Mike Richards, Mayim Bialik.Photo: Joe Scarnici/WireImage; Amanda Edwards/Getty Images
Jeopardy!officially has its next host.
Jeopardy!executive producerMike Richardswas announced as the permanent host of the hit syndicated game show on Wednesday, about nine months after the death of longtime hostAlex Trebek. Additionally,Mayim Bialikhas been tapped to hostJeopardy!primetime and spinoff series, including the just-announcedJeopardy! National College Championship, an all-new tournament which will air in primetime on ABC in 2022.
“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of America’s Favorite Quiz Show with Mike hosting our daily show and Mayim hosting new versions ofJeopardy!,” Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures, said in a statement. “We took this decision incredibly seriously.”
The statement continued, “A tremendous amount of work and deliberation has gone into it, perhaps more than has ever gone into the selection of hosts for a show — deservedly so because it’sJeopardy!and we are following the incomparable Alex Trebek. A senior group of Sony Pictures Television executives pored over footage from every episode, reviewed research from multiple panels and focus groups, and got valuable input from our key partners andJeopardy!viewers.”
“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. Mike is a unique talent, at ease behind the podium and a double threat as producer and host. Mayim has a wonderful energy, an innate sense of the game, and an authentic curiosity that naturally represents theJeopardy!brand. We are excited to get to work with them both and are confident that they will carry on the legacy of this iconic show.”
Mike Richards.Carol Kaelson/Jeopardy Productions
Both Richards, 46, and Bialik, 45,guest-hosted the showin recent months while executives were on the hunt for a full-time replacement — Richards in February and theBig Bang Theoryalum in May.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version ofJeopardy!,” Richards said in a statement. “Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude. I am incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern and will work tirelessly to make sure our brilliant contestants shine in each and every episode. Alex believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show. I was fortunate to witness his professionalism, intensity and kindness up close and that will serve as the ultimate blueprint as we continue to produce the show we love. I am thrilled that Mayim is joining theJeopardy!team. Her academic track record and enthusiasm for the game made her a terrific guest host. It will be a privilege to produce the primetime series with her as host.”
Added Bialik, who has her PhD in neuroscience from UCLA, “I couldn’t be more thrilled to join theJeopardy!family. What started out with my 15-year-old repeating a rumor from Instagram that I should guest host the show has turned into one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities of my life! I’m so grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards, and I’m just over the moon to join forces with him and Sony. After all the conversations we’ve had about this partnership, I am just so ready to get started!”
Mayim Bialik.Jeopardy/Instagram
Richards, whoreceived praise from viewersduring his time at the podium, recently made headlines due toallegations of discriminationfrom when he worked onThe Price Is Right.
RELATED VIDEO:Savannah Guthrieon Alex Trebek’s Legacy, Says New Host ofJeopardy!Will Have ‘Big Shoes to Fill’
Trebek, who began hosting the show in 1984,diedlast November at the age of 80, over a year after he was firstdiagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer. After nearly 40 years, hisfinal day in the studiowas Oct. 29 — just 10 days before his death — and hislast episodeas host aired in January.
In an interview withTodayat the time, Richards called Trebek “an absolute warrior.”
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The 38th season ofJeopardy!, with Richards as host, is set to premiere Sep. 13.
source: people.com
