Sony Pictures Televisions has announced that after months of speculation, the next season of “Jeopardy!” will have two permanent hosts — if you count its spin-off shows.
As previously speculated, “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards will take on the role of main host of the show (despite no one knowing who he is — or being particularly pleased with his selection). However Sony surprised Jeopardy! fans with the announcement of a second host on Wednesday: Mayim Bialik, star of The Big Bang Theory, will present for all primetime and spin-off specials, including Jeopardy’s upcoming National College Championship. Therefore, there are technicallytwo “Jeopardy!” hosts moving forward.
IT’S TRUE!!! Been waiting a long time to tell you all. Really really honored and astounded and excited for this - it’s beyond anything I ever imagined could happen. https://t.co/MZpXV7a9xf @Jeopardy
— Mayim Bialik (@missmayim) August 11, 2021
Early critics of Mike Richards will likely be thrilled to hear Bialik’s is joining in an official hosting capacity, as many believed she was best suited for the position from the get-go.
Opinion: Mayim had the best Day 1 out of anyone who has ever hosted the show. Alex included.
— thrasher (@zanysatsuma) August 4, 2021
That said, the same can’t necessarily be said for Mr. Richards. The producer of both “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” has a long history of alleged harassment and discrimination, having been sued by multiple models from “Price Is Right”during the time he served as producer. In 2010, model Shane Stirling sued CBS and and its producer for her contract being terminated due to her pregnancy. Later that same year, Richards was accused of the same by Brandi Cochran, another model on the show.
Mike Richards was sued by a former Price is Right model, a black woman, for sexual harassment and toxicity in the workplace. He was sued by another for sidelining her when she became pregnant and subjected her to mistreatment on camera & behind. https://t.co/xy5l70jMBk
— ryan (@SourceRyan) August 5, 2021
Cochran’s suit also alleged that as executive producer, “Richards decided that the models’ skirts should be shorter and said that he liked the models to look as if they were going out on a date. At his suggestion, models wore bikinis on the show more frequently.” In 2011, yet another “Price Is Right” model sued Richards for sexual harassment and wrongful termination, according to The Daily Beast.
Now @Jeopardy I hope this helps
— Make-up Muffin (@Muffin927) August 5, 2021
Category….Bad Host Choices
He was sued multiple times for discrimination and sexual harassment and would cause Jeopardy to lose some lifelong viewers (myself included)
“Who is Mike Richards”
Richards sent Jeopardy! Staff a memo responding to the claims, saying: “These were allegations made in employment disputes against the show. I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or how we worked together on The Price Is Right.”
Also new for next season: contestants can submit two Final Jeopardy responses in case the first one causes public backlash https://t.co/97k5INXKR6
— James Holzhauer (@James_Holzhauer) August 11, 2021
While Bialik does have her fair share of critics, some feel her selection as more of a side host is unfair — and likely an attempt to distract from the accusations against Richards.
It is utter bullshit to give Mayim Bialik some side job to distract from giving the primary position to a sexual harasser. We and she deserve better. https://t.co/guLxZzbYFT
— amanda wallwin (@amandawallwin) August 11, 2021
Not Jeopardy grabbing a token woman co-host to fight sexual harassment and workplace discrimination allegations 🥴 https://t.co/etmugWRahk
— Clarkisha Kent (@IWriteAllDay_) August 11, 2021
So basically he's still giving himself the job but throwing Bailik out there to distract from his past connections to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment on the Price is Right 😒https://t.co/pDrFZudU6X
— Dr. Jason Johnson (@DrJasonJohnson) August 11, 2021
one jeopardy host: accused of sexual harassment
— Ali Thee Emmy Nominee (@wtflanksteak) August 11, 2021
the other jeopardy host: claims she hasn't been sexually harassed because she dresses modestly, makes smart choices, and doesn't flirt with men
COOL
And, of course, people are still upset that it’s not LeVar Burton.
I’m glad to see Mayim Bialik, but definitely was on team LeVar Burton. The two of them would’ve been great together https://t.co/NXmmiigyVa
— Andrew Millin (@ajm0614) August 11, 2021
I’m so over the whole damn process. 2 hosts does not make up for @levarburton
— Naturally1Lisa (@Naturally1lisa) August 11, 2021
you can’t have two jeopardy shows. that’s double jeopardy. can’t have it
— " The boyfriend" (@andymoney69) August 11, 2021
