Ken Jennings Takes Over as Host for “Celebrity Jeopardy!” Amid Ongoing Strikes
Amid the ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors, Ken Jennings is stepping in to replace Mayim Bialik as the host of ABC’s “Celebrity Jeopardy!”
Mayim Bialik, a member of SAG-AFTRA, shared hosting duties with Jennings on the syndicated edition of “Jeopardy!” and led the faceoffs among famous contestants last season. However, ABC has announced that the upcoming season of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” will premiere on September 27 (Wednesdays at 8 EDT/PDT) with Ken Jennings as the new host.
Ken Jennings Takes Over as Host for “Celebrity Jeopardy!” Amid Ongoing Strikes
The question on everyone’s minds is whether “Jeopardy!” will return this fall amidst the WGA strike.
Bialik has not commented on her absence through Instagram or X (formerly Twitter), but there are indications. Due to the ongoing strikes, Bialik chose not to film the final set of “Jeopardy!” episodes for the show’s 39th season in May. Consequently, Ken Jennings took the helm for the last four weeks. Sony has not yet announced their hosting plans for Season 40, but it seems likely that Bialik won’t return until the strike is resolved.
Ken Jennings, who took the reins for the final weeks of “Jeopardy!” Season 39, will now be the host for the upcoming season of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” This role was previously held by Mayim Bialik in the last season. Ken Jennings will host the new season of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” which Mayim Bialik hosted last season. © AP
While “Jeopardy!” is repurposing clues for its new season, the clues for the current season of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” were actually composed before the strike began. Even though many of the celebrities participating are SAG members, their involvement in the show falls under a distinct labor agreement, thus exempting them from the ongoing strike.
In the previous season, actor and writer Ike Barinholtz emerged as the champion of “Celebrity Jeopardy!” which concluded in February. The lineup of contestants for the upcoming season has not yet been unveiled.
Mayim Bialik’s stance of solidarity with the striking writers led her to step away from the “Jeopardy” set.
This report was initially featured on USA TODAY: ‘Celebrity Jeopardy!’: Ken Jennings steps in for Mayim Bialik as host during ongoing strikes