Who is this man?
(Picture: Photo Credit: KING of NY/Youtube, Sony Pictures Television)Who is Mike Richards? According to Variety, he’s the new host of “Jeopardy,” currently in “advanced negotiations” with Sony Pictures Television regarding the role. The only problem? Nobody knows who he is, and “Jeopardy!” fans are far from pleased.
I leave America for two weeks and comeback and somebody named Mike Richards is about to become the host of Jeopardy? Who the heck is Mike Richards? LeVar Burton is right there. 😤
— Chuck Grassley's Pidgin (@ChucksPidgin) August 4, 2021
Assuming Variety’s report is accurate, Mike Richards feels off-brand for the iconic show. “Jeopardy!” is especially known for featuring high-profile guest-hosts, including LeVar Burton (a fan favourite), Katie Couric, Anderson Cooper, Aaron Rodgers, Robin Roberts, George Stephanopoulos, Ken Jennings, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Mayim Bialik, Dr. Oz, and many more. Fans are wondering: Why not go with one of them?
LeVar Burton > who TF is Mike Richards
— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) August 4, 2021
Mayim Bialik and about ten other good auditioners and several who didnt is standing right there and Mike Richards seriously wants to appoint himself as Jeopardy host. Hell nah.
— thrasher (@zanysatsuma) August 4, 2021
Sony’s decision remains unclear, though it’s worth noting that Richards so happens to serve as executive producer on “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune,” which may have had something to do with the seemingly strange selection. That said, the elusive Mike Richards does actually have experience in the field, as he’s hosted reality shows “High School Reunion,” which ran for six seasons, and “Beauty and the Geek,” which ran for five. So it’s not like he’s coming out of nowhere.
Still, based off of Twitter’s response, “Jeopardy!” fans have no clue who Mike Richards is — or, more importantly, why he was chosen over the numerous other options.
Everyone: We would love to have Levar Burton host of Jeopardy.
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) August 4, 2021
Levar Burton: Yes please.
Jeopardy: We will give the job to the guy who hosted Beauty and the Geek, Mike Richards.
jeopardy: we're searching for a new host
— Fretty Boop (Varys Is Still Underrated) (@i_miss_the_days) August 4, 2021
everyone: ok we want @levarburton
j: we want to see who the audience responds to best
e: we ❤ levar
j: if only we had some idea who to choose
e: le👏 var👏 bur👏 ton👏
j: congrats to mike richards
e: that's not how you spell levar
Viewers have specifically expressed disappointment in LeVar Burton having not made the cut, when he felt like an obvious choice.
who the fuck is Mike Richards and why are they not asking LeVar Burton https://t.co/3mypqvXMBz
— Stephanie // art + fic providing variant (@eclecticmuses) August 4, 2021
wait mike richards, who no one had ever heard of until today, who is also an executive producer of jeopardy, CHOSE HIMSELF TO BE THE NEW JEOPARDY HOST?? pic.twitter.com/SXlSmST5Kr
— omni man hater (@beaarthur85) August 5, 2021
Although everyone wanted LeVar Burton to be the permanent host of “Jeopardy!”, this generic looking white man appointed himself instead.
— Gabe Sanchez (@iamgabesanchez) August 5, 2021
Who is “Jeopardy!” executive producer, Mike Richards? 🙄 pic.twitter.com/un4KWxHwMg
While many fans are disappointed, we can’t help but note how fitting it is that “Jeopardy!” has everyone responding with a question. Alex Trebek would probably be proud.
This guy might be the perfect pick because he's already got everyone responding "Who is Mike Richards?" https://t.co/qcDyGWtWiZ
— Frank Lesser (@sadmonsters) August 4, 2021
