The question of who will become the next “Jeopardy!” host has been one of the most controversial issues of 2021.
The question has come down to either “Jeopardy!” G.O.A.T. tournament winner Ken Jennings or former “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik.
On September 16, “Jeopardy!” announced that Bialik and Jennings would be splitting hosting duties through the end of 2021:
“Not sure if you’ve heard, but @missmayim and #KenJennings are hosting Jeopardy! until the end of the year. Everyone on the staff is supralunar!”
“Beginning Monday, September 20, Bialik is hosting several weeks of episodes, which will air through November 5. After that, Bialik and Jennings will split hosting duties as their schedules allow through the end of the calendar year.”
On Wednesday afternoon, “Jeopardy!” revealed who is going to take over hosting duties for 2022.
Enough Waiting: Who Is Going To Be The Next Permanent Host?
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To the chagrin of some fans, “Jeopardy!” has not announced a permanent host. Instead, they revealed that Bialik and Jennings will be splitting hosting duties throughout 2022 as well:
“We are delighted to let you know our excellent and experienced team in front of and behind the camera will continue into 2022: @missmayim and #kenjennings will share hosting duties through the end of #Jeopardy! Season 38, and Michael Davies will remain as executive producer.”
This seemed to be an acceptable compromise for “Jeopardy!” fans, especially since it seems Jennings will be hosting regular gameplay and Bialik will be hosting special tournaments. Although “Jeopardy!” stopped short of declaring that outright, Bialik interrupted the Jennings-hosted regular gameplay to bring fans the show’s first-ever Professor’s Tournament, which will wrap up on December 17.
From there, rumors suggest that Jennings will be back to hosting regular gameplay until he passes the torch back to Bialik for the National College Championship in February. However, this special tournament will be streamed in addition to regular “Jeopardy!” gameplay, which means once the regular 30-minute episode airs, fans can tune in for an hour of more trivia fun!
This can actually benefit both hosts. Jennings has been hosting while Bialik films her popular sitcom “Call Me Kat,” and Bialik can fill in as host when Jennings appears in his other trivia game show, “The Chase,” which features other “Jeopardy!” champions Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer.
What Do Fans Think Of The ‘Jeopardy!’ Hosting Decision?
Fans seemed pretty happy with the compromise overall.
“Sounds good to me,” wrote one fan.
“They’re doing great,” said another.
“Excellent duo,” another commented.
Another wrote, “I like this format! Keep Ken for the regular season and Mayim for tournaments!” A few fans replied to the comment, saying, “I second this.”
“Just make it permanent already!” said another. “Ken is great and deserves it! Split this way is fine, gives them both time to do other things.”
However, some fans were disheartened to see that another “Jeopardy!” champion, Buzzy Cohen, who did a fantastic job hosting the 2021 Tournament of Champions, was excluded from the list.
“I’m disappointed Buzzy isn’t included but I do enjoy the other 2 also,” said one fan.
“Ken!” another cheered. “It would’ve been perfect if Buzzy Cohen were part of the host.”
“I like these two, but can we see Buzzy again??” asked another fan.
Although “Jeopardy!” said Jennings and Bialik would be splitting hosting duties for the rest of 2022, fans have their fingers crossed that Cohen will make a surprise appearance as host of the 2022 Tournament of Champions, which has yet to be announced.
The 2022 Tournament of Champions will feature some of the best contestants that have ever graced the “Jeopardy!” stage, including Matt Amodio, Jonathan Fisher, Amy Schneider, and more!
