‘Jeopardy!’ has announced its new permanent host of the iconic show with executive producer Mike Richards filling the role that Alex Trebek had for 37 years.
In a twist to the long-running speculation of who would fill the iconic presenter’s shoes, show bosses also announced that actress Mayim Bialik would host the franchise’s primetime specials and spinoffs.
Showrunners also announced a spin-off, ‘Jeopardy! National College Championship,’ due to air in 2022. The special will feature 15 colleges and universities from across the country battling it out for the top spot.
TV Producer Richards and actress, neuroscientist, and author Mayim Bialik were chosen after a long list of celebrities took the Jeopardy reins while bosses continued to find a permanent host.
Veteran journalist Katie Couric made her debut as the first female guest host of the long-running quiz show back in March and was followed by the likes of CNN host Anderson Cooper, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker.
Bialik, who is known for her role as neuroscientist Amy Farrah Fowler on the CBS sitcom “The Big Bang Theory” for nine years before becoming a neuroscientist in real life in 2007, guest hosted the show in May.
“Being a woman of science, as I am, is something I’m very passionate about presenting myself as. I really didn’t grow up with a lot of female role models,” she said after her guest-hosting stint.
Richards produced numerous game shows including the “Weakest Link,” “The Price is Right,” “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” and “Wheel of Fortune” before being brought in as executive producer of “Jeopardy” for the 2020-21 season.
Trebek passed away in November 2020 at 80 after a nearly two-year battle with stage IV pancreatic cancer. He hosted “Jeopardy!” for 36 years continuing his quiz master duties throughout his health troubles.
Following his death, Richards appeared at the start of the November 9, 2020 episode to pay tribute to him and appeared as guest host of the show in February.
While guest-hosting, Richards would sign off with a tribute to Trebek: “I just want to say, 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.”
Richards will officially take over the reins as host at the start of the show’s 38th season later this year.
These are big shoes to fill, but what do you think of the appointment of these two? Post your thoughts below and don’t forget to share this story with all the ‘Jeopardy!’ fans you know.
