'Jeopardy!' producer Richards named host; role for Bialik

[left-of-center2012]

Eight months after the death of beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek, the daily syndicated quiz show chose its executive producer, Mike Richards, as Trebek’s successor over a field of celebrity candidates. But after fan backlash to a selection process that turned messy in recent weeks, producer Sony split the pie by naming another guest host, actor Mayim Bialik, as emcee for “Jeopardy!” primetime and spinoff series, including a new college championship.

In another nod to “Jeopardy!” devotees, longtime champion Ken Jennings will return as a consulting producer.

Richards will retain executive producing duties for “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” Sony Pictures Television said in a statement Wednesday. The studio also appeared to deflect any thought that it was bowing to the dismay that some fans expressed when word leaked last week that Richards would be the pick.

“We knew early on that we wanted to divide the hosting responsibilities and it became very clear that Mike and Mayim were the undeniable choices. They were both at the top of our research and analysis,” said Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios for Sony Pictures. “We took this decision incredibly seriously.”

https://apnews.com/article/jeopardy-host-mike-richards-alex-trebek-mayim-bialik-5a917fa2b4f72e010a7bef2ab61a3de1

[Hugh_Lebowski]

1. Yay Mayim!!!

I love her and thought she did an excellent job in the host chair.

[malaise]

2. All I'll say is go Matt

Last edited Wed Aug 11, 2021, 02:06 PM - Edit history (1)

I liked Mike RIchards until I heard that he treated co-workers badly.

I think it's a bad idea to have the Exec producer as host but what do I know.

I found Bialik way too 'nuff' but so are Jennings and many others.

I'll watch the contestants. Go Matt.

[left-of-center2012]

3. "I found Bialik way too 'nuff'"

OK ~ what is 'nuff'?

[malaise]

4. Extra, full of herself as in "Enough."

It's Jamaican

[left-of-center2012]

8. "It's Jamaican"

[malaise]

5. Extra, full of herself as in "Enough."

It's Jamaican

[Hugh_Lebowski]

12. I'm not always the best with social cues ... is this ... sarcasm?

[malaise]

14. I found that she made it about her

I was very surprised when I looked at the polls and saw her way up

[malaise]

15. I found that she made it about her

I was very surprised when I looked at the polls and saw her way up

[Hugh_Lebowski]

16. Yeah, I find those people with doctorates in neuroscience often think they're all that

Of course, it could be that Sheldon rubbed off on her over the years ...

[malaise]

17. Well the truth is that they are all that - those are some serious qualifications

but do they make the best hosts on trivia shows?

[Hugh_Lebowski]

18. I'll admit I didn't watch every guest but I caught her twice and thought she did great

Of course, the comparison is naturally going to be with Alex, the Master ... and I thought she conducted the show in a manner extremely reminiscent of him.

Very possible I missed episodes where she came off like an egomaniac.

[Harker]

6. Can Art Fleming be canonized now?

Thank you, Mother.

[lpbk2713]

7. Well at least Jennings got a little respect.

Maybe he will fill in some times when needed.

[malaise]

9. He earned his as the best Jeopardy player of all time n/t

[lpbk2713]

10. There's no question in my mind. Jennings is an icon.

There was a time when if someone said or did something particularly brilliant
people would say "Hey Einstein".

Now they say "Hey Ken Jennings".

[marble falls]

11. There's great hosts and there's great contestants. Jennings is a great contestant.

[malaise]

13. We agree