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‘Jeopardy!’: Here’s Why Mike Richards, Mayim Bialik Were Selected as Permanent Hosts

Some “Jeopardy!” fans probably are scratching their heads and wondering how Mike Richards and Mayim Bialik were picked as permanent hosts.

Well, Outsiders, gather ’round the laptop or phone and we’ll look to help you out.

Ravi Ahuja, Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures, offered these comments on Wednesday.

“We took this decision incredibly seriously,” Ahuja said in a press release. “A tremendous amount of work and deliberation has gone into it,” he said. “Perhaps more than has ever gone into the selection of hosts for a show – deservedly so because it’s ‘Jeopardy!’ and we are following the incomparable Alex Trebek.”

Sony Pictures Chairman Said Executives Watched ‘Jeopardy!’ Footage

Ahuja also said a senior group of Sony Pictures Television executives “poured over footage from every episode.” He said they also reviewed research from multiple panels and focus groups. They got “valuable input from our key partners and ‘Jeopardy!’ viewers.”

He also pointed out that Richards and Bialik were at the top of Sony’s research and analysis around “Jeopardy!.”

“Mike is a unique talent, at ease behind the podium and a double threat as producer and host,” Ahuja said. “Mayim has a wonderful energy, an innate sense of the game, and an authentic curiosity that naturally represents the ‘Jeopardy!’ brand.”

Ahuja closed his comments by saying, “We are excited to get to work with them both and are confident that they will carry on the legacy of this iconic show.”

Richards’ Selection Drew Ire From Some Of The Show’s Fans

Besides his role as full-time host, Richards will remain as an executive producer. Bialik just started a new sitcom on Fox called “Call Me Kat.” As far as we know right now, Bialik will continue to star in that show.

Some fans expressed their displeasure at hearing Richards was named as one of the “Jeopardy!” hosts.

“Mike Richards can host my local landfill waystation. That’s about it.” was one fan’s reply on social media. The same person also demanded to know the exact dates for Bialik to be the host. “I will not risk seeing even 10 seconds of unrefrigerated mayonnaise.” Let’s just count that as a “no” vote toward Richards.

“Nobody wants this except for Richards.” was the comment from Twitter user Steve Huntley.

Finally, Charles MacZeekies said, “Richards is garbage. I’m not watching him.”

Outsiders will make up their own minds whether these new hosts will get some of their time or not. But “Jeopardy!” has been a cornerstone of many people throughout their weeks. It’s a game show that does challenge not only contestants but viewers, too. The fact that the show took so long to name new full-time hosts is something worth mentioning here.