I saw this coming he has too much baggage and they need a host that can bring some joy to the show. Losing Trebek was a real blow. Trebeck’s calm voice was soothing to the ear and his steady demeanor was perfect for the show.
“It has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show,” Richards said.
Mike Richards, the executive producer of “Jeopardy!” who was tapped to succeed Alex Trebek as host of the venerable game show franchise, announced Friday he is stepping aside amid recent scrutiny on his past.
“I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show,” Richards said in a statement.
“As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today,” he added.
Richards, who was one of several guest hosts who helmed the show after Trebek’s death, said Sony Pictures Television, which produces the show, will now “resume the search for a permanent syndicated host.” In the meantime, he said, the show will continue to feature guest hosts.
“I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence,” he said.
Richards, who filled in as guest host from late February to early March after Trebek died in November, has faced intense scrutiny in recent weeks over alleged past behavior, riling up longtime fans who believe producers are derailing a venerable game show that has been a mainstay of American syndicated television since 1984.
Richards’ detractors have resurfaced two discrimination lawsuits in which he was involved. He has denied wrongdoing.