Ever since Mike Richards, Alex Trebek’s would-be successor as host of Jeopardy!, was forced to resign in disgrace last August, the game show has been on the hunt for a new permanent replacement. In the meantime, however, they’ve had Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik split hosting duties, and according to a new announcement on Wednesday, the two will continue to fill in through the end of this season.
When Jennings and Bialik — who hasn’t exactly been free of controversy herself — were first brought on to host in the wake of Richards’s departure, the plan was for them to do so “as their schedules allow through the calendar year.” But here we are heading into the end of 2021, and Sony Pictures Entertainment has announced the hosts will continue through at least the end of Season 38, which is slated to wrap in July 2022.
“We are delighted to let you know that Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings will continue to share hosting duties through the end of Jeopardy! Season 38, and Michael Davies will remain as executive producer,” the company said in a statement that was shared on the show’s social media accounts. “We’re so pleased to have such an excellent and experienced team in front and behind the camera as we head into 2022!”
So what does this mean for the ongoing search for a permanent host? It’s hard to say, although clearly producers are pleased enough with Jennings and Bialik to keep them around longer than initially expected. The show’s ratings likely have something to do with that decision; despite the hosting controversy, Jeopardy! has reportedly continued to draw a weekly audience of more than 20 million.
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