Jeopardy fans recently felt shocked to learn that the syndicated game show had fired co-host Mayim Bialik. However, Sony TV gave continuity concerns as the reason for axing the Big Bang Theory alum.
But a new report uncovers Sony’s shocking secret reasons for firing Mayim. And it reveals that Bialik’s exit had absolutely nothing to do with the studio’s public excuse of continuity. Get all the details below.
Mayim Bialik Fired From Jeopardy For Many Reasons
Jeopardy recently fired co-host Mayim Bialik. And at the time, Sony TV gave continuity as the reason for dropping the Big Bang Theory alum.
However, TV Insider now quotes entertainment journalist Matthew Belloni as giving several very different reasons for Mayim’s exit.
And Belloni claims that Bialik leaving Jeopardy to show her support for the WGA strike in May influenced the studio’s decision to drop the Big Bang Theory alum. At the time, Mayim shared hosting duties with Ken Jennings.
However, when Bialik left amid the last week of filming last season to show solidarity with the writers’ strike, Jennings needed to host all of the remaining episodes. And since then, he has served as host both for specials and syndicated episodes.
“While Sony insists the parting is to “maintain continuity” for viewers, Bialik’s actions during the strike were at least a contributing factor, according to three sources close to the show,” revealed Belloni. And he described Sony TV executive Suzanne Prete and Jeopardy‘s executive producer Michael Davies as “furious” when Bialik stepped away.
Mayim Bialik – Didn’t Get Much ‘Love’ On Jeopardy Set
However, Belloni also stated that “Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune are well-oiled machines, requiring precise timing to make the show’s five-episodes-a-day schedule. Plus, Bialik wasn’t loved on set,” he added. “And Sony had switched up shooting that season to accommodate her Fox sitcom, Call Me Kat.”
But Belloni revealed Sony told Bialik’s reps “that by refusing to perform, she was in breach of her contract.” However, despite stepping away, Mayim anticipated that she would return to hosting after the strikes. But instead, Sony told her that she would not serve as host the next season.
And Jeopardy did give Bialik “the chance to stay on for the rest of this season. But she said no thanks,” said Belloni. “Assuming the primetime Celebrity Jeopardy! and the college tournament are renewed by ABC for 2024-25 (a safe bet), she may still stay on those. But given her anger, I’ll be a bit surprised if that happens.”
Mayim Bialik – Got Political On Instagram
But some Jeopardy fans think that a post Bialik shared on Instagram in October served as the final reason for Sony firing her. And that post, which discussed the 2023 Israel–Hamas war, referred to the Jeopardy brand. “The free world is in jeopardy,” wrote Mayim. “But this time it’s not a game.”
However, a fan noted, “Co-opting the Jeopardy brand for political speech isn’t a good look for a host, either.” And another fan called it “the final straw that broke the camel’s back.” Some felt “collectively shocked and disappointed that she would co-opt the brand for a highly charged political topic involving warfare, death, and destruction.”
Meanwhile, Bialik’s Fox sitcom Call Me Kat ended up on the cancellation list after three seasons. And although the actress has worked on a reboot of Blossom, no network has yet given it the green light.
Meanwhile, it remains unclear if Jennings will host the syndicated show and all the spinoffs. Possible other hosts include superfan LeVar Burton, CNBC analyst David Farber, or former Today host Katie Couric.
Tell us what you think. How do you feel about the real reasons that Jeopardy fired Mayim Bialik? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more TV news.
I use to watch and enjoy very much the jeopardy show, until that creepy Ken guy was hosting.
I do not like his superior attitude and smirky face. I really enjoyed the shows with Maxim hosting, if she wasn’t scheduled I just turned it off. Sorry to see her go, understand her leaving. I cannot see the show remaining on TV with creepy Ken hosting.
I feel the same about Ken. The report i read yesterday stated that Maxim left the show on her decision to go. I told my husband that Alex would roll over in his grave because of the way that Ken is doing the show. I also told him that Ken should be let go also. The only reason that it is on is because my husband likes to see if he can get the answer.
For Heavens sake, she finally gets a break to look to be more intelligent than those Big Bang acts , and Sony has to wind up being the real problem.
I was glad she was fired as I didn’t like her hosting style.
As to Ken Jennings taking over everything ask if him if he want that? If he does fine, if not someone else.