It is not uncommon for fans to have strong opinions about hosts and judges of competition shows, and they often express those opinions publicly on social media or in online forums. This article focuses on two long-running game shows, Wheel of Fortune and “Jeopardy!,” and their respective hosts, Pat Sajak and Mayim Bialik, as well as former “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings, who has also served as a guest host.
Pat Sajak has been hosting “Wheel of Fortune” for over 40 years and is known for his humorous banter with contestants. However, some recent incidents on the show, such as pulling a fake fish out of his pocket and tugging on a contestant’s beard, have sparked criticism from fans who found his behavior inappropriate or cringeworthy. Nonetheless, some fans defended Sajak’s actions, particularly when he had to scold a contestant who tried to claim a prize she hadn’t earned yet.
Meanwhile, “Jeopardy!” has been struggling to find a permanent host since the death of long-time host Alex Trebek in 2020. Ken Jennings, who holds the record for the most consecutive wins and total earnings on the show, was the first guest host and has been a fan favorite. However, after a controversy involving executive producer Mike Richards, who briefly became the new host before stepping down due to past offensive comments, Mayim Bialik and Jennings have been sharing hosting duties. While some fans prefer Bialik’s style, others have criticized her for pausing too long before confirming answers or making snorting sounds when contestants give wrong answers.
