TV Q&A: Why do ‘Jeopardy!’ hosts get different introductions?

Trib Total Media TV writer Rob Owen answers reader questions every Wednesday at TribLive.com in a column that also appears in the Sunday Tribune-Review.

Q: Any idea why on “Jeopardy!” Ken Jennings is introduced as hosting “Jeopardy!” but Mayim Bialik is introduced as the host of “Jeopardy!”?

— Kitty, Charleroi

Rob: It’s semantics and no one at “Jeopardy!” has offered an explanation, but I think the most logical way to understand it is Bialik was named the host of prime-time editions of “Jeopardy!” while no permanent host has been named for the daily evening edition. Hence, she is “the host” and he is “hosting,” since no successor for the daily show has been announced since the whole Mike Richards debacle.

Q: I would like to know if “Chasing Classic Cars” on the MotorTrend channel has been canceled. I cannot find anything on the website or on the internet. Also, is “Counting Cars” on the History Channel canceled? I can’t find anything on this show either.

— Nancy, Greensburg

Rob: “Chasing Classic Cars” is over, but a library of six seasons is available on MotorTrend+.

“Counting Cars” will return for another season, but there’s no premiere date available yet.

Q: Are we really going to have to see political ads now until November? When I see an ad, it makes me want to turn the channel, and they are so nasty on both sides. Why does any political firm think an ad in June really matters for an election in November?

— Dan, Marshall Township

Rob: I’m just a TV critic, not a political scientist, but it seems likely that political ads will be prevalent through November, which local TV stations love because they make a lot of money from them.

Q: This is interesting: Channel 11 felt the need to run a disclaimer crawl at the bottom of the screen saying it’s NBC’s decision to broadcast the Jan. 6 Committee hearings in their entirety. Are they concerned about election deniers’ backlash against the station?

— Mark, Squirrel Hill

Rob: It sure seems odd that any TV station would try to blame their network for coverage of a historic, newsmaking event about an attempt to thwart American democracy, especially since TV stations love to slap the “breaking news” label on everything. WPXI-TV general manager Kevin Hayes did not respond to Mark’s query.

Q: Any idea on what will replace the “Ellen” show on WTAE-TV and when that will happen? The reruns are getting to be a bit much!

— Becca via email

Rob: This question arrived just two weeks after the last original “Ellen” episode aired. Typically, daytime talk shows that end remain on-air and in reruns until September, though it’s possible Channel 4 will switch to a replacement show sooner.

As to what that might be, WTAE general manager Chuck Wolfertz did not respond when presented with Becca’s question, and a Hearst spokesman declined to comment.

The most likely replacements are “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” which could use an upgrade from late-night on WPXI-TV if the show is available to be relocated, a new talk show starring Jennifer Hudson that premieres in the fall or possibly an added hour of local news.

Q: I have been receiving emails and texts saying that Clint Black’s “The Mostly Hits The Mrs. Tour” is going to be shown on PBS stations nationwide beginning on June 4. Can you please tell me when it will be shown on WQED-TV?

— Sherry, Murrysville

Rob: This is a PBS pledge program that not all PBS stations air. WQED has no plans to air it.