Mayim Bialik's upcoming role as one of the new hosts of "Jeopardy!" might have been even greater if she just had the time ... TMZ has learned

According to our Sony Studios sources ... "The Big Bang Theory" star became a frontrunner with bosses at Sony to permanently host the game show after guest hosting in March. On top of that, we're told the crew loved working with her AND she also tested highest in focus groups.

Our sources say several Sony execs were "very interested" in Mayim for hosting duties on the daily syndicated program, but because of her other commitments -- she stars and executive produces "Call Me Kat" on FOX, and hosts a podcast -- they knew it wasn't going to be possible.

So, because they loved her so much ... we're told "Jeopardy!" honchos came up with the idea for 2 hosts -- one for the daily show, and Mayim for the quiz show's primetime and spin-off specials.

We're told this became a top priority, and after about 6 weeks of negotiations ... Mayim reached a multi-year, multi-million-dollar deal to do just that, including the upcoming "Jeopardy! National College Championship" ... which will air in primetime on ABC.

As we reported ... EP Mike Richards was named the new host of the syndicated "Jeopardy!" while Mayim will do her thing on a more part-time basis.

Kaley Cuoco is moving on, not just from "The Big Bang Theory" ... she's also unloading her awesome estate.

Our real estate sources say she's just listed her $6.9 million home in the super-exclusive Mulholland Park estates in Tarzana.

As for Kaley's 7 bedroom home, listed by Keller Williams agent Stephanie Vitacco, it's 8,000 square feet, customized to the 9's, has a library, an amazing outdoor entertaining area, and a pretty awesome backyard with a pool.

'Big Bang' -- pretty much the most popular comedy during its run -- is wrapping after 12 seasons. The show wraps May 16. Kaley, who plays Penny, says, "It's broken my heart. I am so sad that it's ending. For the record, I would have done 20 more years."

"Big Bang Theory" star Kunal Nayyar is making one big gesture ... because he's one of several people who have donated to the family of late TV news anchor and reporter Chris Burrous.

Kunal donated $5,000 to Burrous' family Sunday, the largest donation yet on the GoFundMe account. The page was set up to help Chris' wife, Mai, and 9-year-old daughter, Isabella, cover funeral costs and other expenses in the wake of the popular KTLA anchor's shocking death.

Chris was found unresponsive in a Glendale hotel Dec. 27, and police say his death is being investigated as a possible overdose.

Kaley Cuoco ran after David Spade not once ... not twice ... but THREE. DAMN. TIMES. And it looked like it had the guy thinking, "Just shoot me."

The 'Big Bang Theory' star was outside Craig's in WeHo with a group of friends Thursday night when she noticed her former "8 Simple Rules" co-star walking out to grab his car from valet.

Kaley was determined NOT to let him leave without a quick hello that turned into a circus. We ask him if he's going to her wedding. She recently got engaged to her bf, Karl Cook.

Here's an odd pairing -- '80s rock stars, current TV stars and possibly you ... hooking up to protect farm animals. Any takers?

The celebs are auctioning off meet-and-greets to raise funds for a NY based nonprofit called Farm Sanctuary -- and they've got quite a stable of talent.

Joan Jett, Richard Marx and Mary Chapin Carpenter are on board -- along with Mayim Bialik from 'Big Bang Theory,' Emma Kenney from "Shameless" and "Downton Abbey" star Lesley Nicol.

The music stars are throwing in concert packages, and there's some other cool memorabilia up for auction, too -- like a Moby autographed guitar, and a Jason Mraz guitar string bracelet. Yup, that's a thing.

We're told everyone involved is seriously down for Farm Sanctuary's cause -- defending livestock from cruelty. Joan's even visited their shelter.

Old MacDonald would be proud!

Kaley Cuoco let her longtime bf swing in the wind for several uncomfortable moments when he popped the BIG question.

But yeah ... she eventually said yes.

Karl Cook asked the 'Big Bang Theory' star to marry him Thursday night, and recorded the whole tearful event. Not sure he was expecting the full water works, but Kaley was red-faced and sobbing so hard she forgot to give her dude an answer.

This is Kaley's 2nd marriage. Her divorce from Ryan Sweeting was finalized in 2016.

Like the equestrian she is ... Kaley's getting back on that horse!

Congrats!

Kaley Cuoco is leaving her divorce like a boss ... protecting the hell out of her 'Big Bang Theory' fortune.

We obtained the settlement agreement between Kaley and her now-ex hubby, tennis pro Ryan Sweeting, and she made out well, and the key is her prenup.

Kaley got hitched in 2013, and months later she reportedly signed a staggering $72 million contract -- $1 million an episode for 72 shows. That money is protected under the prenup -- it's all hers.

On top of that, she gets their home in Tarzana and their Santa Barbara area beach house.

Ryan did ... not so well. He walks away with a lump sum parting gift of $165,000. She's also agreed to pay the $195,000 bill for his 2 personal trainers.

Oh, one other thing. He gets to keep whatever cash and gift certificates in his possession. So, dinner at Chili's?

Kaley Cuoco got up close and personal with a fellow driver in L.A. -- and his Mercedes-Benz paid the price.

The 'Big Bang Theory' star exchanged information with the guy after she apparently rear-ended his ride with her Range Rover on a street near her home. Based on the pics, doesn't look too bad ... fender bender-ish at worst.

We're not saying the guy enjoyed getting hit from behind, but if you're gonna have an accident -- might as well be with a smoking hot TV star. Perks of life in L.A.

The daughters of a poet claim the folks behind "The Big Bang Theory" pilfered their late mother's poem and didn't pay a penny.

Edith Newlin published the poem in 1937 ... it's called "Warm Kitty." Her daughters Margaret and Ellen say in 2007, Warner Bros. wanted to use the lyrics for a song in the show -- a song the cast sings to Sheldon when he's sick -- which includes the lyrics, "Soft kitty, warm kitty."

Margaret says the studio cut a deal with a music company to use the lyrics, but not her ... and she says she and her sister are the rightful owners.

What's worse ... she says the song is part of 'Big Bang' merchandising.

So the song on 'Big Bang' has been used for years and now she wants the studio and others to ante up. She also wants an order prohibiting the show from continuing to use the song.

We reached out to Warner Bros. ... so far, no word back.

Fun fact -- The Barenaked Ladies wrote the theme song for "The Big Bang Theory".

Not so fun fact -- a former member of TBL says he hasn't received a dime for the work ... even though its TV's #1 comedy.

According to legal docs, former front man Steven Page claims he was promised 20% of all proceeds from the song. He says band member Ed Robertson is the only one collecting and has kept all the money for himself.

Page says he isn't sure of the total profits generated from the theme song but believes they are in excess of $1,000,000 -- and he's suing for his 20%.

Unravel the mystery ...

Carol Ann Susi -- one of the central characters on "The Big Bang Theory" -- died Tuesday after battling cancer ... according to execs on the hit show.

Susi played Howard Wolowitz's mom who almost NEVER appeared on camera -- but whose voice was heard in just about every episode.

'Big Bang' executive producer Chuck Lorre said ... "The Mrs. Wolowitz character became a bit of mystery throughout the show's eight seasons. What was not a mystery, however, was Carol Ann's immense talent and comedic timing."

Susi's rep described her cancer as "aggressive" ... and added it was a brief battle.

Wolowitz's mother was only seen once on 'Big Bang' -- and it was just a quick glimpse during Howard's wedding. It's unclear how Lorre and producers will handle Susi's death on the show. Her character's had a central plot line this season.

Carol Ann Susi was 62.

Khloe Kardashian's divorce isn't all bad -- TMZ has learned, she and Lamar Odom just dumped their massive marital mansion for a HUGE profit ... and now it's a "Big Bang Theory" star's problem.

As we first reported, Khloe and Lamar listed the 7-bedroom 8,000 sq. ft. Tarzana home last year for $4 million ... shortly before Khloe filed for divorce. They bought the house for $3.95 million in 2009.

Now, sources tell us, the home has sold for $5.49 million ... nearly $1.5 million more than the asking price. We're told Khloe's now looking for a new place near her mom in Hidden Hills.

"Big Bang Theory" actress Mayim Bialik has just sued over her serious car accident last year -- claiming it nearly cost her a hand.

As we reported, Bialik was driving in her white Volvo last August when it was struck by a 2013 Mustang in a Hollywood intersection. The other car was filled with Chilean tourists.

At the time, a source told us there was blood everywhere at the crash scene, stemming from major damage to Mayim's hand. Another source said "her finger was almost completely severed ... it was just hanging there."

Now the former "Blossom" star has filed a lawsuit against the other driver as well as Hertz Rent-a-Car -- presumably because the other car was a rental -- claiming she suffered injuries to her right hand, right thumb, and nerve damage.

She's suing for unspecified damages, but that includes lost wages -- and since she earns a reported 5 figures per episode on "Big Bang," it could really add up.

"Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik and her ex-hubby took the high road in finalizing their divorce -- splitting their real-estate evenly -- but upon further inspection it's clear, Mayim was the real winner.

According to docs, as part of Mayim's divorce settlement from non-famous person Michael Stone ... she scored the couple's 1,400-square-foot, 1-bedroom pad in Studio City.

Her ex got the couple's 1,300-square-foot, 3-bedroom casa in nearby Sherman Oaks.

While they're both similar in size, Mayim's pad is up in the hills -- views, mountains, wildlife.

Stone's pad is down in the flatlands -- Target, Costco, Zankou Chicken.

FYI -- The couple married in 2003 and filed for divorce in Nov. 2012. They have two sons together.

Mayim Bialik has filed for divorce, TMZ has learned.

The "Big Bang Theory" star filed the docs in L.A. County Superior Court against her husband Michael Stone, citing "irreconcilable differences."

They have two minor sons -- aged 7 and 4 -- and Mayim wants joint legal and physical custody.

Mayim and Michael were married in 2003.

The divorce docs were filed on November 21st -- the same day Mayim announced the couple's split -- but they were just released by the courts today.

In her announcement, Mayim -- who famously allows her kids to sleep in the same bed with her -- wrote, "The hands-on style of parenting we practice played no role in the changes that led to this decision."