JEOPARDY! host Mayim Bialik clapped back after fans slammed the actress for making a “controversial show change” following Alex Trebek’s death.
The long-time host passed away in November 2020 after a long battle with stage four pancreatic cancer.
The Big Bang Theory alum – who took over partial hosting duties – defended herself from social media critics who bashed her skills on the show.
It all started when fans went into a frenzy after Mayim referred to the opening Jeopardy! round as Single Jeopardy!, making their feelings known online.
The TV star responded to the backlash by apologizing for the unpopular name, promising to never utter the words again.
“I know it may not be the norm, but … it was not not out of the norm,” she said. “I will never do it again! Even if it’s in this script, I will not say it.”
She then fired back, explaining that the show has a crew of team members perfecting the script – which she rarely strays away from.
“If it wasn’t right, they would’ve had me redo it. I barely act alone … there are so many things that we re-tape,” she insisted.
“If it was literally not kosher, there are a million producers, writers, and researchers and they’re all listening to me.”
She continued: “I say things all the time where they’ll be like, ‘What? Do it again.'”
“So it’s not like Mayim’s going rogue! Everything is very carefully monitored. There’s a thing in my ear, I promise.”
VIEWERS’ REACTIONS
Viewers have had mixed reviews over Mayim’s new addition to the beloved game show along with former contestant Ken Jennings.
The pair were both announced as hosts last year after Mike Richards, 46, stepped down from the job.
After the news broke, fans reactions flooded online platforms as some vowed to boycott the game show.
While taking to Twitter during a previous episode, one fan wrote: “I’ll be sitting out any and all Ken shows.”
Another added: “Not a fan of the Jennings/Mayim choice.”
A third chimed in: “#Jeopardy was going to go with Aaron Rogers in an over-glamorization of American sport. But then they made a hard right turn and over-correction and made it the nerd show with @KenJennings and @missmayim, completely missing the golden opportunity with @levarburton.”
A following fan expressed their feelings about the Blossom alum hosting, writing: “#jeopardy what are you thinking? @missmayim as host. Horrible mistake, her arrogance was dripping from every syllable she uttered. And her up-speak grating beyond compare.
NEW HOSTS
Mayim, 45, will take the lead, hosting for more than half of the episodes, according to TMZ.
Meanwhile, Ken, 47, will handle the position for a few of the weeks.
Executives at Jeopardy! are still searching for a new permanent host, although Mayim is currently the frontrunner to take on the role.
Mike was previously named permanent host of Jeopardy! on August 11, however, drama quickly ensued when he was accused of calling a female co-host a “slut” on his old podcast.
Additionally, rumors spread that he contributed to “toxic” behavior on The Price Is Right set.
In light of the negative press, Mike announced he was stepping down as host on August 20.
