How Did ‘Jeopardy!’ EP Mike Richards Do as Guest Host? Fans Weigh In
Jeopardy! welcomed its second guest host since Alex Trebek‘s death, as executive producer Mike Richards stepped into the spotlight February 22, hot on the heels of G.O.A.T. champion Ken Jennings‘ successful run.
At the start of the show, Richards explained just what he was doing there. The experienced host and multiple Emmy-winning producer explained that due to COVID some potential guest hosts were “understandably a little reticent to shoot. So, as the producer, my job is to quite literally live the mantra ‘the show must go on.'”
At the end of the show, he also paid tribute to the beloved Trebek, saying, “As Alex said, we’re trying to build a kinder and gentler society. And if we all pitch in just a little bit, we’re going to get there. See you next time.”
Richards will host the show for the next two weeks, finishing his gig on Friday, March 5. So, how did he do on his first night out?
We would have guessed that he’d have a hard time getting better reviews than Jennings, as a majority of Jeopardy! fans seemed pretty darn happy with the job that he did. So far, though, fans are on board with the suave multi-hyphenate. Below, what some have to say. And be sure to tell us how you thought he did in the comments below!
Can Mike Richards be the standard for future #Jeopardy hosts?
He’s awesome…
— Ed Murdoch (@emurdoch1) February 23, 2021
I thought Mike Richards did an excellent job hosting #jeopardy tonight! Ken Jennings was great, too. Big shoes to fill, that’s for sure, but the Jeopardy legacy lives on! pic.twitter.com/62FuiBBfYT
— Rebecca was vaccinated! 🧬 (@RLMorales123) February 23, 2021
I give Mike Richards a solid A for his first game. Friendly demeanor, kept the pace going. #Jeopardy
— Phil Lemos (@Phil_Lemos) February 23, 2021
Mike Richards is better at this than Ken Jennings. #Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/Q3sz63ZVK8
— ross (@OnceUponARoss) February 23, 2021
Absolutely LOVED Mike Richards tonight!!! 💙 #Jeopardy https://t.co/vTSF7sqksN
— Amanda 🧁 (@Amanda_Badgett) February 23, 2021
Alex Trebek would’ve been proud of his executive producer.
Mike Richards did an awesome job on his first episode as guest-host on @Jeopardy pic.twitter.com/EaFBYMkbqf— Roxana Callejas (@SalvyRox) February 23, 2021
Fellow guest stars including Katie Couric, who begins her run on Monday, March 8, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Aaron Rodgers, Bill Whittaker, and Mayim Bialik are coming up next.
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Conversation74 Comments
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C
STOP THE PRESSES !! No need to go any further. Mike Richards is the person to take over Alex Trebek’s job on Jeopardy. He is amazing !! Wonderful voice, perfect demeanor, completely comfortable in front of the camera, quick on the draw, well dressed and overall wonderful presentation. He checks all of the boxes. He makes the transition from Alex so much easier. Don’t lose this opportunity, Jeopardy brass.
26 5
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O
Anyone, but Ken Jennings! Dull, no personality
9 5
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G
Totally agree... cheering him to the finish line
12 3
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M
Thought Mike Richards did a great job. Time to move forward.
15 1
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C
Agree with other comments!!! Mike Richards is 100% ready to step in as permanent host. There will never be another Alex but Mike Richards checks all the boxes for a great moving forward for Jeopardy
15 6
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G
I think Mike Richards did a great job. He is very personable like Alex. Being a Jeopardy watcher for as long it has been on air, I want to let you know, I will NOT watch Jeopardy while Katie Couric is host. I do not need to be reprogramed!
10 4
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Cecelia
Ken Jennings was very good, but Mike Richards is 100%. He has a great voice for hosting, his demeanor is friendly, but professional, does well interviewing his contestants and reading the questions. Let's keep him permanently!!
5
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G
Mike Richards, without a doubt and without looking any further, is the best suited to host Jeopardy! I vote for him. He has the looks, the voice, the mannerism, and everything about him is absolutely perfect to host Jeopardy! Though Alex can never be replaced, Mike Richards is the next best person to be the host. Alex would be proud of him. Please let it be Mike Richards. I cannot see, or even imagine, any of the other host candidates being suitable. And, if someone other than Mike Richards (or Ken Jennings) is chosen, it will be my last time watching Jeopardy!
6 1
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I didn’t see his introduction, so I didn’t know who Mike Richards was until I googled him. I was shocked he did that with virtually no prep because his hosting came up rather suddenly. Total pro and very natural at the podium. I’d be happy with him as permanent host.
7 2
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P
Can't wait to tune out Katie Couric for two weeks. UGH. She failed at CBS News. Should have stayed being perky at NBC on "Today" and made billions. Executive Producer Mike Richards SHOULD be the guy! For his first-ever show, he nailed it. In command, great voice and personality. Don't overthink it, ABC. THIS IS THE GUY. Sorry that he's a white male, but go with TALENT.
9 4
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R
I liked him; very pleasant voice with a smooth rhythm.
7 3
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P
I’m hoping that Ken will be the guest host. He brings warmth and comfort to the show.
14 10
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I felt Mike was amazingly good. I would tune in to watch him.
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My mother is a hard core Jeopardy fan, jou don't call during the show, she and I both absolutely loved the job he did. He wasn't trying to copy Alex like Ken did. Runs a good place, spoke clearly. All good, we give an A++++
5 2
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O
Why settle for hamburger (Ken), when you could have steak (Mike) Mike has my vote!
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He is the most like Alex of all the people being considered. He is bright, articulate and quick. He also has that little twinkle in his eye like Alex. His sense of humor is spot on.
2
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O
Mike Richards was great! Hope he becomes the permanent host.
2
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C
He’s doing a terrific job. Keep him on. His voice and pronouncing of words are right on.
2
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G
I like Mike. Better than Ken. Mike has about the same demeanor as Alex did. I felt that Ken sometimes attitude was that he was better than the contestants or was surprised that they didn’t know the answers. Keep Mike I think you found your replacement
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P
Hoping that Mike Richards becomes the new host, if Ken gets it i will not watch the show. Ken can't top him.he is not half as good.
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G
Mike Richards lnocked it out of the park! He can take over permanently as far as I'm concerned. Charming, witty, obviously bright and articulate...enjoyed him far more than we did the g.o.a.t.
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I like Mike Richards and he is doing a great job! I really don’t think that any of the people on the list can come close and do the show justice. Mike has the personality to carry the show forward and Alex would be proud to see this happen. Lots of producers appear on the shows they produce and do an excellent job. Keep Mike as ghost please.
2
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O
Me Richards is doing an excellent job. I would continue to watch if he is host
2
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O
I loved Mike. He has the look, he has the voice and he did a great job!
2
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O
No to Dr Oz and Aaron Roger's please no.
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He is great!! So is Ken Jennings !! I would pick ken just because he did an awesome job and conquer the game.. !!
3 1
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O
I loved Ken Jennings as the host. He was quick witted, kind and settled in like a pro. Mike Richards so far is -not to be mean- very monotone voice, and well just dull oh and he gesticulates way to much. I really hope Ken Jennings will end up being the new host. I think Alex Trebek would be very please. Good luck to all though.
9 7
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I think Mike Richards would be a great replacement for Alex. He’s a natural.
4 2
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O
Mike was great! Terrific comments, looked neat, kept the questions going and he worked so well with the contestants. He would be a top notch pick!
5 3
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B
He did a wonderful job!
3 1
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B
Mike Richards is fantastic
Did not like Katie Couric
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C
I like Mike. Ken Jennings did excellent job, but but he is not as personable as Mike. Without going through the other guests, let's just name Mike.
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O
Can't stand Jennings voice for more than whatever time it takes to switch the channel! Richards much better to listen to & look at for sure!
2 1
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R
I agree with many, Mike Richards is doing an excellent job as host. I think he would be a GREAT permanent host. His voice is easy to listen to, his phrasing of the questions is good, he is handsome and debonair. I think Alex would be proud of Mike.
2 1
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O
Great job, hire him
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B
He acts like a robot and has no personality.
3 2
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B
Mike was dull and boring.
5 4
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C
Mike Richards impressive. Smart, articulate, handsome - sense of humor - very Alex-like. Add me to the list of having him as future host!
5 4
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O
Mike did a good job but Ken earned it. Give it to Ken
4 3
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B
I was very happy with Mike Richards, handsome, easy on the eye, just like Alex. Love his voice and think he should be the permanent Jeopardy host.
1
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C
Too many and too much time spent on finding a replacement. Ken and mike will be hard to beat. 👍👍
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B
Mike Richards is great. Either he or Jeff Foxworthy
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B
Mike Richards and Jennings did an excellent job kind of reminds me of each other. Sorry to hear that you were putting Katie Couric on! Won’t be watching it for a while.
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P
Love Mike Richards. 1000% better than Ken Jennings. More professional, experienced, great personality and much easier on eyes. Hope he becomes permant host for Jeopardy. Does great job! DON'T PICK KEN JENNINGS!!!!!!
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C
Mike Richards is awesome he should be the next Jeopardy Show Host.
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C
Why all the celebrities? You have two perfect host Ken Jennning and Mike Richards - pick one either one - been watching since It was hosted by Fleming
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G
Mike is doing an excellent job. I really liked Ken and thought he did a good job and I was rooting for him, but I have to admit I think Mike is doing a better job.
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O
Mike Richards is trying hard, but ohhh, he's no Jennings. Please just make Jennings the permanent host. It is painful enough losing Alex.
2 2
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This guy is a natural. His voice, diction, and pace are very relaxed., keeping u focused on each question. If I didn't know better, I would think he's been hosting Jeopardy for years. He's good looking to!
3 3
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P
Mike Richards was very good. Reminded me of Alex.
3 3
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G
Huh ?
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B
Mike is vanilla with no toppings. He has little personality. As much as I didn't like Ken Jennings as a player, I really like him as a host. Mike has nothing on Ken
3 3
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G
Mike Richards is way too slick and polished. He will not connect with average people over the long haul. Plus, his voice is consciously effected and not at all natural sounding . Ken Jennings is a much much better choice. Forget about the other 3. They’re losers.
3 3
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O
Hire Mike Richards NOW!!!
4 4
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O
Mr Richards did a fine job. A very distant 2nd to Ken Jennings. As for the upcoming “celebrity judges” will not watch after 30+ years
1 1
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B
While I agree with your opinion of Mike vs Ken, I look forward to seeing what the others bring!!
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B
I thought Mike Richards was great as the Jeopardy host. His voice is terrific and his style is a lot like Alex Trebek's. I think it would be good to have an "unknown" to replace Trebek instead of these celebrities who have a "past". Ken had a lot of pauses on wrong answers and his voice is rather annoying.
4 4
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Please pass this along to the powers that be:
I noticed this annoyance particularly happening on CNN's "Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy." The translation on the screen bottom is in white which is impossible to read on a white piece of clothing or a lighter background. If the words were on a black background strip, it would be readable. Another instance of this difficult-to-read case, is new: showing what's being texted on a cellphone. Really? Or am I the only person who doesn't own an 80 inch movie-screen TV?
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O
I thought Mike Richards did a great job, but he seemed like a typical polished game show host. I think Ken Jennings is a refreshing change from the norm. He is personable, genuine, slightly nerdy in a likeable way, and absolutely credible as a Jeopardy champion.
1
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G
Ken Jennings is terrific and I hope he is the final choice. Mike Richards is boring and I believe he had an inside track because he is an executive producer. I watched three days this week and that was enough.
1
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O
Mark talks too fast and does not pause between sentences. Ken was a much better host
1
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C
I'm sorry, I don’t want to be rude, but to me, Mike Richards is a cold fish. No twinkle in his eye, no empathy towards the contestant... Ken was doing a great job. Give him the position.
2 3
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O
I will not be watching Curic when she hosts.
1
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R
I think executive producer mike is great!! I also think Ken Jennings did an awesome job. Ken Jennings conquer the game and Alex would be very happy if he was the new Host. So as I keep an open mind... I so far believe Ken Jennings should be game host!!!!!
2 3
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O
He seems too polished, like a sleezy used car sslesman.
5 6
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B
And as another said, very monotone
4 2
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C
Long time Jeopardy fan, not a fan of Mike Richards. For someone that's supposedly a seasoned host (I've never seen him in anything) he seems a little stiff. I realize that no one is going to easily replace Alex and I understand that even Alex wasn't the same in the beginning, as he was in the end. Maybe we shouldn't be looking for another Alex, but I don't think Mike Richards is the guy either.
2
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G
I think Mike did a good job, but Jennings did a "Great" job. When Mike was giving accolades to Alex,he sounded more rehearsed than sincere, like Jennings.
1 3
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O
Mike Richards is NOT right for Alex's job !!!!
No fun, too technical, talks WAY too fast, not people caring. I can't keep tract of questions.
All monotone.
My husband & I Both want Ken Jennings back. He's kind.
3 5
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O
i got the care and feeling from Ken - about how he felt about Alex and about carrying on the dignity and the fun of Jeopardy that makes it so watchable. While Mike Richards did a great job of keeping the show running, and keeping the energy up, I felt like I was listening to a used car salesman. But I will watch Jeopardy as long as it feels like Alex's game . . . (Way to go Ken . . .!)
3
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O
Katie Coric?
Anderson Cooper. ?
Savannah Guthrie. ?
Have the producers lost their collective minds ?
Sorry, but this long time fan will NOT be viewing if and when those three radicals appears guest hosts.
3 6
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G
Nor will my husband and I and we are long time watchers of the show.
1 5
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G
Enjoyed Ken and felt he was much more personable and true to heart than Mike. Ken seemed to better represent the character of what Alex built for the show. Mike may be a better EP than a host.
2 6
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R
This is the difference between a professional broadcaster (Richards) and an amateur (Jennings). Bring on some more broadcasters to try out.
4