'Jeopardy!' Having Trouble Finding A New Host Following Mike Richards Scandal
Sept. 7 2021, Published 11:06 a.m. ET
Even with disgraced host and Executive Producer, Mike Richards, out, Jeopardy! is having a hard time finding a new host.
“It is literally a sh-t show over there,” sources tell RadarOnline.com.
“Behind the scenes is a mess with no one knowing what they are doing. Mike (Richards) was a di-k, but at least everyone knew who was in charge. With Mike out, there is this massive power vacuum. He wasn’t the sort of guy who set up a solid management structure with a clear number two in charge, leaving behind a bunch of junior people who suddenly think it is their time to shine.”
Insiders add that in addition to the internal chaos, potential new hosts have been scared away by how toxic the show has become. “In just a matter of a few months, they have destroyed Jeopardy! and everything it stood for. Guest hosts were once lining up to be on the show hoping its prestige and class would rub off on them,” a top Hollywood publicist adds.
“Now we are telling clients to stay away from Jeopardy! and not to get involved in the drama that comes from being associated with this train-wreck. It’s amazing that everything Alex (Trebek) built over decades of hard work has been destroyed in a matter of months. Shame on them.”
As RadarOnline.com first reported, Mike’s firing came after potential new hosts were passing on the job due to the scandal. A television insider spilled they had several big-names interested in the job but they “all insisted Mike be removed before they even considered the position.”
Suzanne Prete, EVP, business and strategy, announced the decision about Mike to staffers in an email that read, “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,” she added.
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Mayim Bialik, who was originally selected to host Jeopardy! Specials will now take filming until a permanent choice is made.
Jennings took over for legendary late 'Jeopardy' host Alex Trebek.
