Jeopardy! Season 40; Mayim Bialik Not Returning to Host Syndicated Game Show – canceled + renewed TV shows, ratings

by Regina Avalos, December 17, 2023

(Photo: Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/Depositphotos)

Mayim Bialik will no longer be hosting the Jeopardy! game show. The actress and former contestant Ken Jennings have been sharing hosting duties on the syndicated series since Fall 2021.

Bialik opted to take a break from hosting the syndicated show and the second season of ABC’s Celebrity Jeopardy! in support of the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Jennings has been the sole host of both programs since September.

Per Variety, Bialik said the following about the series in a statement released on her Instagram account:

“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.”

However, Bialik may continue to host primetime Jeopardy! specials which air on ABC. Sony released their own statement about Bialik’s exit from the regular show:

“Mayim Bialik has announced she will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of ‘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!’. We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to ‘Jeopardy!’, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials.”

What do you think? Do you enjoy seeing Bialik host the regular Jeopardy! series? Are you hoping that she continues to host series and specials in primetime?