‘Jeopardy!’: Ken Jennings vs. Mayim Bialik — Fans Weigh In on Their Choice for Permanent Host
Ken Jennings’ first episode back as Jeopardy! host aired on Nov. 8, which also marked the first anniversary of game show icon Alex Trebek’s death. The Jeopardy! GOAT is tag-teaming the Jeopardy! hosting duties with Big Bang Theory alum Mayim Bialik for now. And loyal viewers of the beloved game show have taken to social media to cast their votes on who should become the permanent host.
Viewers gave the ‘Jeopardy!’ GOAT a warm welcome back
Jennings is a familiar face on Jeopardy! From his record-breaking 74-game winning streak in 2004 to winning the Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time tournament in 2020, Jennings parlayed his trivia mastery into a consulting producer role on the show. Many fans were thrilled to see him back as Jeopardy! host, a role he also played in January 2021, and they are already lobbying for him to take on the gig full time.
“Great to have Ken back. He is the perfect Jeopardy! person to be host,” one fan wrote on Instagram.
Another commented: “Enough with the theatrics. Get Jennings in there full time!”
Others also expressed their happiness to see Jennings back and even drew comparisons between him and Trebek. “In the first five minutes I can see for me, it’s Ken…no contest. Smooth, funny, charming,” one person remarked.
‘Jeopardy!’ fans are partial to Ken Jennings’ history with the game show
Bialik originally came in as guest host in late May, and she resumed the role in September. Now that Jennings is back in action at the legendary lectern, many Jeopardy! followers clearly want to see him land the job for keeps.
“So happy to see Ken back today!” one person commented on Instagram. “The show is so much more fun with him, he seems more relaxed than Mayim. He is more suited to the role of host.”
For some fans, the Jeopardy! GOAT’s longtime connection to the show makes him the obvious successor to Trebek. “Welcome back, Ken. Mayim’s done great, but you are Jeopardy’s legacy and future as its greatest champion,” a fan commented.
Another said: “Not to knock Mayim, because she’s been doing great, but Ken hosting simply feels right.”
Mayim Bialik has her own votes for ‘Jeopardy!’ host
Though Jennings has a solid fan base thanks to his Jeopardy! resume, Bialik acquired her own cheering section while guest-hosting the show. Many viewers expressed their hope that she lands the coveted role as Jeopardy! host for good.
“No. I don’t want him as the permanent host. Mayim for host!” a fan lobbied.
Another viewer pleaded: “Please DO NOT make ken the host. He doesn’t shut up and I don’t care to hear his rambling on. Plus he has no personality, bring back mayim!!”
Bialik has a full plate outside of Jeopardy! She is heading into her second season of Fox’s Call Me Kat, and she also hosts a podcast with boyfriend Jonathan Cohen. Despite having to juggle a busy schedule, Bialik hasn’t been shy about wanting to be named the permanent Jeopardy! host.
“I think it’s very clear,” Bialik told Glamour in September 2021. “There’s no other job I would rather have. I love my sitcom work, I do. I love all the other things I do — I love the podcast. But I absolutely have never had a better job.”
