With ‘Jeopardy!” producers naming two permanent hosts, icon James Holzhauer said the decision would prevent ‘public backlash.’
Two hours after the decision, Holzhauer chimed in on Twitter.
“Also new for next season,” Holzhauer said. Contestants can submit two Final Jeopardy responses in case the first one causes public backlash.”
Holzhauer has had some spicy Tweets over the contest to replace the late Alex Trebek. He has not hidden any animosity over executive Mike Richards’ participation among 15 possible hosts.
‘Jeopardy!’ Makes Decision of Two Permanent Hosts
Gameshow producers named Richards and actor Mayim Bialik to the permanent job, saying they’d split the hosting gig. Richards will serve as the regular host and continue to work as executive producer.
Bialik will host a series of ABC primetime specials and a potential spinoff series for the syndicated quiz show with the new job. Interestingly enough, the 34-year-old game show has aired in several formats. In 1964, it was a morning game show. By 1984, it settled into its nightly syndicated format.
Ravi Ahuja, “Jeopardy!” chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures, said in a statement that the selection committee took its decision very seriously.
“We knew early on that we wanted to divide the hosting responsibilities and it became very clear that Mike and Mayim were the undeniable choices,” Ahuja said.
Correspondingly, the 46-year-old Richards expressed his pleasure in taking over the new job.
“I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of “Jeopardy!,” he said in a statement.
In the statement, Richards expressed his desire to make the contestants “shine in each and every show.” He said shares the late Trebek’s opinion that the “contestants are the most important aspects of the show.”
‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Bothered
After the decision, fans reacted on Twitter to the decision. Many wanted actor LeVar Burton to take the reins.
Disappointed, former “The View” co-host Meghan McCain Tweeted, “Why couldn’t they just give it to @levarburton like literally everyone on the planet wanted?”
Surprisingly, Oscar-winning filmmaker Matthew A. Cherry Tweeted, “RIP Jeopardy. Was fun while it lasted.”
One Twitter user responded, “If ratings are well with Mayim and terrible with Richards, they might consider making Mayim host the syndicate version too.”
Happy over the “Jeopardy!” announcement, Bialik, 45, expressed her happiness.
“IT’S TRUE!!! Been waiting a long time to tell you all,” Bialik said. “Really really honored and astounded and excited for this — it’s beyond anything I ever imagined could happen.”
Additionally, it will Bialik’s second big TV show announcement. Fox renewed her Fox TV series, “Call Me Kat,” for a second season in May.
Simultaneously, she can work on both shows now. Both “Call Me Kat” and “Jeopardy!” are Los Angeles-based shows.
