It's Double 'Jeopardy!': Mike Richards And Mayim Bialik Will Be New Hosts

[babylonsister]

https://www.npr.org/2021/08/11/1026751579/jeopardy-new-hosts-mike-richards-mayim-bialik


It's Double 'Jeopardy!': Mike Richards And Mayim Bialik Will Be New Hosts
August 11, 20211:05 PM ET


After weeks of celebrity tryouts, leaks and heated speculation by game show fans, current executive producer Mike Richards and actor Mayim Bialik have been named permanent co-hosts of Jeopardy!, marking the first time two people will host one of television's most popular game show. Richards will host the daily syndicated program while Bialik hosts the primetime series and new spinoffs.

Widely-circulated reports that Richard was first in line for the job provoked immediate backlash online. Critics described the choice as unadventurous and pointed to a lawsuit alleging toxic behavior in a previous job. Infuriated fans of LeVar Burton, the beloved television icon known for his work on shows ranging from Roots to Reading Rainbow to Star Trek: The Next Generation were also quick to express displeasure.

In a statement, Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures wrote, "We took this decision incredibly seriously. 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's Jeopardy! 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 and Jeopardy! viewers."

[solara]

1. Well, I sure won't be watching

the "new Jeopardy". Apparently, Alex Trebeck's legacy matters not to Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures.

Sad.

[EYESORE 9001]

2. I know it isn't him, but whenever I see his name I think of...

[Me.]

5. Don't Mind HIm At All

and contrary to many I wasn't thrilled with Mayim. However I am mainly thankful it's not Jennings.

[Hortensis]

6. :) Ok. I liked her specifically but didn't think Alex's replacement would be a woman,

so I'm pleased. Richards wasn't my favorite male, but the only one I had a problem with was that facts-optional snake oil hawker they presumably threw in to jerk people around.

Alex was a gentleman with a big. broad mind. But when he first arrived no way could he have filled the shoes of the public icon he became over decades.

[LiberalFighter]

7. Many of the fan favorites encompassed small groups.

Not enough to justify their selection. The key is how the focus groups saw them. Questions likely asked was how did the guest host respond and interact with the contestants. Jeopardy is not looking for a key group. They want a broad segment to watch the show.

I'm a fan of the GBP and Star Trek. But I'm not going push for Rodgers or Burton to have the spot because of that.