Mayim Bialik Was Almost The Sole Host Of “Jeopardy!” But She’s Too Busy
Mayim Bialik was named as one of the two new hosts of Jeopardy! along with the executive producer of the series, Mike Richards. Mike will host the daily show and Mayim will host primetime specials and spin-offs. It was an announcement that didn’t seem to have anyone in any form of real excitement, and even though Mayim was trending on Twitter over it, it was more because people were talking about her anti-vaxx past (which she’s since distanced herself from). Well, it seems that not everyone had an issue with Mayim’s Jenny McCarthy-streak because the people at Sony were reportedly so obsessed with Mayim that they almost made her the lone host. The problem is, she’s just such a busy woman with all her other activities. I mean, those totally legitimate and useful brain supplements won’t shill themselves!
King and Gentleman, Alex Trebek, passed away last November after a long battle with pancreatic cancer; and since then the people at Jeopardy! were hard at work looking for a replacement. Sony went with two hosts, but TMZ claims that Blossom was in consideration to be the only host, but her schedule was just too packed for her to take on the job solo. Really? Even with her brain supplements boosting her abilities?! Sources say that after Mayim guest-hosted the series in March, she became a frontrunner for the execs at Sony. Also, the “crew loved working with her AND she also tested highest in focus groups.” Here’s more of what TMZ heard:
Our sources say several Sony execs were “very interested” in Mayim for hosting duties on the daily syndicated program, but because of her other commitments–she stars and executive produces “Call Me Kat” on FOX, and hosts a podcast–they knew it wasn’t going to be possible.
So, because they loved her so much… we’re told “Jeopardy!” honchos came up with the idea for 2 hosts–one for the daily show, and Mayim for the quiz show’s primetime and spin-off specials.
And Mayim is definitely getting compensated well for her new gig:
We’re told this became a top priority, and after about 6 weeks of negotiations… Mayim reached a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal to do just that, including the upcoming “Jeopardy! National College Championship”… which will air in primetime on ABC.
Wow, a multi-million-dollar part-time gig? That’s a win! Hopefully, Mayim continues to keep her weird and medically questionable health habits on the back burner so she avoids controversy and doesn’t mess up her well-paid gig. Learn from Chris Harrison, Blossom!
Pic: Wenn.com