It looks like Jeopardy! might have found its new permanent host in Mike Richards, one of the show’s executive producers.
The American producer, known for working on game shows such as The Price Is Right and Let’s Make a Deal, is said to be in advanced negotiations to fill in Alex Trebek’s role permanently.
Richards was also among the temporary hosts that took turns to host the beloved quiz show following Trebek’s death in 2020.
Fans Of 'Jeopardy!' Wanted Levar Burton
Fans of the program, however, don’t seem too thrilled at the idea of Richards poised to become the new host.
“Why did they even bother having a tryout for Jeopardy host if they were just going to install one of the executive producers?” One fan wrote on Twitter.
Some of them wanted actor and children’s television host Levar Burton, who served as a guest host for Jeopardy! for a week at the end of July 2021.
Certain Twitter users are also convinced that Burton’s ethnicity played a role in him not being considered for the host gig.
“jeopardy: we're searching for a new host
everyone: ok we want
@levarburton
j: we want to see who the audience responds to best
e: we levar
j: if only we had some idea who to choose
e: le var bur ton
j: congrats to mike richards
e: that's not how you spell levar,” another user tweeted.
“I have watched Jeopardy! every day for decades. The Mike Richards news is a bummer,” was another comment.
“‘After an extensive and totally fair job search, I have decided to hire…myself' - Mike Richards,” was one comment.
Richard Was Involved In A Toxic Workplace Lawsuit In 2012
Despite the criticism, Richards also have some fan who are eager to see his stint on Jeopardy! calling him "the best [host] by far”.
“Y’all clearly don’t watch Jeopardy. He was one of the first guest hosts and has been the best BY FAR. He’s also producer of the show. Strong opinions, but don’t watch the show….” one fan of Richards wrote.
In 2012, Richards was involved in a lawsuit filed by one of The Price Is Right’s models, Brandi Cochran, who was allegedly discriminated against due to her pregnancy.
Cochran alleged that Richards didn’t talk to her as frequently, and he implied to her that she would have been one of the models fired had the pregnancy not been secret. She also said she was pressured to announce her pregnancy on the air, and when she delivered the news that she was carrying twins, she was given less work.
At trial, Richards denied unfavorable treatment to Cochran. The model win the lawsuit and was awarded $7,763,440 in damages by a Los Angeles Superior Court jury.