Mike Richards and Mayim Bialik to Take Turns as Hosts on ‘Jeopardy!’

Following the unfortunate passing of Alex Trebek in November 2021, Sony Pictures Television has been experimenting with various guest hosts in their quest for a new face for the popular primetime game show Jeopardy! After trial runs with several hosts from different backgrounds, Sony has now made their decision. Well, decisions.

Heading the show as the primary host moving forward will be Mike Richards, the executive producer of Jeopardy!. Joining him in hosting duties will be actress Mayim Bialik, who will take the helm for special primetime episodes and possibly a spin-off.

“We are excited to embark on the next stage of America’s beloved quiz show with Mike leading our daily episodes and Mayim at the helm for new versions of Jeopardy!,” shared Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and corporate development at Sony Pictures, in an interview with Variety. “This decision was made with great care. Extensive effort and contemplation were dedicated to this process, perhaps more so than ever in the history of host selections for a show – it’s Jeopardy! after all, following in the footsteps of the irreplaceable Alex Trebek. A dedicated team of senior Sony Pictures Television executives meticulously analyzed footage from every episode, studied feedback from multiple panels and focus groups, and received valuable insights from our key partners and devoted Jeopardy! viewers.”

Recent Update: “Jeopardy!” revealed its choice of two hosts to continue the legacy of Alex Trebek: Mike Richards, the show’s executive producer, and Mayim Bialik, the actress and neuroscientist recognized for her roles in “The Big Bang Theory” and “Blossom.” https://t.co/EkhDa47mFN

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2021

“Being selected to take on such a monumental role is beyond my wildest expectations,” expressed Richards. “I am profoundly honored to stand at the podium and will dedicate myself to ensuring our exceptional contestants shine in every episode. Alex believed that the game itself and the contestants were the heart of the show. Witnessing his professionalism, dedication, and kindness firsthand was a privilege, and it will serve as the guiding model as we produce the show we hold dear. I am delighted to have Mayim on board with the Jeopardy! team. Her academic background and passion for the game made her a remarkable guest host. Co-producing the primetime series with her as the host is a privilege.”

“I am absolutely thrilled to be welcomed into the Jeopardy! family,” said Bialik. “What started as a rumor shared by my 15-year-old on Instagram about me guest hosting the show has blossomed into one of the most exhilarating and surreal opportunities of my life! I am filled with gratitude and anticipation to continue collaborating with Mike Richards, and I am overjoyed to team up with him and Sony. After all our discussions about this collaboration, I am eager to get things rolling!”