The future is here for the “Jeopardy!” crew.
For the first time in the long-running game show’s history, two stars will take over the hosting reins from the late Alex Trebek.
Sony Pictures Television said Wednesday the quiz show’s controversial executive producer Mike Richards, as well as “The Big Bang Theory” actress Mayim Bialik, will host primetime and spinoff specials.
Trebek hosted “Jeopardy!” for 36 years and 8,200 episodes until his untimely death in November 2020. The Canada native passed away at 80 following his cancer battle.
Richards, 46, had been rumored for weeks to be the likely new host. The EP will start Season 38 as host of the daily syndication while Bialik, 45, is set to host a new spinoff series.
“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of America’s favorite quiz show with Mike hosting our daily show and Mayim hosting new versions of ‘Jeopardy!,’ ” said Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and corporate development for Sony Pictures. “We took this decision incredibly seriously. A tremendous amount of work and deliberation has gone into it, perhaps more than has ever gone into the selection of hosts for a show — deservedly so because it’s ‘Jeopardy!’ and we are following the incomparable Alex Trebek.”
Ahuja continued, “We knew early on that we wanted to divide the hosting responsibilities and it became very clear that Mike and Mayim were the undeniable choices. They were both at the top of our research and analysis. Mike is a unique talent, at ease behind the podium and a double threat as producer and host. Mayim has a wonderful energy, an innate sense of the game, and an authentic curiosity that naturally represents the ‘Jeopardy!’ brand. We are excited to get to work with them both and are confident that they will carry on the legacy of this iconic show.”
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of ‘Jeopardy!,’” said Richards. “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.”
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the ‘Jeopardy!’ family,” Bialik said. “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! 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. After all the conversations we’ve had about this partnership, I am just so ready to get started!”
Among the new programs Bialik will host is the “Jeopardy! National College Championship,” which is set to air on ABC next year.
Since Trebek’s passing, a plethora of celebrity guest hosts took over his coveted chair, including LeVar Burton, Katie Couric, Aaron Rodgers, Anderson Cooper, George Stephanopoulos and Robin Roberts.
Richards recently raised eyebrows when it was reported that he was involved in two lawsuits during his time as producer on “The Price Is Right.” In 2010, model Brandi Cochran claimed she was fired from the show because she was pregnant. In 2011, model Lanisha Cole also sued the series for sexual harassment and alleged that Richards and another producer were verbally abusive to her on set.
In an office memo allegedly sent to his staff Monday morning, Richards discussed his role in the lawsuits. “I want to address the complicated employment issues raised in the press during my time at ‘The Price is Right’ ten years ago. These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show,” he wrote.
“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 continued.
