Jeopardy! picks Richards, Bialik to host

Executive producer Mike Richards will take the late Alex Trebek’s place behind the podium on the beloved American quiz show, while actress-scientist Mayim Bialik will lead Jeopardy! specials and spin-offs. In a nod to the show’s devotees, longest winning-streak champion Ken Jennings will return as a consulting producer.

How did Richards get the job? He joined a slate of guest hosts who auditioned by hosting a week of shows following Trebek’s death from pancreatic cancer in November. Trebek emceed the show for 37 years. The contenders included Jeopardy! champs Jennings and Buzzy Cohen, actors Bialik and LeVar Burton, NFL player Aaron Rodgers, and TV journalists. Some fans expressed disappointment at Richards’ selection, especially those who hoped to see the show elevate a woman or minority to the prestigious role. In a statement Wednesday, Richards promised to adhere to Trebek’s belief that “the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show.”

Dig deeper: Read Collin Garbarino’s report in Muse about how various guest hosts did in their Jeopardy! tryouts.