After the passing of longtime Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, several celebrities and past champions took turns behind the podium. But in July 2022, Ken Jennings and actor Mayim Bialik were officially given the job, splitting duties as co-hosts. Diehard Jeopardy! fans have, of course, claimed their favorites, with both Jennings and Bialik maintaining their own base of loyal viewers. This week, it’s Bialik’s turn to host the syndicated show, ending Jennings’ multi-week run. But while fans are pretty vocal over these turnovers—especially when it’s Bialik’s go—some may be happy to learn that Jennings will be back sooner than they might have assumed. Read on to find out when the former champ is returning to the Jeopardy! stage.
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On Monday, May 1, Bialik was back on Jeopardy!, relieving Jennings from just over a seven-week run. The last time she was behind the podium was during the High School Reunion Tournament, which concluded on Thursday, March 9.
But the Blossom actor is only on the hook for a week—at least for now.
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Next week, the game show has a bigger competition on the docket: Jeopardy! Masters, which consists of 10 one-hour specials that premiere on Monday, May 8, at 8 p.m. Easter Standard Time (EST). The best-of-the-best are facing off, including Amy Schneider, James Holzahauer, Mattea Roach, Matt Amodio, Sam Buttrey, and Andrew He.
The show will air on ABC and will also be streaming on Hulu, with the semifinals airing on Monday, May 22, and Tuesday, May 23, and the final airing on Wednesday, May 24. But aside from the excitement of watching some of the most talented players compete, fans are also excited to see Jennings host the major event.
Jennings confirmed that he’d be hosting the tournament back on Jan. 11 on Twitter, highlighting the impressive Jeopardy! Masters lineup. “I’m glad I’m hosting and not playing,” Jennings joked.
On social media, Jeopardy! fans were quick to comment on the hosting plans, with many writing that they’re happy Jennings will be behind the podium next week.
“Glad it’s Ken hosting, not Mayim,” an April 11 tweet reads. “I have never felt like she is a good [fit] as a host.” Another added, “Can’t wait to watch. Especially since Ken is hosting!!”
One viewer said that they hoped Jennings would be the “ONLY host permanently,” but another fan had a different suggestion about the Masters tournament lineup.
“Ken should play and mayim should host!” a Twitter user wrote on April 11.
According to the Twitter account @IsKenHosting, after Jeopardy! Masters, viewers shouldn’t expect to see Jennings back for the remainder of the syndicated episodes. This is his “final run as host for the season,” the account reported. According to TVLine, this means that Bialik will be at the helm for the remainder of Season 39, which ends on July 28.
It’s undecided who will host the Second Chance tournament come fall, which is part of the Season 39 postseason, executive producer Michael Davies announced during a March 30 episode of the Inside Jeopardy! podcast.
In terms of Season 40, which kicks off after Second Chance, production hasn’t officially confirmed who’ll be hosting then either. However, there has been some speculation that Jennings will host syndicated episodes starting on Sept. 11.
Best Life has reached out to Jeopardy! for comment on the hosting schedule.