“Jeopardy!” host Ken Jennings commented on his co-worker Mayim Bialik being unexpectedly relieved of her hosting duties.
“It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m going to miss her,” Jennings said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it. But on my end, I’m just a fan of ‘Jeopardy!’ and I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me. I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster.”
The passing of longtime host Alex Trebek in 2020 led to a frantic scramble to replace the “Jeopardy!” mainstay, with numerous options being floated. Finally, the game show’s execs settled on a combination of Bialik, an actress best known for her roles in “Blossom” and “The Big Bang Theory,” and Jennings, a former contestant who rose to fame after winning $4.5 million on the show. He became a household name in 2004 after winning 74 times in a row.
Bialik and Jennings have been sharing hosting duties since 2021. But on December 15, Sony announced their decision to go forward with just one host.
“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of ‘Jeopardy!’” the 48-year-old actress wrote social media. “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.”
Bialik continued, “For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew of America’s favorite quiz show, thank you.”
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A statement from Sony thanked Bialik for her contributions to “Jeopardy!”
“We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated ‘Jeopardy!’” the statement read. “We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to ‘Jeopardy!’”
Bialik had previously stepped back from her hosting duties amid the recent writer and actor’s strike. Jennings has been the sole host since the debut of Season 40 in September, as The Daily Wire previously reported.