Mayim Bialik Responds To Whether She'll Be New Permanent Jeopardy Host
Mayim Bialik responds to whether she’ll be the new permanent host of Jeopardy!. Last year, former Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings kicked off the roster of guest hosts after the late Alex Trebek’s final episodes aired. Featuring a mixed bag of talent behind the podium, including Bialik, Dr. Oz, Anderson Cooper, and Reading Rainbow star LeVar Burton, Jeopardy! continued to search for a permanent host.
Last August, Jeopardy! revealed that executive producer Mike Richards would be the new permanent host, with Bialik hosting primetime specials and spinoffs. Ultimately, Richards was fired from Jeopardy! after controversial comments resurfaced. Amid the drama surrounding the game show, Bialik stated she hoped viewers would continue to focus on the gameplay rather than the hosting controversies. Jeopardy! then announced that Bialik and Jennings would share regular hosting duties until the end of season 38. As the show continues to keep viewers guessing on who will nab the permanent slot, the Call Me Kat star opens up about hosting Jeopardy!.
Per ET, Bialik says she would love to permanently host the show and reveals she hopes the decision will be made soon. Bialik also explains her time filming as a guest host officially comes to an end on May 6. Read what Bialik said about the possibility of being the new Jeopardy! host below:
I would love that. I like to say, I’ve lived season to season since I'm about 13 years old. So, what I know is what I'm doing until May 6, and beyond that, hopefully I'll know more before May 6...I think being female is its own mark. My grandparents were immigrants to this country and escaped pogroms and World War II, so for me, in two generations to be in a position to be able to be a woman and a host in that iconic role blows my mind.
As it stands, Bialik has received positive feedback across the board for her time behind the podium, which includes helming the recent Jeopardy!: National College Championship tournament. Jeopardy! viewers have voiced their opinions that Bialik stepping in as the permanent host would offer a fresh take on the legendary quiz show. With season 38 about halfway through, the game show continues to feature record-breaking contestants, new clues, and memorable moments as Jeopardy! moves forward following the passing of Trebek.
For now, it remains to be seen who will emerge as the frontrunner for the permanent hosting job. Jeopardy! bought some time by putting Bialik and Jennings at the helm for the duration of season 38. However, the conclusion of the season is on the horizon, so a decision will need to be made soon. Overall, Bialik appears to have taken a page from Trebek’s book by committing to a drama-free, wholesome, and educational environment at Jeopardy!. However, that doesn't mean there aren't some viewers who would prefer to see Jennings in the role, citing his long history with the series. Either way, hopefully, the permanent host is named soon.
Source: ET