Mayim Bialik, Ken Jennings to fill in as 'Jeopardy!' hosts for rest of 2021 after Mike Richards exit

Actress Mayim Bialik and former "Jeopardy!" champion Ken Jennings will fill in as hosts of the beloved game show for the remainder of the year following host and executive producer Mike Richards' exit.

Bialik will host episodes airing through Nov. 5, after which she and Jennings will "split hosting duties as their schedules allow," Sony Pictures Television announced Thursday.

Bialik was originally enlisted to host just primetime specials and tournaments while Richards hosted the nightly games, but Sony announced last month that she would temporarily step in as host after Richards stepped down following backlash over his past offensive comments.

"Jeopardy!" spent much of the past year rotating 16 guest hosts at the podium once manned by the late longtime host, Alex Trebek. Some, including LeVar Burton, Richards and Jennings, were contenders for the permanent slot, while others, such as "Good Morning America" anchor Robin Roberts, were paying tribute to Trebek's legacy.

Richards opened the 38th season on Monday, after taping initial episodes Aug. 19. Sony previously said additional guest hosts would be announced at a later time until a new permanent emcee is named.

Bialik currently stars on Fox sitcom "Call Me Kat," which won't return until midseason, freeing her up to step in.

Jennings previously told USA TODAY that he didn't want to take over as host, because "it means we don't get Alex."