After 7 months and 16 guest hosts, ‘Jeopardy!’ looks set to finally get a permanent host- in the form of Executive Producer, Mike Richards.
Richards was the second guest host to step into the late, great Alex Trebek’s shoes, after Ken Jennings’ six-week run. It wasn’t planned to have Richards step behind the Jeopardy podium, rather a quick replacement to bridge Jennings’ run and the slew of celebrities that followed.
However, Richards, who joined the staple quiz show as executive producer only last year, wowed both audiences and Sony Pictures Television who are now in advanced negotiations with the 46-year-old to become permanent host of the quiz show, previously fronted by fan-favorite Trebek for 36 years.
‘Jeopardy!’ EP, Mike Richards To Become Permanent Host?
A spokesperson for Sony Pictures revealed that discussions were ongoing with several potential candidates and though he would not comment specifically on Richards’ status, it is clear to those close to the negotiation table that Richards is the front runner to get the gig.
Though it seems it could be a strange leap for a producer to step in front of the camera, Richards began his television tenure as host of Divided and The Pyramid for Sony Pictures’ Game Show Network and High School Reunion on The WB and Beauty and the Geek for The CW.
In 2008 he changed gears, joining The Price Is Right as a co-executive producer. His EP credits also include Let’s Make a Deal and he was partly responsible for selling the Wayne Brady-fronted revival to CBS. Before his move to Jeopardy! Richards found his home with Sony Pictures when serving as EP on the celebrity edition of ABC’s Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.
Former contestant and Jeopardy! GOAT, Jennings was long considered a front-runner to succeed Trebek, however, it could be his tenure as a Chaser on ABC’s The Chase that halted the negotiations- if Jennings was interested at all.
Buzzy Cohen, another former contestant who hosted the Tournament of Champions was said to be a strong contender to take the podium permanently while neuroscientist and actress, Mayim Bialik and actor/host LeVar Burton also threw their hats in the ring.
While no announcement has been made yet, it is almost assured it will be Richards who will make another U-turn in his career to take over from Trebek.
Jeopardy! airs weeknights on NBC.
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