're pondering their daily double bets so he can influence that bet and get a weak player within striking distance of a strong player. It's pretty transparent if you pay close attention. Very corrupt.
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Ken Jennings is paying supporters to say he's better than anybody else...
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Well, I haven't gotten mine yet....
Where do I sign up?
I'm doing for free right now!
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Who really cares about the host? It's the game and contestants that count. Anyone who can read the questions clearly is fine by me. Stop this nonsense.
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I prefer Ken as host but think Mayim is getting better...she doesn't respond well during the interviews. Ken is a quick and very knowledgeable host. No one will REPLACE Alex..he was a such a long time host. We all must adjust to the changes.
I enjoy the champions games but maybe not so many!
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You're right that nobody can replace Alex. But only one of the two is even doing a passable job, and that happens to be Ken.
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With the exception of watching a singular episode hosted by Jennings and Bialik, I haven’t watched Jeopardy! since Alex Trebek died. If I remember correctly, when I watched Ken Jennings host, he felt like every answer he provided to the contestants needed to be attached with an explanation that would take half a minute long. In my opinion, he’s just not a good host - just because he won the most consecutive games (which is most likely the only reason he was considered) doesn’t mean that he’s a worthy successor for Trebek. I wouldn’t mind watching Bialik again, she’s definitely the better of the two and doesn’t deserve the harassment that she gets. As I write this, I’m considering watching Jeopardy! again when Bialik comes back.
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You should give Ken another chance. He’s evolved over the hundreds of games he’s hosted since becoming a permanent co-host. No one will ever replace Alex, Ken would be the first to say this. But he’s a good host who uses his knowledge of the game (and trivia generally) to move. it along briskly and make it more exciting …without inserting himself in.
I’m not a Mayim basher, I’m a fan who enjoys her in other projects and was sad to see her latest comedy get cancelled. When she hosts Jeopardy I sometimes watch. When Ken hosts, Jeopardy is must see tv for me like it was in the Alex era.
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Perry Fan, thank you for your response - I enjoyed reading your comment. After hearing what you said about Ken, I am more willing to give him a second chance. I watched him when he first started so I totally see how anyone, for that matter, would need time to settle to find their own groove. I think I will watch it again to reevaluate my own opinion when he returns next month. Thanks again and I just gave a like to your response!
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I just wanted to say real quick that I started posting comments to TV Insider a little over a week ago and this is the most responses I’ve ever gotten for a post. Like my conversation with Perry Fan states further in the thread, I’m going to give Ken a second chance when he returns next month. I still can’t believe that nearly fifty people, whether through likes/dislikes or direct response, responded back to me. So (and there is truly no sarcasm meant when I say this), thank you to everyone who responded back regardless of their views - the beauty of discourse in a democracy.
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We enjoy Balik very much and will continue watching. She was great in "big bang" and she is a very delightful host on "Jeopardy".
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I actually like both host but I'm disappointed with Ken Jennings actions. I will continue to watch because I like the show but I have more respect for Mayim for sticking by the writers.
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Mayim belongs to the SAG-AFTRA union which pledged its support for the WGA by obliging its members to join the latter's strike in solidarity. Ken does not belong to that union or the WGA. If he decided to strike, dozens of contestants would have had to reschedule their trips for tapings, and hundreds of non-writing staff and crew would have to forego a full week's worth of pay. As such, had Ken decided to abstain, the studio could have terminated his contract. Mayim's decision is, at best, an innocuous decision driven by principle, or at worst, a power play intended to back her coworker into a corner and potentially lose his job. Considering her well-known association with Wil Wheaton, who wrote a nasty article against Ken, I tend to give credence to the latter theory.
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I'm always amazed at the number of folks who can read an article with her name, Mayim Bialik, right in the title, and still can't spell it even vaguely correctly. Seems possibly a bit mysogynistic.
Ken Jennings & Mayim Bialik both have strengths and weaknesses as host; and neither of them is Alex Trebek. Nor are they trying to be, thank goodness! His style was honed over DECADES of experience on this, and previous, game shows.
As to why Jeopardy is 'splitting' the job --
1) Ken is also acting as a producer, and doesn't WANT to host full time;
2) They learned from the previous 'controversial' live auditions 2 years ago (!) that letting the social media storm keep simmering just gets them free publicity and viewers. Why would Michael Davies stop that?
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The Ken trolls which are 12 years old go to his church and have formed a hate women group online.
They’re simply awful. They don’t make Ken look very good. It’s not his fault but he should have called them out. Hmmm.
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Jennings is an over-entitled contestant. If he's really that smart, he should be a writer for the show.
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He's already spent 2 seasons as a consulting producer. He stepped back from that to be co-host of the show, plus the evening specials they've done, this year.
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Another adjective I need to add to Jennings description. In addition to "condescending", "demeaning", "belittling", and "egotistical", add scab. Jepardy is off in my house when Mayim is not the host.
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“Scab” is not only not an adjective, it’s an incorrect description for somebody not affiliated with a union. Nice try, though.
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Ken Jennings is such a fake . I can not watch him.
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I love Myam Bialik and I don’t watch at all when that pompous arrogant Ken Jennings is on. She should be the permanent host and I respect her for supporting the writers too. Buzzy would have been my choice next to Myam.
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