Photo: Jeopardy Productions, Inc., Getty Images
Jeopardy has been in the news a lot since host Alex Trebek's death in November of 2020. One of the big stories since then has been who will replace the legendary personality. First, a group of guest hosts took on his role behind the podium. They included celebrities like former Jeopardy champ Ken Jennings, Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, Dr. Oz, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, actress Mayim Bialik and Jeopardy executive producer Mike Richards. With still no host selected, in April 2021, another group of stars guested, including LeVar Burton, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos and sportscaster Joe Buck.
In August 2021, a successor had been announced - Mike Richards, with Mayim Bialik hosting Jeopardy primetime specials and spin-offs. However, nine days later, a report came out exposing controversial remarks Richards had made in his past, so after taping a week's worth of shows, he stepped down from the host position and later resigned as executive producer. Since then, Bialik and Jennings have been taking turns as host.
Their tenure in the role has been filled with many headlines, most of which were about Mayim - what she says, her humor, what she wears, how she acts, how she hosts, and more. Well now we know who will permanently take on the show's hosting duties - both Mayim and Ken.
A person familiar with the matter leaked the news to Variety, saying, "Sony Pictures Entertainment has entered into long-term deals that will have the two hosts continue to split duties" on the game show. Mayim will also host the primetime versions of Jeopardy plus the new Celebrity Jeopardy which is set to premiere soon. Because Sony hopes to try other versions of Jeopardy, more than one host was needed. It also allows Mayim to film the third season of her FOX show Call Me Kat.
According to the Daily Mail, production sources are excited about the announcement, saying, "This is fantastic news, our audience love Mayim and Ken and we can't wait to work with them both. Like our late dear friend Alex Trebek, they love the show and make it special for our viewers at home."
Sony Pictures hasn't yet commented on the leak of the announcement, but an official one is expected on Wednesday.