A little over two months after Mayim Bialik announced she was no longer the host of Jeopardy, Ken Jennings admits he understands why his co-host was let go from the game show.
During a recent interview with USA Today, Jennings spoke about Bialik’s firing and why it wasn’t necessary for Jeopardy! to have two hosts.
“I saw that, and I think he was right,” Ken Jennings explained, referring to executive producer Michael Davies’ comments at the Television Critics Association press tour about being forced to have two hosts.
“He talked about how Jeopardy! is a symbol of consistency and reliability for a lot of our viewers. It’s part of the ritual of their day, and they want to tune in and know what they’re going to see and not wonder, ‘Oh, which host do I see tonight?’ And I do understand that.”
Jennings clarified that he wasn’t “blowing smoke” when it came to that discussion and he was happy to host with Mayim Bialik. “I really enjoyed Mayim’s hosting. You could tell she was just a born performer, very confident on stage in a way that I was not at first.”
“I learned a lot from watching her, and I really enjoyed her hosting. But I do understand – there’s a reason why TV shows don’t tend to have two hosts.”
Ken Jennings Felt Some of the Criticism Towards Mayim Bialik Was ‘Clearly Misogynistic’
Meanwhile, Ken Jennings spoke out about the ongoing criticism Mayim Bialik received while she was co-hosting Jeopardy!
Jennings further stated he understood the diverse reasoning behind Bialik being hired as a co-host. “I love that I get to host Jeopardy! and it’s my dream job,” he continued. “But we have seen straight, middle-aged white guys host Jeopardy! for decades.”
“I do feel like some of the criticism that Mayim got was clearly misogynistic,” Jennings explained. “It was people who were not there to see a woman host Jeopardy! and whether they understand that about their soul or not, they were not ready to accept a woman in that position of authority.”
Jennings previously spoke out about Bialik’s erupt departure from Jeopardy! in Dec. 2023. “It took me off guard,” Jennings explained. “Because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m gonna miss her. I can’t speak to her decision-making process or her opinions about it.”
Ken Jennings also spoke about being the full-time host of Jeopardy! “On my end, I’m just a fan of Jeopardy!,” he added. “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.”