– Mayim Bialik will not return as permanent host of Jeopardy!
– Season 39 resumes taping with current staffers as guest hosts
– New host search to be conducted during Season 41
Actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, best known as host of the classic game show Jeopardy!, will not serve as its permanent host for Season 40 as was originally planned. Instead, production will continue with various guest hosts consisting of current Jeopardy! staffers, with Alex Trebek having passed away in 2020.
Embarking on their 39th season, Jeopardy! producers have elected to hold off on the search for a new permanent host until Season 41. The decision follows the recent controversy surrounding the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, who was set to take over as host but stepped down due to resurfacing of past offensive remarks, resulting in his ultimate resignation.
Bialik has already wrapped up filming for the first batch of episodes in Season 39, which will debut on September 13. She will also continue to host primetime specials, such as the Jeopardy! National College Championship. With the search for a new permanent host ongoing, it remains to be seen who will ultimately take over the iconic role.