‘Jeopardy!’ reportedly found its new host to replace Alex Trebek
By Nadine DeNinno - New York Post
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After months of speculation, it seems “Jeopardy!” could be hiring from within for its new host to replace Alex Trebek.
The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, is said to be in “advanced negotiations” with Sony Pictures Television to take over the role as host of America’s beloved game show, Variety exclusively reported.
The 46-year-old, who just joined the production last year, reportedly impressed Sony with his guest-hosting stint in late February, according to Variety.
Sony declined to comment to The Post regarding a permanent “Jeopardy!” host.
However, the studio told Variety that it’s in talks with “several potential candidates” but didn’t disclose any further details.
Richards, who has hosted the series “Divided” and “The Pyramid,” was among several guest hosts that included Mayim Bialik, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Bill Whitaker, Dr. Mehmet Oz, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Aaron Rodgers and Ken Jennings. As the most famous player, Jennings is the show’s highest-winning contestant, grossing $2.52 million in regular gameplay, and scored the most consecutive “Jeopardy!” wins in a 74-game streak in 2004.
Aside from Jennings, who many assumed had the gig in the bag, “Reading Rainbow” star LeVar Burton was a much-hyped host thanks to his online campaign for the role. Burton’s week, while impressive on the hosting front, yielded a not-so-stellar “Jeopardy!” record with the lowest-scoring contestant ever. Dr. Oz, though, was the host to score the lowest ratings during his weeklong tenure.
Richards, according to Variety, is well-poised to host the long-running game show, having produced more than 4,000 hours of game shows in his career, including the likes of “The Price is Right,” “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” and “Let’s Make a Deal.” Richards was applauded for his heartwarming tribute to Trebek after news of his passing.
As for fans, a recent poll showed that the majority — 23% — hoped Jennings would take his place on the podium where his dear friend Trebek once stood.
Trebek, who hosted over 8,200 episodes of the game show since 1984, died Nov. 8 at age 80 following a battle with pancreatic cancer. His final episode aired in January, pulling the heartstrings of millions of Americans who watched him over 36 years.
