Ken Jennings Says He’s “Delighted” To Be Full Time ‘Jeopardy!’ Host After Mayim Bialik’s Exit

The search for a new host of ‘Jeopardy!‘ following the death of longtime host Alex Trebek was filled with drama. Originally, the producers decided to make exec producer Mike Richards the host, which seemed to delight almost no one.

After hosting the game show for less than a month, he was fired after his past sexist/controversial comments resurfaced. That’s when Jeopardy! switched to a co-host situation with Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik sharing the gig.

And that’s the way it’s been for the past year, but last month, Bialik announced she would be leaving the show. It’s believed the network failed to give her another contract after her last one expired, so basically, they fired her. Sources say there’s no bad blood, but producers wanted to have just one host, and Jennings has gotten the better feedback, so they went with him.

During a recent interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Jennings talked a little about Bialik’s departure…

It took me off guard, because I loved working with my Mayim and I’m gonna miss her. I can’t speak to her decision-making process.

He did admit though, he’s “delighted” to be the full-time host. He loves hosting the game show and hopes to do it for 30+ more years.

On my end, I’m just a fan of ‘Jeopardy!’ and I’m always delighted to host when they call upon me. I just feel extremely lucky to have even been considered for this job as a non-broadcaster. I loved growing up with ‘Jeopardy!’ where Alex [Trebek] was the host of that show for almost 38 years, and people just kind of felt like he was part of their family, and it’s impossible to fill those shoes.

I can understand the move. Jennings was/is the better host, and it makes more sense to have just one face as the host, so unfortunately, Bialik had to go.