The dual-hosting era of Jeopardy! has officially come to an end. Producers declared Ken Jennings the permanent host of the iconic game show and said goodbye to Mayim Bialik.
The Big Bang Theory alum made her departure from the series public over the weekend, announcing that she was released from her hosting duties by Jeopardy!‘s production company.
According to the studio, Mayim Bialik’s release came from a desire to give fans the “continuity” many have demanded since the split hosting era’s inception.
“We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers,” the statement reads. “Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!”
“We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to Jeopardy!,” they continued. “And we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials.”
In an Instagram post of her own, Mayim Bialik echoed the statement. The former Jeopardy! host also shared her thanks for the show’s dedicated fans.
“As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news,” Bialik wrote. “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,” she continued. “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!’ Fans Predicted Mayim Bialik Firing
Mayim Bialik’s release from Jeopardy! confirmed the theories circulating among the fanbase for months. A series with a particularly devoted and eagle-eyed fanbase, very little gets by Jeopardy! fans and the recent hosting news is no exception.
Speculation surrounding Mayim Bialik’s future with the show began back in May. In solidarity with the game show’s striking writers, Bialik joined in on the strike. In doing so, she stepped away from the hosting podium while Season 39 was still underway.
The move forced Ken Jennings, Bialik’s counterpart and hosting favorite among fans, to pick up additional episodes and fill in the gaps.
In August, Jeopardy! released a new poster for the series on social media. This promo featured only Jennings, with Bialik nowhere in sight. This spurred fan theories to greater heights, with many wondering if Bialik would return at all.
Before long, ABC seemed to confirm their theories. The production company revealed Jennings as the new host of Celebrity Jeopardy!, replacing Mayim Bialik.
Mayim Bialik first became Jennings’ Jeopardy! co-host in 2022. The studio made the unusual move as they grappled with the seemingly impossible task of replacing the legendary Alex Trebek after his death.