Mike Richards has been confirmed as Jeopardy!'s new permanent host. The game show was created by Merv Griffin and originally premiered on NBC on March 30, 1964. The show initially ended in 1975, although a weekly syndicated version aired from 1974-1975. A revival series titled The All-New Jeopardy! aired on NBC from 1978-1979. Ever since 1984, a daily syndicated series continues to air to this day that is made by Sony Pictures Television.
Both of the NBC iterations of Jeopardy! included Art Fleming as the permanent host. Don Pardo was the announcer until 1975, while John Harlan had The All-New Jeopardy! gig from 1978-1979. Johnny Gilbert has been serving as the announcer ever since 1984, which is also when Alex Trebek started hosting the daily version of the show. Unfortunately, he passed away in 2020 after his battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Ever since, the show has had guest hosts fill in for him, including former champion Ken Jennings.
Variety confirmed that Richards has been brought on board as the new permanent host of Jeopardy!. Before settling on Richards, who is also an executive producer on the show, the guest hosts often acted as on-air auditions. While he has been an executive producer of Jeopardy! since last year, he will continue in that role along with his new status as the permanent host. See below for the full statements from Sony Pictures' Chairman of Global Television Studios Ravi Ahuja and Richards:
Ahuja: “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!' 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. A senior group of Sony Pictures Television executives pored over footage from every episode, reviewed research from multiple panels and focus groups, and got valuable input from our key partners and ‘Jeopardy!’ viewers.”
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. Alex believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show. I was fortunate to witness his professionalism, intensity and kindness up close and that will serve as the ultimate blueprint as we continue to produce the show we love."
Since initial speculation began to surface that Richards could become the next permanent host of Jeopardy!, he has faced some backlash. Richards was previously involved in some employment discrimination lawsuits during his time working on The Price Is Right. He was specifically accused of pregnancy discrimination by two former models from the show. At the same time, Richards was also accused of questionable behavior involving the models on the show, specifically by those who were pregnant. However, he responded that this dispute was against the show and that it doesn't reflect on him. This clearly hasn't impacted Richards' ability to secure this particular job.
On paper, Richards seems like a strong candidate for the position. He certainly isn't a newcomer to the game show industry, since he has served as an executive producer on Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, and The Price Is Right, among others. Richards is also rather comfortable in front of the camera and has a vast knowledge of how the show is supposed to run. However, it seems like an odd choice to bring him on board, considering the discrimination cases. He doesn't have another public persona apart from these cases, which certainly isn't a positive introduction for him to replace Trebek. For the sake of Jeopardy!, hopefully Richards is able to bring his own spin to the show in a way that is successful. LeVar Burton has received a lot of support to take over as the permanent host, who would have been the smarter choice.
Source: Variety