Mayim Bialik was reportedly raking in a hefty seven-figure paycheck before she was dismissed as host last week from Jeopardy!. According to Puck News, the Blossom star earned an impressive annual salary of $4 million. This included her contributions to the syndicated version of the game show and the primetime iterations on ABC. There were rumors of Bialik’s compensation increasing by $1 million each year based on her continued affiliation with the franchise.
According to Puck News‘ weekly email digest, Matthew Belloni, an entertainment journalist and former editorial director of The Hollywood Reporter, stated that Bialik’s support for the WGA strike in May, by stepping away from the show, played a key role in her dismissal.
“While Sony insists the parting is to ‘maintain continuity’ for viewers, Bialik’s actions during the strike were at least a contributing factor, according to three sources close to the show,” Belloni alleged. The outlet mentioned that Ken Jennings, Bialik’s co-host, was also earning $4 million annually. However, now that he has become the sole host of Jeopardy!, it is anticipated that his salary will increase.
Mayim Bialik co-hosted ‘Jeopardy!’ Since the Summer of 2022
The Big Bang Theory star caused a stir on social media last Friday when she shared on Instagram that she had been ousted from Jeopardy!. “Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!,” Bialik wrote. “I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year.”
“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.”
Several hours later, Sony, the producer of Jeopardy!, issued a statement formally confirming the removal of Bialik. “We made the decision to have one host for the syndicated show next season to maintain continuity for our viewers. Ken Jennings will be the sole host for syndicated Jeopardy!.”
Bialik hadn’t appeared on Jeopardy! since May. The actress left abruptly during the final weeks of Season 39 to support the striking writers. Jennings took over to finish the season.
In the summer of 2022, Bialik became the co-host of the syndicated version of Jeopardy! alongside Jennings. This followed a tumultuous year, during which the duo temporarily filled in for Mike Richards, the initial successor of the late Alex Trebek.
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