I am writing today with the exciting news that we have closed and signed deals with Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings to host Jeopardy! going forward
The fact is that we have so much risk! to do, and so many plans for the future, that we always knew we would need multiple hosts for the franchise and we are so grateful that Mayim and Ken stepped in and went the extra mile to put the show in a position to succeed. And succeeding has. Hosted by Mayim and Ken, the show has grown dramatically in viewership year over year, with over 27 million viewers tuning in each week this season. When you consider that nearly every other show on broadcast and syndication is in decline, this has been a pretty remarkable season: We’re the most-watched entertainment show on all of television. Yes, all television.
In Mayim and Ken, we have two featured hosts at the start of their Jeopardy! host races that connect with their own unique fanbases, new fans, and the traditional Jeopardy! viewer. Kicking off the season in September, Ken will host the inaugural Second Chance competition and the highly anticipated Tournament of Champions featuring Amy Schneider, Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, Ryan Long and many, many more. His initial hosting run will take us through December. Meanwhile, Mayim will host Celebrity Jeopardy! on ABC in prime time. When she takes over from Ken in January, the current plan is for her to host a couple of new tournaments, in addition to the Jeopardy! National College Championship and as many weeks as he can handle with his other primetime commitment to “Call Me Kat.” We know he values consistency, so we won’t be constantly changing hosts and will keep you updated on the hosting schedule.
Mayim and Ken are extraordinarily talented and just plain charming humans. They support staff and each other. They love and respect this institution of a TV show. In return, the staff and I are honored to work alongside them.
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So, I mentioned our plans for the future…
Well, the future will start this Monday when we launch three new initiatives in one day:
1. Replay season is upon us. But instead of repeating our tournaments like we’ve done in the past, this year my fellow producers and I have handpicked six weeks of some of our favorite episodes from the season, featuring our closest games, super champions and some of the people to be announced as part of our inaugural Second Chance Contest.
2. Danger! Reflexes. Starting Monday, we’ll be posting a daily three-minute highlights recap of Jeopardy! episode on our website, on all of our social networks, and with our affiliate partners. Now, for the first time, you can catch up on the key moments from each and every match.
3. “Danger Within!” Podcast. Because all of the above gives us a lot to talk about, and because there’s always a lot to talk about on Jeopardy! (it’s a sport, remember?) we’re launching a weekly current affairs podcast wherever you listen to your podcasts. Hosted by Jeopardy! producers, including myself, “Inside Jeopardy!” will give you an inside look at everything that’s going on behind the scenes at America’s Favorite Quiz Show – everything from game analysis and behind-the-scenes stories, to official announcements and special interviews. Please subscribe now to “Inside Jeopardy!” on Spotify, Apple or wherever you listen to podcasts.
On Monday’s podcast, we’ll announce all the contestants who will be returning for a second chance to become Jeopardy! champion. And I will share my vision for the future of Jeopardy!, including new developments in the areas of pop culture and sports, plans for Jeopardy! Honor Awards Show and my biggest and most passionate idea: Jeopardy! Masters League in prime time or on a streaming platform.
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In closing, I want to congratulate both Mayim and Ken. It has been a pleasure working with both. You have my commitment, my producer oath, that I will focus on nothing but improving the show around you so you can do your best work and approach each day in the studio with enthusiasm and energy. And speaking of which, we’re back on the Alex Trebek Stage on Monday. I just can’t wait.
Courage,
miguel davies
Executive producer, Danger!