The past three weeks have been controversial to say the least. Just days before Richards was announced as permanent host, he downplayed his part in employment lawsuits during his tenure at The Price Is Right. A week later, The Ringer dug up old podcasts in which he made offensive comments about women and ethnic minorities. Sony Pictures stood by him until today when it became apparent after all that had transpired that he would not be able to effectively continue in his role as executive producer. Suzanne Prete, executive vice president of business and strategy at Sony Pictures Television, announced Richards’ departure as EP in a memo to Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune staff. “I’m writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately,” Prete wrote. “We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened.” Michael Davies from Embassy Row will help with production of both shows on an interim basis until further notice. The British-born veteran producer has developed many game shows, including the American version of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire and Wife Swap. Meanwhile, Mayim Bialik, the recently announced host of Jeopardy!’s primetime specials, will serve for three weeks as the show’s first guest host. The search for a permanent host is ongoing. Alex Trebek, who hosted Jeopardy! for 36 years until he died in November 2020, offered a little insight from time to time about the person who would one day replace him. “Don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever,” he told ABC News back in 2019. “But I’m sure that if you give them the same love and attention and respect that you have shown me … then they will be a success and the show will continue being a success.’”
Read the full memo on Mike Richards’ firing:
Jeopardy! host timeline
Jan. 11-Aug. 13—Jeopardy! welcomes a variety of guest hosts 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 at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened. Michael Davies from Embassy Row has agreed to help with production on an interim basis until further notice. Michael and I will work together with all of you in the weeks ahead to ensure that production remains on schedule and we do not miss a beat as we head into the new season. I know this has been a challenging time for the entire team, and I want to thank you all for your cooperation and professionalism over these last few weeks. As Ravi mentioned last week, I will be more involved in the day-to-day on our shows moving forward and I am looking forward to working closely with all of you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything. Sincerely, Suzanne Aug. 9—Mike Richards downplays lawsuits during his tenure at The Price Is Right Aug. 11—Sony Pictures announces Mike Richards (syndicated) and Mayim Bialik (primetime) as new hosts of Jeopardy! Aug. 19—Mike Richards apologizes for offensive comments made on podcast, The Randumb Show Aug. 20—Mike Richards ousted as host of Jeopardy! Aug. 23—Mayim Bialik selected as guest host for the next three weeks of Jeopardy! Aug. 31—Mike Richards fired as EP of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune Next, See the Full List of Jeopardy! Guest Hosts
