Jeopardy's Ken Jennings: Mayim Bialik's Abrupt Ouster 'Took Me Off Guard'
Ken Jennings, the newly minted solo host of Jeopardy!'s syndicated edition, says he was as surprised as everyone else by the departure of co-host Mayim Bialik.
"It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I'm gonna miss her," Jennings recently told The Hollywood Reporter, adding: "I can't speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it."
In mid-December, Bialik announced that she would no longer host the syndicated version of the popular game show, a job she had shared with legendary Jeopardy! champ Jennings since Summer 2022. "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," she posted to Instagram. "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."
Soon after, Sony — which produces the show — released a statement, saying: "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!. We are truly grateful for all of Mayim's contributions to Jeopardy!, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials."
Bialik had been missing from Jeopardy! since May 2023, when she abruptly bowed out of Season 39's final weeks in a public display of solidarity with the show's striking writers, leading Jennings to step in and close out the season. Before her exit, she was earning a reported seven-figure paycheck.
Celebrity Jeopardy! returns to ABC on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 8/7c. Mira Sorvino (Shining Veil), Utkarsh Ambudkar (Ghosts) and Lisa Ann Walter (Abbott Elementary) will play for the charities of their choice.
"But on my end, I'm just a fan of Jeopardy! and I'm always delighted to host when they call upon me," Jennings told THR. "I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster."