'Jeopardy!' Officially Names Mike Richards And Mayim Bialik Hosts

Jeopardy's producer has been tapped as the permanent host of the popular game show, confirming speculation that began earlier this week! As Entertainment Tonight shares, Sony Pictures announced on Wednesday that Emmy-winning Mike Richards will take over from the late Alex Trebek, hosting the regular syndicated broadcast of Jeopardy!

In a statement, Richards shared that hosting the show is beyond his "wildest dreams," saying he is "incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern." And in exciting news, Richards isn't the only new personality to be joining the Jeopardy! team.

Mayim Bialik, a neuroscientist known for playing "Amy Farrah Fowler" on the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, will host special episodes of Jeopardy! This includes programming such as the National College Tournament and the Tournament of Champions. Richards said he's "thrilled" to be working with her because of her "academic track record and enthusiasm for the game."

The excitement for their partnership is mutual, as Bialik said she is "grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards," and "over the moon" about the opportunity. Both Bialik and Richards ended up getting cast in their respective roles months after Jeopardy! began auditioning prospective hosts.

Earlier this year, Jeopardy! began looking for a replacement to take over from longtime host Alex Trebek, who passed away in November 2020, Jeopardy! champion Ken Jennings was one of the possible contenders considered to succeed him, along with Aaron Rodgers, Katie Couric, and more.

According to Sony Pictures' Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development, Ravi Ahuja, the company put "a tremendous amount of work and deliberation" into choosing a new host. He said many people were consulted during the process, including senior execs, focus groups, and viewers of the show. 

Ahuja shared why Richards and Bialik in particular were chosen. "Mike is a unique talent, at ease behind the podium and a double threat as producer and host," he said. "Mayim has a wonderful energy, an innate sense of the game, and an authentic curiosity that naturally represents the Jeopardy! brand."

A start date for Richards taking over the role has not been set, but it's likely he will begin once the last guest host's week is up. Bialik has been confirmed to host the National College Championship in 2022, but her time on the show could begin sooner. We're excited to see how these two new hosts do, seeing as they have been entrusted with honouring Trebek's Jeopardy! legacy!