Mike Richards Has Stepped Down From His Brand New Gig As The Host Of “Jeopardy!”
Mayim Bialik better quit her actual day job because Jeopardy! needs a new full-time host. Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards and Mayim Bialick were just announced as the new hosts of the game show, replacing international treasure Alex Trebek. Mike was going to be the daily host of the syndicated show while Blossom hosts primetime specials and spin-off shows. But then a shit ton of bad press hit Mike Richards. Mike was accused of sexism and discrimination while he was a producer on The Price is Right. Then earlier this week, The Ringer brought out a bunch of bigoted, sexist, and racist comments Mike made on his podcast The Randumb Show in 2013 and 2014. Mike apologized for those comments, but I guess it wasn’t enough. Because he’s now out of a job. Mike announced to his staff that he will no longer host Jeopardy!. So they trotted out a parade of guests hosts (when they probably already made the decision to hire Mike Richards) and this happens!?! Bring out ThePriceisRightlosinghorn.
The Wrap says that production on the new season of Jeopardy! started yesterday with Mike hosting. But this morning, Mike let his staff know that he’s out as host and the show will bring in more guest hosts as they search for a permanent one.
“It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter.
As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show. As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today.
SPT will now resume the search for a permanent syndicated host. In the meantime, we will be bringing back guest hosts to continue production for the new season, details of which will be announced next week.
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. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence.”
This might have had to do with the Anti-Defamation League calling for an investigation into Mike’s “pattern” of offensive comments.
Sony Pictures Television, the production company behind Jeopardy!, put out a statement, saying that they still support Mike. Translation: “He may be too messy for a job in front of the camera, but we can keep paying him shit-tons for being behind the scenes.”
“We support Mike’s decision to step down as host. We were surprised this week to learn of Mike’s 2013/2014 podcast and the offensive language he used in the past. We have spoken with him about our concerns and our expectations moving forward. Mike has been with us for the last two years and has led the Jeopardy! team through the most challenging time the show has ever experienced. It is our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect.”
The five episodes that Mike filmed yesterday will still air. AWKWARD. Mike is having a shit day but you know who isn’t? The internet’s choice for the Jeopardy! job, LeVar Burton:
Happy Friday, y’all!
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) August 20, 2021
Back to the drawing board! Meanwhile, Ken Jennings is somewhere coiffing his hair and waiting for a phone call. But he should then prepare for the Bean Dad scrutiny to come back. And if Ken survives the second Trial By Bean Dad he can have the job.
Pic: Wenn.com