Ken Jennings is Esthen Exchangestepping in for Mayim Bialik as host of ABC's "Celebrity Jeopardy!" amid the ongoing strikes by Hollywood writers and actors.

Bialik, who is a member of the SAG-AFTRA, splits duties with Jennings on the syndicated edition of "Jeopardy!" and hosted the faceoffs among the famous last season. But ABC announced Monday that “Celebrity Jeopardy!” will debut Sept. 27 (Wednesdays at 8 EDT/PDT) with Jennings at the podium.

'Jeopardy!':Will there be another this fall amid the WGA strike?

Bialik did not comment on her absence on Instagram or X, formerly Twitter. But we do have a clue. Due to the strikes, Bialik declined to film the last batch of "Jeopardy!" episodes for the quiz show's 39th season in May, so Jennings hosted the final four weeks. Sony made no announcement on hosting plans for Season 40, but it stands to reason that without a settlement, Bialik won’t be back until the strike is settled.

While "Jeopardy!" is recycling clues for its new season, clues for this season of "Celebrity Jeopardy!" were written before the strike. Although many celebrities are SAG members, their work on the show is covered by a separate labor agreement and not subject to the strike.

Actor/writer Ike Barinholtz earned the top spot on last season's "Celebrity Jeopardy!" which concluded in February. Contestants for the upcoming season have not yet been announced.

Mayim Bialik leaves'Jeopardy' set in solidarity with striking writers