‘Jeopardy!’: Buzzy Cohen Gets New Hosting Role After Mayim Bialik Exit
After Mayim Bialik‘s surprising exit as Jeopardy! host in December, it seemed like Ken Jennings would take on the regular syndicated show and the tournaments all on his own. However, that isn’t quite the case.
Former champion and Inside Jeopardy! podcast co-host Buzzy Cohen has stepped in to lighten the load, hosting two play-in games for the currently airing Champions Wildcard tournament, which features brief winners from Season 39 plus the recent Second Chance winners.
However, in a Jeopardy! first, Cohen’s episodes are audio-only and are available via TuneIn Radio. If you’re wondering why these episodes aren’t included in the televised broadcasts, well, there is a logical reason, as a user on the Jeopardy! Reddit forum explained.
“There are more 1- and 2-day champs from Season 39 than there are spaces in the two 27-player [Wildcard] tournament brackets, so they had nine champs play in audio-only play-in games on TuneIn Radio,” the user wrote.
“Those games are hosted by Buzzy; the actual tournament is hosted by Ken. The first two of three games aired on January 12th (and are available on demand), and those winners will play in this group for CWC; the third game airs February 2nd and that game’s winner goes to the next group for CWC.”
Cohen shared the news on Instagram alongside a photo of him behind the famous game show podium. “Well, I made it back onto the Alex Trebek Stage to host the play-in games for the #Jeopardy Champions Wildcard Competition,” he said. “I was honored to stand behind the lectern and deliver some wonderful clues to these past champions.”
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This isn’t Cohen’s first time hosting the show. After his nine-game winning streak in 2016, the music supervisor originally from New Jersey won the 2017 Tournament of Champions (TOC), cementing himself as a fan favorite. He would return to the show in 2021 to serve as a guest host for that year’s TOC.
It remains to be seen if Cohen’s hosting role will expand in the future, but based on his performance in the play-in episodes, fans are already excited for more.
“Gotta say I did not like Buzzy as a contestant, but he blew me away as a host. Clear, concise, kept the game moving, and very professional,” said one fan on Reddit. “He was my choice to replace Alex, with Ken as my 2nd choice. I wouldn’t mind seeing Buzzy host here and there or have more onscreen involvement.”
“I would LOVE if Buzzy was host again sometimes,” added another, while one fan wrote, “I love Buzzy..he is awesome on the Jeopardy Podcast. Would like to see him more involved, but not replacing Ken.”
Another added, “I got so excited for a moment, then realized it was audio only. I really hope we get to see him host a full tournament again. He was amazing!”
One fan on Instagram wrote, “Love you as host, Buzzy! You and Ken should alternate! Both great hosts!”
Another said, “I will always and forever be Team Buzzy as @jeopardy permanent host!!”
Bialik took to Instagram in December to reveal she had been axed as host of the long-running game show. “As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news,” she stated. “Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!”
The Big Bang Theory alum had been alternating with Jennings on the syndicated show while also hosting Celebrity Jeopardy! and special tournaments, such as the National College Championship and High School Reunion.
However, Bialik stepped away from the show last May in solidarity with the WGA strike. While it was expected she would eventually return to the show, Sony Television decided not to bring her back.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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A
I actually liked Buzzy when he hosted the Tournament of Champions so if he ever subs for Ken again, I'm there!
7 1
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R
Do what you want with the peripherals but leave Ken alone.
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G
Why do we need a second host? Ken is an awesome replacement for Alex. No need for another!
When Alex was the host, he was the one and only host!!
8 4
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J
Interesting, thanks for listing this info.
However, I don't watch anything on Game Show Network-- obviously, or else I would've known what you were talking about. And to be honest, I've never even heard of some of these shows.
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G
Mayim should have been replaced a long time ago.she had the personality of a slug
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R
How about Buzzy for Wheel of Fortune. They could save ten or fifteen million on annual salary
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C
I like buzzy.im sure he would do well.ken is still the man
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R
Buzzy would do well any any role they assign to him.
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G
I agree.hes a fun guy
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J
What game shows do those women host? I'm asking for real... I don't watch primetime game shows, so they may host them, for all I know.
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P
Maybe Ken would like some time off? Maybe not.
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J
I am, actually. 😉
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G
I like Buzz… think he should take Ken’s spot… always… like him better.. and why does the show need so many hosts?? Alex didn’t have a cohost!?
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R
I get the impression Buzzy biggest fan is... Buzzy.
7 12
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G
Jeopardy has become a flee market!!! You get recommended by the director and you get to go behind the lectern!!! No matter if good or marginal!!!!
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G
Alex is turning in his grave …. How many people need to substitute him?
Probably they should start a lottery who’s the next in line…. Pathetic!!!!
3 11
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P
Alex probably would have wanted Ken as his successor. My second pick was Aaron Rogers, but I have always liked Mayim and Buzzy.
Anya's Mom
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J
Ho hum.
3 11
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O
I am furious that they would let Mayim go only to conceivably replace her with Buzzy. She was one of very few female game show hosts, highly educated, with a great work ethic and eventually was able to converse comfortably with contestants. We all know she is a great actress. There is no reason she wouldn’t have become a very good game show host. Shame on the PTB for taking what was already a sad choice to dismiss her, and compound it with what appears to be blatant sexism. If this is how things work behind the scenes at Jeopardy, I can find better things to do with my time.
8 17
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P
I think it is maybe a little racist to be axing Myiam from the show right now. Such a shame, she is a great host and was only trying to do what was right in these turbulent times of the strike and then the war.
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