Just lately Named ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Mike Richards Ways Down
The very long, fraught course of action of replacing Alex Trebek blew up Friday when the new host of “Jeopardy!” stepped down from the work nine days after landing it.
Mike Richards, an executive producer of the video game clearly show, had presently weathered controversy about his within part in the choosing look for and his involvement in past employment lawsuits when producer Sony Pics Tv named him as entire-time host last week.
On Wednesday, even so, the Ringer noted on crass remarks and jokes Mr. Richards had produced on a podcast of his about 8 many years ago. That resulted in outcry, specially from “Jeopardy!” admirers and previous contestants who watch the present as a bastion of egalitarian intelligence. The community response convinced Sony that it would be impossible for Mr. Richards to keep on as host, and prompted his conclusion to exit that position, in accordance to a human being acquainted with the problem.
Now production has halted on “Jeopardy!”, one of the most useful attributes in tv, as Sony strains up one or a lot more stand-ins, and plunges again into the procedure of hiring a long-lasting host. Meanwhile, Mr. Richards stays on the “Jeopardy!” staff members as govt producer, elevating issues about why he was permitted to maintain that occupation, and how he would interact with the host who sooner or later replaces him.
Sony defended the selection and drew a difference amongst the function Mr. Richards would have played as the confront of the demonstrate and the job he will go on at the rear of the scenes. “Mike has been with us for the past two yrs and has led the Jeopardy! crew by way of the most difficult time the exhibit has ever experienced,” the organization explained in a statement. “It is our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect.” Mr. Richards also serves as executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune.”