‘Jeopardy!’ Viewers React to Mike Richards ‘Permanent Host’ News

Martin Holmes
23 Comments
Jeopardy Mike Richards
Jeopardy!, Inc.

Jeopardy! fans are still coming to terms with the news that the show’s executive producer Mike Richards is the front-runner to become the full-time host of the long-running CBS game show.

It’s especially tough to swallow for those hoping Star Trek actor LeVar Burton would get the gig. Burton, who guest-hosted last week, had been passionately campaigning to take the reins and had amassed quite a following of loyal supporters.

Following Variety‘s report that Sony Pictures is in “advanced negotiations” with Richards to take over from the late great Alex Trebek, fans took to social media to share their reactions, many of them shocked or disappointed.

Mike Richards in 'Advanced Talks' to Become Permanent 'Jeopardy!' Host
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Mike Richards in 'Advanced Talks' to Become Permanent 'Jeopardy!' Host

“YALL COULD HAVE A WHOLE ICONIC LEVAR BURTON BUT YOU PICKING CHAD MCWHITERSON FOR… WHAT???” tweeted author Luvvie Ajayi Jones. Many agreed with Jones’ assessment, with activist and writer Charlotte Clymer stating, “LeVar Burton should be the next host of “Jeopardy!” I can’t believe we’re even having this discussion. He’s the obvious choice.”

Check out more reactions below.

While Burton have a large, loyal following, there was plenty of support for other guest hosts, too, including The Big Bang Theory star Mayim Bialik, former Jeopardy! champion Buzzy Cohen, and current guest host David Faber.

But Richards also has plenty of support, albeit not so vociferous. “I don’t understand why everyone is so against Mike Richards as the new permanent host. He was affable, humorous, & would make a fine replacement for Alex,” wrote one viewer. And there were others that felt similarly.

While negotiations are said to be in advanced stages, an official decision has yet to be made regarding the new host. A Sony Pictures spokesperson told Variety that talks are still ongoing with other potential candidates still in the race, though the word “frontrunner” was used to describe Richards.

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  1. P

    PurpleAnchor

    My top three were Ken Jennings, Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards. Liked a few of others, but I really think they just did it for fun/charity as most have other day jobs. In all honesty, I didn’t think LeVar was all that great. In fact, he ranked near the bottom for me.

    5

  2. R

    RedPretzel

    THRILLED TO HEAR THE NEWS!!! Mike Richards rocked it, while Levar was abysmal!

    6 2

  3. W

    wolverine1070

    I think Mike will do a great job. Most of the guest hosts were wonderful but ultimately someone had to be selected to succeed Alex. There is no replacement for such an icon of games shows, but Mike is worthy to move Jeopardy! forward.

    7 3

  4. G

    GoldBattery

    I respect Levar Burton as an actor but his hosting gig unfortunately seemed like he was a performer/actor instead of a host. Nothing wrong with that. Mike Richards was one of the best guest hosts--and he was a last minute substitution at that. The whole point of Jeopardy is for the contestants to be the stars. Mike Richards, a so-called "no name," will ensure that that tradition continues.

    5 2

  5. C

    CyanGuitar

    I think Mike Richards would be great. Lavar Burton doesn’t do it nor does Ken Jennings. You want to replace Alex with Alex type and that’s Mike Richards or David Ferbar

    4 1

  6. C

    CyanTree

    What happened to Ken Jennings? He was my choice from the beginning. I did not enjoy LaVar Burton's bug eyed mugging! Phooey!

    4 1

  7. P

    PurpleHammer

    Thrilled to hear Mike Richards is top pick. Was my favorite all along. Mayim was my second choice with David Farber in third.

    I adore LaVar Burton and championed for him to get his shot. However, I feel he isn’t the best choice for permanent host.

    6 3

  8. A

    Antonio Montealegre

    Like I said on the EW site, If Mike Richards is picked, then I'm there. Although my personal pick would be Mayim Bialik...

    5 2

  9. G

    GreenBone

    Think Mike should keep his day job producing Jeopardy and other popular shows. Ken Jennings is the heir apparent.. Buzzy is our brainiac with charm and the women Mayim or Robin could be a beautiful new beginning for America's most popular show. Fingers crossed for a nice surprise.

    2

  10. O

    OliveChefHat

    I think Mike had the best audition for the show. LeVar Burton did not give a smooth or natural performance.

    2

  11. B

    BluePlanet

    Mayim or Faber were my favorites. Richards too stiff. Nepotism to hire executive producer

    1

  12. B

    BlueCactus

    David Fabre is so much better than mike Richards, he is closer in line to Alex. Mike Richards is a producer not a guy for in front of a camera on our tv’s!

    2 1

  13. R

    RedApple

    Mike Richards is an excellent choice. My first choice would be Buzzy, but Mike is perfectly acceptable; he has the smooth charm of a Las Vegas glad hander who makes everyone feel welcome and at ease.

    4 3

    1. R

      RedSeahorse

      I don't think the host of Jeopardy should be a "glad hander", but that is a good description of Richards. He is pleasant in a slick and superficial way. That would be okay for an ordinary game show, but Jeopardy is special, and deserves better. I thought Burton would be great, but he was just okay. I think David Faber, Ken Jennings or Mayim Bialik should get the job. They were all great. So was Sanjay Gupta, but I think his primary career is medical reporting.

      1

      1. B

        BlueBox

        You're right about the superficial part; David Faber's charm seems innate while Mike's seems learned. My next choice would be Buzzy because Ken is weak and Mayim [IMO] is an obnoxious egotist who dresses like Miss Frances from Ding Dong School.

  14. G

    GoldGlasses

    The whitest of the white

  15. O

    OrangeGuitar

    Making your Exec. Producer the Jeopardy host would be like “a kiss of death”.

  16. G

    GreenLobster

    Wont watch anymore if that's their choice

  17. G

    GoldFlame

    Liz your are right LeVar was definitely not all that great.But we all must pay attention this is another move to have more people of color in everything in from commercials to politics and changing history. It's the push by the movement BLM

  18. R

    RedGoggles

    You don’t refer to or criticize the obvious racism of someone using the name ‘Adam Mc Whiterson’ .. it’s obvious that to that person, LaVar Burton’s main qualification is his pigment color , and the lack of criticism on your part makes it seem that T V Insider stresses that same criteria

    ’

  19. O

    OrangeLamp

    I'm so glad Mike Richards got the job he got a great personality and a great smile and I know he will get the job done congratulations Mike

    1 1

  20. O

    OrangeFries

    I liked Mike Richards from the very beginning, thought he was the closest to Alex

    1

  21. C

    CyanCherries

    Not excited about this news. I’ll still watch, which is the bottom-line for Sony.

    1