Celebrity Jeopardy! to premiere on ABC- and exec drops hint about host as Mayim Bialik & Ken Jennings battle over role
A new Jeopardy! spinoff series, Celebrity Jeopardy!, is on the way, and an ABC executive has dropped a hint about whether Mayim Bialik or Ken Jennings will host.
The new position comes as the 46-year-old actress has been battling it out with 47-year-old Ken Jennings for the hosting job on the original series, which was left vacant after Alex Trebek’s death.
ABC announced the new game show during the reveal of its Fall 2022-2023 schedule on Tuesday, and Mayim is expected to host.
In the reveal, according to , the network added: “A host will be announced at a later date.”
The President of ABC Entertainment and Hulu Originals, Craig Erwich, teased that he “wouldn’t read anything into” this note about the emcee not yet being shared.
Despite her name being left out of the announcement, Mayim will likely be tapped for the gig, as she was previously revealed to be working on Jeopardy! spinoffs.
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The ABC exec told the outlet: “It’s really just about the details of the announcement.
“And we just are not ready yet, but we will be soon.”
When asked if this means fans should not assume Mayim won't host just because her name was missing, he simply replied: “Correct.”
Last August, when former Jeopardy! exec producer Mike Richards was revealed as the new host of the main show, prior to his departure following sexist remarks, Mayim was tapped to host show specials.
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Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures, said in a statement: "I am thrilled that Mayim is joining the Jeopardy! team.
"Her academic track record and enthusiasm for the game made her a terrific guest host.
"It will be a privilege to produce the primetime series with her as host.”
According to , at the time, Mayim negotiated for about six weeks for a "multi-million-dollar deal" for her part-time Jeopardy! role.
It was shared that she would host specials such as the Jeopardy! National College Championship, though she ended up taking turns with Ken to host the original series, as well.
Now, it's expected that the Big Bang Theory alum will stand at the lectern for this new primetime spinoff, Celebrity Jeopardy!
It's set to air alongside Celebrity Wheel of Fortune on ABC on Sundays.
"This new series welcomes celebrity contestants to compete for a chance to win money for a charity of their choice," ABC's press release shared of the show.
Mayim's likely new gig comes as fans have started to speculate that Ken will be named permanent host of the original Jeopardy!.
Ken shared earlier this month that he'd be out for "months" but viewers think he'll be back for good upon his return.
The 47-year-old wrote on Twitter: "I'm handing the keys back to the talented actor-producer-writer-director (!) Mayim Bialik for a few months.
"We are lucky to have her! Thanks for watching, and I'll be back before the end of the season.”
The permanent hosting slot will be decided by the end of Season 38 in July.
Mayim, on the other handle, will soon have her hands full with her other show, Fox's Call Me Kat, which was just renewed for a Season 3.
Fans rushed to after the announcement to discuss what this could mean for the actress' future on the game show, as she stars as the titular Kat in the multi-camera sitcom.
Some felt this was "the deciding factor," claiming Mayim will be "too busy" to do both shows - in fact, hundreds commented in agreement.
As one wrote: "Another good sign pointing towards Ken hosting the syndicated show full-time."
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"Mayim is the lead on Call Me Kat, and it’s been the catalyst and decider who finally gets the solo hosting job," wrote another.
Though some noted she could "technically" do both, others wondered why Jeopardy! would "even want two hosts," especially as Ken bowed out of ABC sister show The Chase to focus on Jeopardy!.
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