Fans of Jeopardy! were stunned when Mayim Bialik announced her departure last week, after hosting the game show for more than two years.
Following the passing of Alex Trebek, the former Big Bang Theory actor took up hosting responsibilities in May 2021, before being confirmed for a permanent role alongside Ken Jennings.
On Friday, the 48-year-old shared a message on Instagram, explaining that her time on our screens has come to an end when Sony executives notified her that production would be changing.
According to rumours, her shocking resignation was owing to her choice to support authors and walk out during the recent WGA strikes, as management realised they didn’t need two hosts at the time.
According to TMZ , Sony execs were not upset with the actress’s support for the strikes, but her brief absence demonstrated that their dual host method was not working, and they opted to make modifications, with Ken continuing as the lone presenter.
They also stated that executives were accommodating Mayim’s schedules during her stint on the show, and that they invited her to continue as the host of the primetime specials – an offer she refused before issuing a statement without consulting anybody at Sony.
‘As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news,’ she began a statement last week. ‘Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!
‘I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family.
‘For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, thank you.’
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Program bosses subsequently posted a statement on the official Jeopardy! account, adding: ‘Mayim Bialik has announced she will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!
‘We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers, and Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!
‘We are truly grateful for all of Mayim’s contributions to Jeopardy!, and we hope to continue to work with her on primetime specials.’