No trivial pursuit

Mayim Bialik to host ‘Jeopardy!’ specials

Show’s first-ever Jewish host will emcee new spin-off series, including a college tournament

Mayim Bialik in her 'Jeopardy!' debut, May 31, 2021. (Screenshot from ABC)
Mayim Bialik in her 'Jeopardy!' debut, May 31, 2021. (Screenshot from ABC)

“Jeopardy!” is getting its first-ever Jewish host as Sony Pictures Television announced that actress Mayim Bialik will host some of the gameshow’s new prime time specials.

Following longtime host Alex Trebek’s death last fall, Bialik served as one of the show’s celebrity guest hosts for two weeks in June. In her new role, the star of “The Big Bang Theory” will host a new spin-off series, including a college tournament next year.

Mike Richards, one of the show’s executive producers, will host the daily syndicated episodes.

“Really really honored and astounded and excited for this – it’s beyond anything I ever imagined could happen,” she tweeted after the announcement on Wednesday.

Bialik, who holds a doctoral degree in neuroscience and often writes about her observant Jewish practice, will also be the show’s first permanent woman host.

Richards, meanwhile, has come under fire for allegations that he created a hostile work environment as a producer for “The Price Is Right.”

Most Popular
read more:
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.