Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy!
After Alex Trebek’s sad passing, two new hosts were picked to lead Jeopardy! But now that the two new hosts have been named, some fans aren’t happy about one of the choices…
Jeopardy!’s New Hosts
Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions
There’s no question: late quiz show host Alex Trebek will always be the best Jeopardy! host of all time. However, now, some new faces will lead the program. Recently, Sony Pictures Television announced two new picks for the show. The first was Mike Richards, a podcaster, game show host, and executive producer of shows like Wheel of Fortune and The Price Is Right. “I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of Jeopardy!,” Richards said in a statement. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude. I am incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern and will work tirelessly to make sure our brilliant contestants shine in each and every episode.”
Meanwhile, the second host is mathematician and Big Bang Theory actress Mayim Bialik. “What started out with my 15-year-old repeating a rumor from Instagram that I should guest host the show has turned into one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities of my life!” she said in a statement. “I’m so grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards, and I’m just over the moon to join forces with him and Sony.”
However, fans are not too happy about one of the new Jeopardy! hosts…
Tons Of Controversy
Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions
Within just a few days of his announcement, some of Richards’ past comments came back to haunt him. Apparently, on his comedy podcast The Ringer, he made derogatory towards women. Meanwhile, while guest-hosting The Price Is Right, he allegedly discriminated against pregnant models. “I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or how we worked together on The Price is Right,” he wrote on Twitter on August 9.
However, while some stood up for Richards, as it was a comedy podcast, it was not enough. Earlier this week, Richards stepped down from the hosting gig. “I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing,” Richards said Friday in a memo to staff members of the show, announcing he would no longer host the show. “I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
Of course, Sony accepted his resignation without question. “We support Mike’s decision to step down as host,” the company said in a statement Friday. “We have spoken with him about our concerns and our expectations moving forward.” For the time being, Mayim Bialik will host the show alone, but fans expect another announcement shortly…who will it be? Only time will tell!
