Stephanie Logue

Staff Writer

szl414@psu.edu

Mayim Bialik, known for her roles on shows such as “Blossom” and “The Big Bang Theory” will take over as the host of  “Jeopardy!” for its 38th season starting September 13th, 2021.

Bialik has a doctorate degree in neuroscience from the University of California, Los Angeles with a history of controversial statements. Some of these statements include how she is not an anti-vaxxer but her family remains unvaccinated by choice. She told People magazine in 2009 that she “bases her decisions on research and discussions with our pediatrician and we’ve been very happy with that decision”. 

Many people believe she can be a great host because of her record with education and television but her comments might get in the way of that. The show is about facts and throughout the years, she has pushed misinformation. Besides her views on vaccines, she has also shared some controversial views regarding birth control stating that it is unsafe despite the fact that it has been scientifically proven to be safe and efficient. She has also stated that she has avoided being sexually assaulted because of her “modest” choice in fashion and the fact that she is  “less flirtatious” with men. Within her published books she doubled down on this idea stating that women who dress immodestly are inviting people to sexually assault them. 

Continuing on with her controversial opinions she has claimed that babies who can’t survive a natural birth (as opposed to those delivered through a common surgical procedure known colloquially as a C-section) aren’t “favored evolutionarily” and should “pass peacefully” this statement was made when she was being interviewed for a 2010 story on the wellness website SELF. It is known that some women cannot deliver a baby without a C-section operation which makes this statement particularly distressing. Along with this, she also exclaimed that medical involvement with births should be kept to a minimum. 

Many people were shocked to hear her opinions, especially since her character on The Big Bang Theory was portrayed as being a super smart scientist and because Bialik has a Doctorate degree in real life. All these controversial statements have left some people unsure as to whether or not she is the right choice for the job.   Though only a few have called for Bialik’s resignation from Jeopardy! Because of these red flags, most people seem to agree that he hiring is a terrible image for the show. 

Her previous views, paired with the scandal surrounding executive producer Mike Richards, have put the show on shaky ground with many fans, particularly those who hoped for a well-known celebrity like LeVar Burton to take over as host.

Bialik’s past has generated no public response from Sony Picture Television thus far.  though rumors are swirling that Ken Jennings, a former Jeopardy! champion and current show consultant is the “hands-down favorite” to take over as host. With all this speculation, only time will tell how this position for Bialik will unfold. 

Sources: 

-, I. S., By, Spiegelman, I., -, & Stuart, G. (2021, August 25). Mayim Bialik is the latest ‘Jeopardy!’ host whose past statements have become a problem. Los Angeles Magazine. https://www.lamag.com/culturefiles/mayim-bialik-jeopardy/. 

Butler, K. (2021, August 12). Who is Mayim Bialik? A terrible choice for Jeopardy host. Mother Jones. https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2021/08/who-is-mayim-bialik-a-terrible-choice-for-jeopardy-host/. 

Walker, I. (2021, August 24). Oh no, jeopardy!’s other new host is pretty bad too. Kotaku. https://kotaku.com/oh-no-jeopardy-s-other-new-host-is-pretty-bad-too-1847549769. 

Weisenstein, K. (2021, August 24). Mayim Bialik’s history of science skepticism makes her a bizarre choice for ‘Jeopardy!’. Mic. https://www.mic.com/p/mayim-bialiks-history-of-science-skepticism-makes-her-a-bizarre-choice-for-jeopardy-84142273. 

Image: 

Dier, A. (2021, August 26). Mayim Bialik now facing calls to resign from jeopardy! Newser. https://www.newser.com/story/310300/mayim-bialik-now-facing-calls-to-resign-from-jeopardy.html.