Jeopardy!’s Ken Jennings said he had no idea co-host Mayim Bialik would be leaving the show. The pair had been splitting hosting duties since 2022.
The show decided to keep with tradition and have one host going forward. Jeopardy! said the it is “truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions” and “hopes to continue to work with her on primetime specials.”
Jennings will be the sole host for Jeopardy!, Celebrity Jeopardy!, and said the news of her departure caught him off guard.
“I loved working with my Mayim, and I’m gonna miss her,” said Jennings in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it. But on my end, I’m just a fan of Jeopardy! And I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me. I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster.”
In July of 2022, Jennings and Bialik were selected to share the host’s spot on Jeopardy! as the show auditioned guest hosts to find a replacement for the late Alex Trebek. The duo drew in more than 27 million viewers each week. Bialik stepped away from hosting duties during the final week of season 39 due to the dual Hollywood strikes. Jennings hosted Celebrity Jeopardy! in her absence.
On December 15, Bialik posted news of her exit on X.
“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!,” said Bialik. “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.”