Mike Richards in ‘Advanced Talks’ to Become Permanent ‘Jeopardy!’ Host
Has Jeopardy! found its permanent host? The quiz show is reportedly in advanced negotiations with executive producer Mike Richards to take over the post.
According to Variety, Richards is the front-runner for the gig previously held by the late great Alex Trebek. Fans got to know Richards following first guest host and GOAT champ Ken Jennings‘ run in the position earlier this year.
Several others have taken over guest-hosting duties since, making it clear that the show was considering its options, but they’re supposedly narrowing in Richards’ favor. After Trebek died in November of 2020, the remainder of his episodes aired through the first week of the new year in 2021, when the guest hosts first began taking over.
Variety stated that a Sony Pictures spokesman said discussions about the permanent hosting job are still ongoing with other potential candidates still in the race. While the spokesperson wouldn’t comment on Richards specifically, the word “frontrunner” is being used to describe his status. Others who have reportedly been strongly considered are Tournament of Champions vet Buzzy Cohen and The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik.
(Credit: Jeopardy!, Inc.)
Guest hosts have included Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz, footballer Aaron Rodgers, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Bill Whitaker, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, and LeVar Burton. Currently, David Faber is fronting the game show with Joe Buck to follow him in the final week of the season.
Richards’ experience in the game show world is extensive. He served as host of GSN’s Divided and The Pyramid and along with Jeopardy! has executive produced on shows such as The Price Is Right, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, and Wheel of Fortune among others.
What do you think of the possibility that Mike Richards could be Jeopardy!‘s permanent host? Let us know in the comments section below.
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Mike Richards is the perfect choice. He is experienced, he is familiar with the inner workings of the show, has a great TV voice and is very personable. Alex would be pleased for sure.
16 4
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I loved Mike Richards right from the beginning. The other hosts were ok but it seems Mike seems like he would be the perfect host.
10 1
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C
200% support Mike Richards as next Jeopardy host. He has been my top choice all along! I hope the powers that be give him the gig!!
11 4
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I was so surprised to discover how much I liked Mayim Bialik as host on jeopardy. I didn’t even know who she was, but she did a fantastic job - very relaxed and very real. Her wardrobe could use some work though. Please seriously consider her - she really was great.
14 7
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Richards remains my favorite of all the ones that have taken a shot. I know Alex knew him and would be pleased with the choice with his great personality!
8 2
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Mike Richards is an excellent choice.
7 2
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Yayyyy!!!! Mike has the smooth charm and grace to become an icon in his own right over time.
7 2
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Ken Jennings would be my choice as for Mayim Bialik I found her to be full of herself, she always had to comment about how she was connected to the subject or the answer
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I thought Buzzy was the best! But I will continue to watch no matter what!!!
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Mike Richards was the best.However David Farmer is great as well
6 2
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Great choice.
6 2
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David Faber, IMO, was the best so far among hosts who are renown for other than Jeopardy. My preference is a “ no name” ( lacking a better term).
Buzzy, Ken or Mike.
I get it. If indeed it’s Mike; fantastic.
The game is the star of the show, even when Alex hosted. He knew it too. That’s why he never wanted to be introduced as the star , but the host.
His humility was one of his many great qualities.
4 1
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As an avid and beloved Jeopardy fan for decades, I know Mike Richards is the best choice for the spot. No one else is more knowledgeable or dedicated to take over this integral part of Americana.
6 3
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I think When David Faber is host it just seems right. More like Alex than any other guest host. I don’t even know who he is and could not understand why they picked him. After just 1 episode it just seemed so right. Not exaggerated and phony like other hosts. I was always voting for Ken but now I’m not sure!!!
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I was drawn immediately to David Faber - he checked all the boxes and is a completely fresh face.
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I like Aaron Roger's, Mike Richard's and David Faber, they are all very good!
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Mike Faber current host is best after Ken Jennings. Prefer Ken but the only one other is Faber.
3 1
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He's been my favorite since he guest hosted.
4 2
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MikeRichards.
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Ken Jennings! THE BEST candidate!
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Perfect!! And thank you, no, to Levar Burton, Katie Couric, Robin Roberts and Savannah Guthrie. Buzzy and David Faber would also be good choices, imo.
2 1
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Mike Richards is my first choice. Followed by Buzzy Cohen and Mayim Balik. Although David Faber is doing a good job.
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Mike would be ok. I think Aaron Rodgers was the best, and I like David Faber really well (tho didn’t know who he was)! As long as it ISNT Oz or LeVar Burton or Couric I’ll be happy!
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I am so in favor of Mike Richards. I was for him from the beginning. He would be such an asset to the game and I know Alex would be happy that he was the one who replaced him.
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C
I didn't care for him. I won't be watching Jeopardy any more. I was very disappointed that he was the one they chose especially after I read about him firing a pregnant woman and sexually harassing another. I think their ratings will go down. Anybody else but him. He doesn't seem warm and sincere like Alex was. I will find something rlsr yo watch.
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I loved Aaron Rogers, he can’t always play football!!!
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Mike Richards is definitely the best choice!!!!
1 1
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Yay Mike Richards. Congrats!
1 1
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Mike Richards is fine with me. I preferred Ken Jennings 1st. No on Lavar Burton.
1 1
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Mike Richards would be great.
1 1
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We liked all but two of the guest hosts and also thought Mike is the best choice!! Hope to see Mike again😀
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Mike Richards has been my very favorite from the start, but I had to wait for LeVar Burton, who didn't do as well as I'd hoped he would. It's hard to explain, but I was most relaxed with Richards.
1 1
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Mike Richards is my favorite choice to host Jeopardy. He did a great job hosting and would be the perfect successor to Alex Trebek.
1 1
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Mike Richards was outstanding! He gets my vote!! I did enjoy Buzzy as well; but Mayim was annoying as she couldn’t stop talking about herself.
1 1
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IMO bad choice. He’s too “smooth”. Doesn’t bring credibility to the show. I probably won’t watch the show much anymore. You are forever missed Alex.
2 2
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He is Perfect for the job.
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Would be an excellent choice, although I was hoping that Mayim B would get the job and put a woman in this high-profile role.
5 6
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Horrible choice!
1 3
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Anyone but Lavar Burton would be good. Myim Bialek would be great!!!
3 5
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I don’t know why they would pick him. He was very bland. My am Bialic should be the host.
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I liked him from the day he did his stint. I thought he would be perfect for the job. BTW, the current champion is an arrogant, disrespectful, butt head. Why does it appear he's standing with his back to the other contestants? When he gave the answer, What's MLK?" I wanted to come through my TV. He may be the champion, but not in my book.
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Think Sheldon Cooper and try not to judge too harshly.
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Sorry, but no.
1 4
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I liked Mayim Bialik too
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Was Hoping for Levar Burton
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ROLEMAYIM BIALIK WAS THE BEST OF ALL! FOLLOWED CLOSELY BY BUZZY COHEN.
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I know I’m only one person, but if anyone other than Ken Jennings take over I’m no longer watching jeopardy. I feel that Alex wanted him to take his place
3 7
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If Mike Richards becomes the permanent host, I will NEVER watch again!!
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