JEOPARDY! fans experienced a Daily Double-take as host Ken Jennings showcased a flawless rapper impression on a recent episode.
During last Thursday’s broadcast, Ken channeled Cardi B with uncanny accuracy while presenting a clue about the chart-topping artist.
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During December 21’s Second Chance episode, a clue under “Sampling” for $1200 featured a full-screen photo of the WAP sensation.
Ken, 49, proceeded to read the accompanying question with flair: “Okurrr! This woman samples the boogaloo song ‘I Like It Like That’ on a 2018 hit.”
The correct response, “Cardi B,” came effortlessly for one of the Jeopardy! contestants who nailed it without hesitation.
Yet, it was Ken’s commitment to the Cardi B persona that exceeded fans’ expectations, as he delivered the “Okurrr” with a high-pitched trill [seen here].
‘KEN JUST HIT THE CARDI B TRILL’
Social media erupted, with fans reminiscing about how the late Alex Trebek used to infuse words like “Genre” and rap lyrics with gusto.
One fan expressed on X (formerly Twitter): “This is the most chostic episode of #jeopardy. Ken Jennings hit the Cardi B trill.”
Another user posted: “Ken Jennings just hit the Cardi B Trill and I am deceased #jeopardy.”
A third wrote: “@KenJennings @Jeopardy I feel like there is a backstory to your skilled performance of the Cardi B trill during last night’s episode.”
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“The writers KNEW you could hit that trill, and I am dying to know how their knowledge of that skill came about. #Jeopardy.”
A fourth wrote: “Ken Jennings just did the Cardi B ‘okurr’ #jeopardy,” with a crying emoji.
BYE-ALIK
Last Friday, the Jeopardy!-verse got a major shakeup: Mayim Bialik was let go, leaving former champ Ken as the sole host.
The Big Bang Theory alum, 48, dropped the bombshell herself in a statement on her Instagram.
Her statement read: “As the Holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news.
“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!.”
She continued: “I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been part of the Jeopardy! family.
She heavily implied leaving was not her decision, but did not explain her exit.
Mayim has since removed “co-host @jeopardy” from her Instagram bio.
JEOPARDY’S STATEMENT
An hour after her statement, the official Jeopardy! account confirmed the news, offering a brief explanation.
Their statement read: “Mayim Bialik has announced she will no longer be hosting the syndicated [or nightly] version of Jeopardy!.
“We have 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 work with her in the future on primetime specials.”
In 2021, (and after a slew of guest hosts with disgraced EP Mike Richards naming himself host), Mayim and Ken were tapped to host the game show through the calendar year.
The following summer, Mayim and Ken were made the permanent hosts.
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DECISION AXE-PLAINED
While Jeopardy! is yet to give further details on the huge shakeup, there have been reports about the fallout the week following.
Jeopardy!’s monumental Season 40 premiered in September, which saw Ken host alone.
Mayim hadn’t actually worked on Jeopardy! since last May.
When the WGA went on strike, the former game show host walked out of the studio – later citing solidarity for her union.
Ken has handled all episodes since, including all episodes of Celebrity Jeopardy! that Mayim has hosted alone in the past.
Sources have claimed Mayim’s monthlong hiatus while still under contract was a reason behind her firing.
A report from Puck News claimed: “Bialik’s actions during the strike were at least a contributing factor, according to three sources close to the show.”
The report went on to reveal that the executive producers were “furious” when she walked out.
The report also highlights two additional factors influencing the decision.
First, Bialik’s reception on set was less than favorable, and second, Sony had adjusted shooting schedules last season to accommodate her since-canceled Fox sitcom Call Me Kat.
With Hollywood’s strikes in the rearview, Jeopardy!’s parent company allegedly planned to let her go at the start of Season 41.
“Sony recently informed her that her services won’t be needed next season.
“She was offered the chance to stay on for the rest of this season, but she said no thanks,” the report claimed.
Mayim was also offered to still host primetime specials, as in Celebrity Jeopardy!.
However, according to TMZ, Mayim allegedly pushed back, insisting on an “all or nothing” approach.
In essence, she didn’t want to be confined to only hosting Celebrity Jeopardy! and not the nightly show.
But Sony said no, and in response: “Mayim released her statement Friday without consulting Sony.”
At this point, it would seem unlikely she will return to the show in any capacity.
It’s also no secret that Mayim faced backlash across the board for her hosting chops from fans compared to the 74-time-champ-turned-presenter.
There were criticisms of Mayim’s “pauses” before ruling on questions, and a producer also shared they asked her to change her behavior while hosting.
The actress even confessed to getting insults in person: “Sometimes I get ‘We don’t prefer you to Ken,'” she shared on her Bialik Breakdown podcast.
According to Puck News, the Big Bang Theory alum was pulling in an annual salary of $4 million.
Puck News also noted that Ken is also making $4 million a year, although that number is expected to increase now.
The late Alex Trebek reportedly made $10M a year as host.
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