Jeopardy! is in…er…jeopardy of having no host now that executive producer and almost host, Mike Richards has stepped away from the podium amid scandal after scandal. As the Anti-Defamation League calls for an investigation into Richard’s “pattern” of offensive comments, actress and bona fide smarty pants, Mayim Bialik has swooped in to save the day. For the quiz show, not on Richards’ behalf.
Bialik will be stepping in as host, while also keeping her position as host for special televised Jeopardy! events outside of the regular broadcast. For three weeks fans will see The Big Bang Theory star doling out the clues in the syndicated episodes of Jeopardy! before starting her role hosting the prime-time and spinoff series.
Jeopardy! Will See Mayim Bialik Step in as Anti-Defamation League Calls for Investigation on Mike Richards
With production beginning again next week, Sony will either have to find a new host in record time or add to the revolving door of guests who all took a turn stepping into late host, Alex Trebek’s shoes.
Richard’s appointment as host was met with so much resistance that, only 9 days after being announced as the host, he made a statement saying he will stepdown. However, 5 episodes of the quiz show had been filmed and these will air to maintain continuity with the contestants who won on those episodes when the next season begins in September .
The Anti-Defamation League posted a statement on Twitter prior to Richards’ resignation saying, “New Jeopardy! host Mike Richards’ disparaging remarks about Jews, women & Asians are no laughing matter. Stereotyping is an entry point to hate and his apology lacks acknowledgment of its harm. This reported pattern warrants an investigation.”
No formal confirmation of an investigation has been made, however, with Richards’ departure comes another crop of speculation as to who the replacement replacement host may be.
Reading Room host, LeVar Burton’s name is once again at the top of the list of names being tossed about among the general public. The 60 year old actor will have a tough slog to get anywhere near the top of the selection list, however, with a mediocre performance and poor ratings during his 5 day guest stint. Another chance may be offered which will appease his very vocal supporters (who apparently didn’t tune in for his short tenure).
Trebek himself had a few ideas as to who would be a suitable in the hosting role, often joking that Betty White would get the job done (puh-lese can we get Betty for a guest host run at the very least?). Getting serious, Trebek selected three possible successors: Alex Faust, the play-by-play announcer for the Los Angeles Kings (Canadian Trebek was a huge hockey fan), Turner Classic Movies host Ben Mankiewicz or CNN legal analyst and attorney, Laura Coates.
The already drama-fraught new season of Jeopardy! will begin September 13 with the return of contestant Matt Amodio. Amodio has already become the third-highest winning contestant during the show’s regular season, behind “Jeopardy!” G.O.A.T.s Jennings and James Holzhauer.
For any other soap opera and entertainment news, please visit again Daily Soap Dish. Don’t forget to visit The Go To Family for all of the latest travel news!.