Aurora Starchild
Mayim Bialik, one of two temporary Jeopardy hosts, just shared some of the awful things that fans of the show have said. On her podcast, Mayim Bialik’s Breakdown, actor and comedian Justin Long asked her what it’s like to be in her position.
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Asked if fans ever tell Bialik that they prefer her to her cohost, Ken Jennings, she responded:
“Sometimes.” Then she immediately segued to, “Sometimes I get, ‘We don’t prefer you to Ken.”
Long compared the profession to being a politician. He said both are jobs “where people will tell you deeply insulting things but with a big smile.”
“I was very confused. You looked pretty.”
Bialik chuckled and agreed. “[They’ll tell you] exactly how they feel.” She continued, “Like, ‘I saw you in a magazine, I was very confused. You looked pretty.’ I get that a lot,” she said, looking off in the distance.
Long, on the other hand, said he often gets told he’s better looking in person. To this, Bialik noted that he looks more manly now than he did earlier in his acting career. So, she essentially said, it’s all due to the viewer’s point of reference.
Bialik previously mentioned to Newsweek that online comments can be quite cutthroat. “It’s been unbelievable,” she said. “It’s an unbelievable turn of events in my life and career to have this opportunity… But yes, I did not know the depth of in particular the social media presence of people who are so passionate about Jeopardy!“
Bialik May Or May Not Stay
Mayim Bialik is currently cohosting Jeopardy along with Ken Jennings due to longtime host Alex Trebek passing away of cancer in 2020. The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, was named as the new host but he was met with negative publicity.
An article in The Ringer published explosive accusations of Richards making sexist and offensive comments earlier in his career. So, Sony announced that Richards was stepping down as host of Jeopardy as well as from numerous game shows as executive producer.
Bialik and Jennings are currently serving as interim hosts until a permanent host is announced. Although, it’s assumed that one of the two might stay onboard to fulfill that role.
Ken tries too hard to be the shadow of Alex. Alex is gone, no one will be the same as he. Ken has not shown any real personality of his own. He also “thinks like a contestant” not the host of the show. He speaks too quickly, tries to be funny but fails. He may be a nice person in real life but doesn’t quite make it as the show host.
Mayim on the other hand is bright, funny, versatile, and does not try to be anyone but herself and seems to be able to help the contestants relax while competing with each other. She may not be on occasion grammatically correct in her answer, but who is in the real world, especially under pressure. Mayim needs to be on her toes, as the contestants, in replying to their answers and maintaining a flow of action from all concerned.
My vote is 100% for Mayim.
I don’t believe that the comments about her gender have any basis. She is a good host.
My vote is 100% for Mayim. I like everything about her. Personality with contestants and audience.
Ken Jennings is B-O-R-I-N-G!!! He always was, always will be…no matter how many BLONDE highlights he had added to his hair. He is NOT Alex and will NEVER BE Alex! When I tune in and he is hosting, I immediately change the channel.
I think she is great. Don’t care for Ken, Most of the guys are making the remarks they are jealous she is doing a good job. I enjoy watching her.
Mayim seems always eager to show that she “actually IS a scientist,” as she said. Too quick to “correct” a contestant’s pronunciation or to add a first name to an answer correctly given (“See? I’m smart!) On the other hand, Jennings is not annoying.
I enjoy both hosts. They do an excellent job as there is pressure to answer quickly. My choice would be Mayim, however I would be happy to see both cohost as they have been doing.
I liked Mayim as host on Jeopardy. Ken Jennings doesn’t seem natural. He acts as if he is programmed.
I am disappointed with the decision. I think Mayim was a thousand times better as host of Jeopardy. Now it doesn’t bother me if I miss the show because Ken comes across as just a fill-in
My vote is for Mayim. I find her much more engaging than Ken Jennings He just doesn’t seem to be genuinely connecting to the contestants. He is boring.
In my book, Mayim is much better than Ken. Ignore what the others say, You’re perfect.