Mayim Bialik Reveals Brutal Jeopardy! Fan Response: 'We Don't Prefer You to Ken'

Mayim Bialik may have solidified her place as Jeopardy! co-host, but she's yet to win over every fan. In a recent episode of her podcast, "Mayim Bialik's Breakdown," the actor and game show host revealed that since joining Jeopardy!, she's been on the receiving end of some brutal fan criticism.

Following Alex Trebek's death, Bialik was tapped as an interim host, switching off with legendary former contestant Ken Jennings.

On Bialik's podcast episode, which was released in early June but drew newfound attention this week, her guest Justin Long asked, "Do you get a lot of like, 'We like you better than Ken,' 'We prefer you to Ken.'"

"Sometimes. Sometimes I get 'We don't prefer you to Ken,'" replied Bialik.

"Isn't that wild," said Long. "It's probably the only profession that I can think of — or maybe politicians — where people will tell you deeply insulting things but with a big smile?"

In an interview with Newsweek in April, Bialik noted that the intense fan criticism is new to her.

"It's been unbelievable," Bialik said at the time. "It's an unbelievable turn of events in my life and career to have this opportunity, but yes, I did not know the depth of in particular the social media presence of people who are so passionate about Jeopardy!"

Jeopardy! airs weeknights in syndication, with new episodes airing through July.

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Deena ElGenaidi's writing has been featured in Nylon, MTV News, Insider, The AV Club, and more. You can follow her on Twitter @deenaelg.