Mayim Bialik Exits ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Role
Mayim Bialik announced her departure from the hosting team of ‘Jeopardy!’ via Instagram. The decision comes as Ken Jennings assumes the solo hosting duties for Season 40 of the syndicated quiz show. Bialik had stepped away from hosting the final week of Season 39 due to a strike. The strike impacted the plans laid out by the show’s executive producer and showrunner, Michael Davies, who mentioned that Season 40 and post-season episodes had been “derailed” and the show was in a “holding pattern.”
In her Instagram post, Bialik expressed gratitude for being nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting and thanked those who supported her during the journey. The statement reads, “As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news. 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. 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.”
Jeopardy! is produced by Sony Pictures Television, domestically distributed by CBS Media Ventures, and internationally by Paramount Global Content Distribution. The decision to have Ken Jennings as the sole host for the syndicated version of Jeopardy! next season was made to maintain continuity for viewers. A spokesperson expressed gratitude for Bialik’s contributions and mentioned the hope to continue working with her on primetime specials.
Repurposed article originally published in the Deadline