The search for the new host of Jeopardy! took an unexpected turn. Mike Richards, the executive producer of the show, faced backlash after appointing himself as the host following a series of guest hosts. Revelations surfaced about Richards making inappropriate remarks on a podcast and being involved in discrimination lawsuits. Amid public discontent, Richards stepped down from the hosting role last week, but the repercussions linger.
Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of business and strategy for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, informed staff through a memo that Richards had been dismissed from his role as executive producer of both shows. She stated, “I’m writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately. We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position, it would have minimized the disruption we have all experienced. Unfortunately, that has not been the case.”
Sony has fired Mike Richards as the executive producer of #Jeopardy and #WheelOfFortune. Michael Davies, the “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” executive producer whose Embassy Row shingle is based at Sony, will take over production duties in the interim. https://t.co/obfAgsbrBx pic.twitter.com/Xe0z7JK71X
— Variety (@Variety) August 31, 2021
Michael Davies, the executive producer of Who Wants to be a Millionaire from Embassy Row, will assume Richards’ responsibilities temporarily. Regarding the hosting of Jeopardy!, the episodes featuring Richards as host will still be broadcast before Mayim Bialik, the selected host for primetime episodes, takes over regular hosting duties alongside a rotation of guest hosts.
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