‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Divided as Mayim Bialik Takes Over Hosting from Ken Jennings

Martin Holmes February 8, 2022, 10:14 am

Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings on Jeopardy! — Jeopardy!/YouTube

The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik is back behind the Jeopardy! podium as she takes over from Ken Jennings on the long-running game show.

Bialik and Jennings have been trading hosting duties ever since former Jeopardy! producer Mike Richards was removed as the new permanent host amidst public backlash. The Call Me Kat actress returned to the show on January 31, just days after contestant Amy Schneider ended her record-breaking 40-day winning streak. She is also hosting the National College Championship specials, which kick off on Tuesday evening.

While Jennings is expected to return before Season 39 bows out in August, some fans were disappointed to see the Jeopardy! G.O.A.T. replaced by Bialik. “I was actually a little sad Ken wasn’t hosting,” tweeted one viewer. “I’d wish they just make up their mind and make Ken the permanent host with Mayim the host of the specials.”

I was actually a little sad Ken wasn’t hosting. I’d wish they just make up their mind and make Ken the permanent host with Mayim the host of the specials. Tired of guessing who’s going to be host each week.

— Skip (@JustSkipBaby) February 1, 2022

Others shared similar sentiments, writing, “Bring @KenJennings back,” while another said, “I really think Ken should be the new FULL TIME host… She (MissMayim) needs to go.” Another disgruntled viewer added that Bialik “needs to go” as “she will single-handedly kill @Jeopardy if she keeps hosting.”

Bring @KenJennings back!!

— BC David (@BCindigenousguy) February 1, 2022

I really think Ken should be the new FULL TIME host… She (MissMayim) needs to go…

— Harry D (@hjdiet4) February 7, 2022

She needs to go. She will single-handedly kill @Jeopardy if she keeps hosting. @SPTV @embassydavies

— charlespoet (@charlespoet1) February 7, 2022

However, not everyone agreed, as some viewers were more than pleased to see Bialik back in charge. “This is must see TV!!!!” commented one fan, while another wrote, “I love seeing [Bialik] host Jeopardy!!”

Another happy viewer tweeted Bialik, telling her, “You are such a great host of Jeopardy! Perfect personality, fantastic articulation, smart, and entertaining. Please don’t stop. I’ve watched more when you have hosted than ever before.”

This is must-see TV!!!!

— Christopher Cozby (@LoneStarChamp) February 4, 2022

I love seeing her host Jeopardy!!

— Larry Speck (@larryspeck9) February 8, 2022

You are such a great host of Jeopardy! Perfect personality, fantastic articulation, smart, and entertaining. Please don’t stop. I’ve watched more when you have hosted than ever before.

— azcraigrr (@azcraigrr) February 6, 2022

'Jeopardy!': Mayim Bialik Previews Juicy Rivalries in 'National College Championship'

Bialik previously hosted the regular edition of Jeopardy! from September 20 to November 5 before Jennings came in from November 8 to January 28. It’s not yet known for how long the sitcom star will be hosting the syndicated series, but she will be presiding over the National College Championship specials until February 22.

Jeopardy, Weekdays, check your local listings

Jeopardy! National College Championship, Series Premiere, Tuesday, February 8, 8/7c, ABC