Mayim Bialik Faces Backlash for Inconsistent 'Jeopardy!' Ruling
Jeopardy! continues to be riddled with controversial rulings, and fans are none too pleased.
The most recent faux pas comes from co-host Mayim Bialik on the Wednesday, May 31 episode.
During Double Jeopardy, contestant Kyle Marshall chose the $400 clue, "Made Henry Clay Secretary of State; 2 years after the White House, settled into a new House (of Representatives)," which came from the category "Presidential Doin’s."
When Marshall offered "Adams" in answer, the Big Bang Theory alum told him he needed to be more specific. He amended his answer to "John Adams," which she also didn't accept.
When competitor Ilhanna Redzovic gave the complete name of John Quincy Adams, Bialik granted the points. But later in the same game, when Marshall gave "Harrison" as his response for another clue in the same category, Bialik accepted it without requiring the former president's full name.
In the same game, Bialik also accepted "internet" when the answer was "intranet."
Needless to say, fans weren't keen to let the inconsistency slide, voicing a variety of complaints on Twitter:
I feel like if the Jeopardy! judges take just "Harrison" instead of requiring "William Henry" or "Benjamin", then they should also take "Adams" without asking which one. #jeopardy
— KaraokeQueen (@YinzerSpice) May 31, 2023
Contestant answered ‘internet’ and Mayim Bialik said ‘yes that’s correct, INTRANET’….Those are 2 completely different terms but the answer was accepted…???♂?#Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/eWjfIk3L16
— ????Jamie???? #JusticeForMalkiRoth (@JaRaNo1128) June 1, 2023
Why do I feel that @Jeopardy is turning into a meaningless popularity competition? Oh right, it's because Mayim picks favorites and ignores the rules. Where's a network executive when you need one!?
— J. Morgan (@royaleschton) May 31, 2023
The series has suffered a slew of similar fan backlash of late, with Ken Jennings recently being called out for denying one response for a mispronunciation while approving another contestant's response, even though it was also mispronounced. He also came under fire for allowing a mid-show correction for one contestant.
Despite Jennings' own so-called shortcomings as a host, Twitter users are furiously calling for him to take over the show full-time. Bialik has already announced she'll be stepping back in support of the writers' strike, but some angry fans would prefer if she doesn't return, with many irritated by the pauses she takes before answering and calling her own responses "robotic."
@KenJennings @Jeopardy
As a producer of Jeopardy, please either train or eject Mayim. Her delay in calling correct answers is excruciating and she doesn’t need to repeat correct answers - it’s just rude. like she’s grabbing more screen time. Please do something!!#86Mayim— Tia (@MavenPainter) May 31, 2023
I like Mayim but she’s just a bad host. It’s been long enough @Jeopardy, time to move on
1) Long pauses
2) Robotic “that’s right”
3) Disconnected guest interactions
4) No audience connection
5) Struggles with when/how to rule
6) Awkward giving answers
It’s like Alexa is hosting— Joni Danna (@jonidanna) June 1, 2023
Next: 'Jeopardy!' Host Ken Jennings Chokes Up At ‘Masters’ Contestant’s Devastating Personal Loss