On Wednesday, Ken Jennings was named “Jeopardy!” co-host alongside actress Mayim Bialik, who is arguably best known for her role in “The Big Bang Theory.”
Ken has long been a favorite to fill the position after late host Alex Trebek passed away from pancreatic cancer in November 2020.
So Who Is Going To Be The Next Host Of ‘Jeopardy!’?
Instagram / jeopardyIn a letter, “Jeopardy!” announced that producers have decided to keep rotating between Ken and Mayim for season 39, which starts taping next week. Ken will host from September through December and Mayim will start hosting in January, balancing her commitment with her Fox sitcom “Call Me Kat.”
Ken will host the Second Chance Tournament and the Tournament of Champions later this year, while Mayim will host other tournaments and “Celebrity Jeopardy!”, which also premieres in September.
Shortly after the hosting announcement was made, Ken Jennings took to Twitter to make a brief statement about carrying on the role of “Jeopardy!” host after the late Alex Trebek.
Ken Jennings Breaks Silence On Becoming ‘Jeopardy!’ Co-Host
It’s official! There is white smoke over Culver City. @missmayim and I are your Jeopardy! hosts next season. https://t.co/Qj9TdjgFJU
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) July 27, 2022
After the official “Jeopardy!” Twitter account tweeted the announcement, Ken retweeted the news to his own page, adding, “It’s official! There is white smoke over Culver City. @missmayim and I are your Jeopardy! hosts next season.”
Ken Jennings has a long relationship with “Jeopardy!” In 2004, he won 74 games in a row, which is still the longest win streak in the history of the game show. Amy Schneider came closest when she won 40 games in a row back in January.
More recently, Ken Jennings squared off against “Jeopardy!” greats Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer in the “Jeopardy!” Greatest of All Time Tournament, proving that he is really the “Jeopardy!” G.O.A.T.
Jeopardy! has been a big part of my life since I was a kid, and I take the show and its legacy very seriously. It’s been a singular honor to be associated with the talented staff and crew there for the past 18 (!) years.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) July 28, 2022
“Jeopardy! has been a big part of my life since I was a kid, and I take the show and its legacy very seriously,” he explained. “It’s been a singular honor to be associated with the talented staff and crew there for the past 18 (!) years.”
I’m not a professional broadcaster, obviously. I still get nerves out there every single show. But I was lucky enough to watch Alex host Jeopardy! for decades—about as well as the job could possibly be done. I hope a drop of that Trebekian perfection slips through sometimes.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) July 28, 2022
“I’m not a professional broadcaster, obviously. I still get nerves out there every single show,” he continued. “But I was lucky enough to watch Alex host Jeopardy! for decades—about as well as the job could possibly be done. I hope a drop of that Trebekian perfection slips through sometimes.”
I’m so excited about the Second Chance tournament and Tournament of Champions coming in the fall. An unprecedented lineup of super-champs…and a few surprises. If you’re a Jeopardy! fan, even a casual one, you’re not going to want to miss this.
— Ken Jennings (@KenJennings) July 28, 2022
“I’m so excited about the Second Chance tournament and Tournament of Champions coming in the fall,” Ken concluded. “An unprecedented lineup of super-champs…and a few surprises. If you’re a Jeopardy! fan, even a casual one, you’re not going to want to miss this.”
Fans Rally Around Ken Jennings As The Next Host Of ‘Jeopardy!’
Instagram / thetrivialegendsAlthough plenty of fans are excited to see Ken Jennings return as “Jeopardy!” host, many wished that he was the one and only host.
I am very pleased that you will be one of the hosts, but I do wish that you were the only one. I realize that my opinion means absolutely nothing, but I find your co-host very arrogant and even offensive with her follow-ups. You, alone, are just as good as Mr. Trebek.
— Asdrúbal (@laburdsa) July 28, 2022
“I am very pleased that you will be one of the hosts, but I do wish that you were the only one,” one fan commented. “I realize that my opinion means absolutely nothing, but I find your co-host very arrogant and even offensive with her follow-ups. You, alone, are just as good as Mr. Trebek.”
If I’m being honest with you Ken they should’ve just got with you, nothing against Mayim or anything, but your the better host in my opinion.
— Aubrey Passey (@PasseyAubrey) July 28, 2022
“If I’m being honest with you Ken they should’ve just got with you, nothing against Mayim or anything, but your the better host in my opinion,” another fan replied.
I’m so happy for you, Ken; those two most-important tournaments should be hosted by the best qualified, experienced & knowledgeable; that is you! I only wish you would have gotten the sole gig for Daily/Syndicated Jeopardy instead of splitting it yet again.
— Linda Vastardis (@OriginalLinnie) July 28, 2022
“I’m so happy for you, Ken; those two most-important tournaments should be hosted by the best qualified, experienced & knowledgeable; that is you!” said a third fan. “I only wish you would have gotten the sole gig for Daily/Syndicated Jeopardy instead of splitting it yet again.”
Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are scheduled to return for season 39, but it is possible that, with her responsibilities to her acting career, Ken might take over as the full host of “Jeopardy!” starting in season 40! Fans will just have to wait and see!
