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

Martin Holmes August 5, 2021, 10:04 am

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

“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.

YALL COULD HAVE A WHOLE ICONIC LEVAR BURTON BUT YOU PICKING CHAD MCWHITERSON FOR… WHAT???https://t.co/Ks2I7ymhYi

— Luvvie is the #ProfessionalTroublemaker (@Luvvie) August 4, 2021

LeVar Burton should be the next host of “Jeopardy!” I can’t believe we’re even having this discussion. He’s the obvious choice.

— Charlotte Clymer ️‍ (@cmclymer) August 4, 2021

Can you hear the direction the fans are leaning? @levarburton is the only choice for host. You’re about to lose viewers in droves.

— Frankie Daniels (@TheDeviantSaint) August 5, 2021

TFW you hear Jeopardy is in negotiations to make Mike Richards the permanent host and NOT LeVar Burton. pic.twitter.com/Mj0XXxHOXK

— Humble Canuck DM #EveryChildMatters (@Nestene) August 4, 2021

Everyone: We would love to have Levar Burton host of Jeopardy.

Levar Burton: Yes please.

Jeopardy: We will give the job to the guy who hosted Beauty and the Geek, Mike Richards.

— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) August 4, 2021

I know zilch about Mike Richards, so nothing against him – but if the permanent host isn’t Levar Burton, then I don’t want it https://t.co/xzQ24A3nbY

— Patrick Pittis (@StumbleJohnson) August 4, 2021

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.

I LOVE LeVar and was rooting for him–but I thought he was pretty bad in his audition. Thought Mayim was best, with Aaron Rodgers and David Faber close seconds. But Richards? Please. Meh.

— Bullmoose Fan (@BullmooseF) August 5, 2021

All these folks saying ‘pick LeVar’ or ‘Alex woulda picked LeVar’ — at least half, maybe more, rarely even watch the show. Sorry, LeVar came off like he was doing Shakespeare-in-the-Park all week.

Although I feel Buzzy would have been the best choice, Mike will do a great job.

— Merrick (@broddybounce) August 5, 2021

I personally like David Faber for permanent host but ok with Mike Richards, JUST PLEASE NOT LEVAR BURTON.

— Barbara Vaden (@BarbVaden) August 4, 2021

Mayim Bialik-smart, fun, good interpersonal skills-next long term host please!!!! @missmayim @Jeopardy

— (@SotoWE1) August 5, 2021

David Faber is doing an awesome job. Great energy, pacing and player interviews. The only one who comes close is @buzztronics

— Hilo Greg (@HiloGreg) August 5, 2021

On the contrary, Dr. Mayim Bialik should be the next hostess of “Jeopardy!” She is the obvious choice.

— Robert E. Juliano (@julianorobertrj) August 4, 2021

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.

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. Same goes for David Faber. And btw, I absolutely love LeVar Burton as an actor and human being.

— FDV (@DelVecchioF) August 4, 2021

Mike Richards was wonderful… and why wouldn’t he be? He’s been developing Jeopardy for years. Intelligent, interesting, and no annoying habits.

— Pat Vitatoe (@PatVitatoelp) August 5, 2021

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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