Mayim Bialik Reacts To Outrage Over Her Controversial Jeopardy! Change
Mayim Bialik's relationship with fans thus far has been somewhat rocky. When it was announced that should be taking on hosting duties for Jeopardy!, the decision was met with widespread criticism.
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It’s ok Jeopardy! fans, ‘Single Jeopardy’ can’t hurt you anymore. Co-host and former Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik has come under fire in recent weeks for her use of the phrase ‘Single Jeopardy’ whilst hosting the popular game show. However, according to Good House Keeping, Bialik will retire using the phrase from now on.
Mayim Bialik spoke to Yahoo Entertainment recently to address the issue and had quite a bit to say on ‘Single Jeopardy.’ “People care a lot. I get it,” the host said. Bialik then went on to try and appease fans, saying, “And I’m sorry; I’m doing my best!” However, Bialik then went on to state that she wasn’t going off-script, and if she were really saying something she shouldn’t, then the phrase would have never made it to air. “If it wasn’t right, they would’ve had me redo it. I barely act alone … there’s so many things that we re-tape. If it was literally not kosher there’s a million producers, writers and researchers and they’re all listening to me. 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.”
It remains to be seen if this defence and apology from Mayim Bialik will be enough to turn fans of the long-running game show in her favour.
What is ‘Single Jeopardy’ and why are fans so incensed? The latter may never have a true answer, the Twittersphere is awash with passionate gate-keepers of their beloved programs and shows, who don’t like it when someone new comes in to upset the apple cart. “Single Jeopardy” is a phrase that Mayim Bialik had gotten used to using to name the round of Jeopardy that proceeds the commercial break. This had caused an irate reaction amongst many fans, echoed in the words written in the tweet below.
This tweet was the tip of the iceberg of a barrage of angry reactions to Mayim Bialik’s new spin on presenting Jeopardy!, a hosting duty she has been sharing with Ken Jennings. The reaction has caused so much of a stir, that Bialik has responded to say she will no longer be using the term going forward, which will undoubtedly be a relief to the legion of angry tweeters demanding justice. However, it may come as a disappointment to those who saw the humour in how angry Bialik’s seemingly innocent phrasing was making some viewers, like this mischievous Tweeter below.
Mayim Bialik’s relationship with fans thus far has been somewhat rocky. When it was announced that should be taking on hosting duties for Jeopardy!, the decision was met with widespread criticism. The negative reaction to Bialik’s appointment came as a result of her history of controversial comments, such as her alleged opposition to vaccines and comments on Harvey Weinstein’s victims. After this latest scrape with fans, surely Bialik can’t have many lives left? For Jeopardy! itself, the show seems to be unable to shake itself free from controversy. Who can forget the widely documented departure of the short-term host Mike Richards, who was axed after just one day of taping after past derogatory comments were brought to light?
For now, Jeopardy! and Mayim Balik can rest easy that this latest stumbling block with fans appears to have been put to bed. Balik will be looking for more positive press in the present and near future, as in the last few days, the trailer has dropped for her Directorial debut As They Made Us. The film stars Dustin Hoffman and also saw Balik write the screenplay. As They Made Us follows the story of a divorced mother of two who struggles to cope with her dysfunctional family, in the midst of her father suffering from a degenerative condition. The film will be available via VOD and in theatres on April 8th.
