Ken Jennings to take over ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’ as Mayim Bialik steps down from hosting duties amid WGA strike
CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA: Production decisions for 'Jeopardy!' have been consistently affected by the strikes going around in Hollywood.
From having no returning contestants and striking writers, the game show has had to compromise in a lot of aspects.
But despite everything, 'Jeopardy!' has not once announced any schedule postponements, something that has made them face major backlash from viewers.
In another shocking announcement, the game show has come forward to reveal that their host Mayim Bialik won't be returning for the spin-off she exclusively hosted in the first season.
Ken Jennings, who has been 'Jeopardy!'s one constant, will be the one taking over the duties for the same.
'Celebrity Jeopardy!' to be hosted by Ken Jennings
In an exclusive report made by Deadline, it was revealed that 'Jeopardy!' will be going along with their spin-off schedule for 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' without waiting for Bialik to return.
The 'Big Bang Theory' actress has been away from the Alex Trebek stage since May to join the writers on the picket line. This kept her away from hosting duties for Season 39 as Jennings filled in for her for the rest of the regular episodes.
All 'Jeopardy!' writers are currently on strike as well as members of the WGA. Bialik was expected to continue staying away from work as SAG-AFTRA, which includes actors and performers, also went on a strike recently.
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"Ken Jennings is taking over hosting duties for the upcoming season of 'Celebrity Jeopardy!'," Deadline reported, further adding, "The 'Jeopardy!' co-host replaces Mayim Bialik, who hosted the first season of the show."
Jennings had decided against striking or supporting the writers and actors who were striking.
Deadline also revealed that the second season of 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' will follow the same schedule and premiere its first episode on September 27, 2023.
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Ken Jennings faces backlash for avoiding the strikes
Jennings has been loyal to 'Jeopardy!' so far and has stepped up in his hosting duties to keep the show going.
Inevitably, he also faced backlash for not stepping down as 'Jeopardy!' has continued to move past the strikes and decided to recycle clues. This continued even after the major winners of the game show stepped back from returning to the spin-off 'Tournament of Champions', as per Deadline.
Jennings only recently addressed the backlash he has been receiving in a tweet that responded to a viewer calling him a 'disgrace'.
Jennings posted a screenshot of a statement from the program's producers explaining that they will "respect" the WGA authors and not use written content from any writers outside of the Guild, similar to how the show handled the strikes when the late host Alex Trebek was in charge.