Mike Richards Ousted as ‘Jeopardy!’ & ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Executive Producer
Mike Richards is making headlines…. again. Less than two weeks after stepping down as the host of Jeopardy!, Richards, also an executive producer on the trivia contest as well as the game show Wheel of Fortune, is leaving his behind-the-scenes roles, too.
After previously being named Jeopardy!‘s permanent host earlier this month, Richards became embroiled in controversy when past lawsuits and offensive comments he made on podcasts came to public light. And now, according to Deadline, he’s departing the game shows altogether, per Sony Pictures Television’s own statement.
In a memo to employees from Suzanne Prete, Sony Pictures Television’s EVP of Business and Strategy for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, revealed the reasoning behind Richards’ exit. “I’m writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately,” Prete’s letter to staffers began, according to Deadline. “We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened.”
(Credit: Courtesy of CBS Television Distribution)
Richards was one of the many guest hosts who took over Jeopardy! in Season 37 following the death of Alex Trebek. Others who stepped behind the podium included Ken Jennings, Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz, footballer Aaron Rodgers, CNN’s Anderson Cooper, Bill Whitaker, Savannah Guthrie, Buzzy Cohen, Mayim Bialik, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, LeVar Burton, David Faber, and Joe Buck. To fill the void left by Richards, Jeopardy! is appointing more guest hosts and looking to utilize Bialik, who was previously announced as host of the show’s primetime installments and the helmer of the Jeopardy! National College Championship.
“Michael Davies from Embassy Row has agreed to help with production on an interim basis until further notice,” Prete added in her note. “Michael and I will work together with all of you in the weeks ahead to ensure that production remains on schedule and we do not miss a beat as we head into the new season.”
Stay tuned for updates and let us know what you think of Richards’ exit from the game shows in the comments section, below.
Jeopardy!, Weeknights, Check your local listings
Wheel of Fortune, Weeknights, Check your local listings
Conversation10 Comments
Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.
Comments are closed on this story.
-
G
I think it is ridiculous. Making a big deal out of comments made long ago in a different time!
No Ken No Buzzy No Lavar
4 1
-
B
I agree. The man cleaned out his closet when he stepped down. I feel sure some of the other ones has a few in theirs. It took a lot out of Mike to step down and at least he did it as a "man". People are so cruel and mean nowadays. Why do they want to destroy??? You might as well give the job to Levar and his followers. They will not stop until you do. They got his head on a platter and ruined this man's career.
Everybody deserves a second chance especially when he admitted and said an apology from day one. I am sorry Mr. Richards I felt you would have made an awesome host of a good game show. My prayers are with you and your family.
3
-
R
I agree. We finally had a good host. He not only lost that job, but his behind the scenes as well. So many men losing their jobs and reputation for things said in the past. When will it all stop. I personally think it is terrible what so called society has done to so many good men. Everyone has made mistakes and made comments that would not go over in todays times. However, isn't the past the past?
3
-
-
B
Forget the cancel culture. Keep him
4 1
-
R
It’s for the best. Alex set a high standard & past behavior aside, Mike’s being chosen didn’t sit right with many fans who felt his selection was fixed. Now that his controversial comments from 7 years ago have come under scrutiny... (kinda) sorry to say a complete break with Jeopardy/ Sony is best.
Boy, I bet if Jeopardy & Mike got a do over, they’d for sure choose someone else for the hosting gig, avoid the microscope & Mike stays as EP. Too late now.
I’ve always hoped for Ken to be permanent host but apparently Jeopardy brass is gun shy about him now since some old Tweets have come to light. Ken!! jeez..C’mon!!! (😊). He’s apologized and I think since he’s ‘family’ we’d give him a pass...
I’m ok with Buzzy if that’s what happens. Seems like it’ll be awhile.
Good luck to Mike in whatever is next. He did a good job as showrunner during this strange post-Alex year (up till he was named permanent host).
2
-
P
I wish him luck but I would enjoy seeing Buzzy Cohen!!
2
-
R
I think this is ridiculous and Has to stop
3 1
-
L
It's for the best. It's time to move ahead to continue the integrity that Alex Trebek and Jeopardy stand for.
3 1
-
G
Too bad we can't dig into every guest host, every person who's ever worked behind the scenes, every announcer or advertising ex or hey, maybe even our favorite ASK MATT person. Maybe we should NOT read Alex's book after all.
3 2
-
G
OK best of luck in his future endeavors. Now, sign up Buzzy Cohen as permanent host posthaste!
1
Watchlist Easy access to only the shows you care about — all in one simple place
Alerts Only important notifications — when a show is returning, when it becomes available to stream, and more.
Special Offers Exclusive products we release related to your favorite shows and streaming services