‘Jeopardy!’ Shocker as Mayim Bialik Teases Possible Return to Show
Despite being axed as Jeopardy! host last December, Mayim Bialik has revealed she is open to returning to the iconic game show.
The surprising news came in a new interview with Fox News Digital, where the The Big Bang Theory actress said she is proud of her work on Jeopardy! and teased a potential return.
When the subject came up of her maybe fronting one of the prime-time versions of Jeopardy!, Bialik hinted that this is something that could happen.
“I’m definitely still a fan of the show and very honored that I was nominated for an Emmy for my work there,” Bialik stated. “That is something that I got to change my bio, that I was nominated for Jeopardy! So, yeah, it’s something I’m still very proud of. And yeah, we’ll see what happens this season.”
Following the passing of legendary host Alex Trebek in 2020, Jeopardy! invited on a rotating line-up of guest hosts as producers searched for a new permanent host. The show’s former producer Mike Richards was originally selected to take over but abruptly exited the position after controversial comments he made in a 2013 podcast came to light.
Ultimately, in 2022, Bialik and Ken Jennings were named the new permanent hosts, with the pair sharing duties. Bialik and Jennings took turns hosting the regular syndicated broadcast, while the Call Me Kat star also hosted spinoffs, such as Celebrity Jeopardy!
However, after stepping away from the show in solidarity with last summer’s writers’ strike, Bialik would reveal in December 2023 that she had been let go from Jeopardy!.
“As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some ‘Jeopardy!’ News,” Bialik shared in an Instagram post. “Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of ‘Jeopardy!’ I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the ‘Jeopardy!’ family.”
Jeopardy! executive producer Michael Davies later addressed Bialik’s exit at the Television Critics Association winter 2024 press tour in February, where he explained that “a lot of television stations and other interested parties… wanted more consistency.”
But he also left the door open for Bialik to return to the show in some capacity, noting, “Mayim is a superb host. We hope to continue working with her on prime-time versions. This conversation is ongoing.”
While Jennings has taken over as the permanent host of the syndicated show, as it stands, the upcoming season of Celebrity Jeopardy! has yet to name a host. Could this be where Bialik returns? It should be noted that Bialik’s profile was scrubbed from the official Jeopardy! website earlier this year, which would make her return extra surprising.
Fan opinion was often split when Bialik and Jennings were both hosting, with some criticizing Bialik’s approach to asking questions. However, Bialik told Fox News Digital that she didn’t pay any attention to the haters.
“I didn’t read the comments, which I think is good advice in general,” she shared. “And I think, essentially, that’s all I can say about it. I didn’t read the comments and that’s kind of an old practice of mine to try and maintain sanity. And also, I have a lot of respect for the ‘Jeopardy’ fans because it’s a real legacy. It’s a real legacy fandom, so it’s super important.”
Would you like to see Bialik return to Jeopardy!? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
If Bialik is allowed to even come near the "real" Jeopardy, this fan of 30+ years will be gone. I'd rather watch nothing than her wince evoking performances.
15 8
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O
If you mean “real” Jeopardy as the regular show hosted by Ken Jennings, then you’re a freaking moron. It’s the Prime Time shows not regular Jeopardy you moron. Plus when they fire her as co-host there was talk about Sony still wanting her to host the prime time shows.
3 2
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C
If you have to resort to moronic words to get your point across you guys deserve each other. She should take her residuals from BBT and retire.
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R
Please, No Bialyk near anything that has to do with any Jeopardy shows.
She was a poor choice as host.
11 6
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O
Totally agree. I stopped watching when she was on.
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G
No freakin way. She was horrible.
5 1
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P
I think that from most of the replys I just read I'm definitely not in the minority when it comes to bringing her back even in a limited capacity so take the hint pretty please.
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K
I think Jeopardy should only use Ken Jennings to host, including special editions. Please don't bring back Bialik. She just doesn't have the knowledge base needed for the show.
9 5
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C
My husband and I did not watch when she was on. Ken is much better!
8 5
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B
No, no, no!
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P
NO NO NO NOT EVER. send of story!! No more Bialik on Jeopardy!!!!!
5 3
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R
She's horrible at hosting the show. She's back and I can't watch any more.
8 6
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O
Mayim is the best host ever on Jeopardy. My husband and I both think she is great. She's probably too polite for most viewers who prefer snarky, better-than-you people like Ken and Alex.
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L
I personally think that her delivery was not as smooth and as quick as Ken Jennings. That was needed in the Jeopardy format. Then all the nastiness that's found online these days surfaced. Because of this she was let go. I hope she's able to find something that she's more appreciated for then her time on Jeopardy.
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P
Mayim is so much better than Ken and it's awful that Colin is hosting the pop culture version instead of her.
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O
So I guess we're at the time of the year when the Jeopardy producers think they're not getting enough attention so they create a story to get the show's fans talking/shouting and, of course, griping at each other for purposes of "engagement." 🙄 Their constant need for attention outside of simply making a good show is the worst thing about the show.
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P
Mayim Bialik is, far and above, the best host of Jeopardy, even better than Alex Trebek! She's much more interesting to watch, she's down to earth and doesn't have the snooty know-it-all attitude.
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C
Mayim is the reason we watched the show and got into it. Since she was ditched we don't watch much anymore.
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B
Please don’t bring her back. Smart yes, but she just couldn’t maintain the pace of the game every night.
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R
Why are you all so mean to her? She is just trying. I like her smile.
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R
No, thank you!!!
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L
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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O
If she comes back, Jeopardy will morph into a sing song game for kids. I will no longer watch.
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P
If they put that awful woman back on my favorite and really only game show I've ever watched regularly since before Alex took over for good you will have lost a fan.ill still watch it when ken and there rumors that buzzy might take a turn occasionally but right now it bothers me to miss an episode.that will change if you put her on even once in a while.its not sure a I'm a hater.i really liked her on Big bang but shes just terrible on jeopardy.
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P
I enjoyed having Bialik hosting Jeopardy and always looked forward to her shows. She would liven up the show to me - Bring her back please!!! I also like Ken as well but they were both great and she should have some role as well...
6 8
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G
I never see Jeopardy but what I wish Mayim were still there. She has such class!!
3 11
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C
That is the most ridiculous statement about a TV show that I've ever seen. How can you possibly wish her upon us when you have never watched her perform...class indeed!
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G
Do you understand plain English ??
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C
I absolutely do, but I didn't see any. Do you actually read what you write?
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