For a show that’s generally regarded as wholesome and light-hearted entertainment, Jeopardy! hasn’t been immune from backlash and controversies, with the majority of the recent furor revolving around the seemingly never-ending search for a permanent host.
It was seemingly only a matter of time before the game show circuit ended up being impacted by the writers’ strike, and it appears as though the battle lines have been drawn on the long-running quiz series yet again after Deadline revealed Mayim Bialik has opted against filming the remaining week of shows for the current 39th season, in a show of solidarity with the WGA.
In response, Ken Jennings has been drafted in yet again to pick up the slack, which will no doubt land him in some sort of hot water in certain circles when he’s immediately been drafted in while picket lines continue around the country. Several Jeopardy! staffers have already abandoned their duties to take part in the strike, with another divide having been formed between those supporting the WGA and those happy to carry on working.
As one of the highest-rated episodic offerings in its regular timeslot – as well as the recent news it had been renewed for an additional five years – there was always the danger Jeopardy! would end up succumbing to the WGA action. Fortunately, for the producers at least, they can always break open the glass marked “Ken Jennings” in an emergency, which has been necessitated once more now that Bialik has stepped away for the time being.