It's official! After eight months of guest host auditions, Jeopardy! has announced its new hosts.
Sony Pictures announced on Wednesday that Mike Richards, the show's longtime executive producer, will take over as permanent host of the daily show with The Big Bang Theory'sMayim Bialik hosting a number of the game show's ABC primetime specials.
"We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of America's Favorite Quiz Show with Mike hosting our daily show and Mayim hosting new versions of Jeopardy!," Ravi Ahuja, chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development for Sony Pictures, said. "We took this decision incredibly seriously. A tremendous amount of work and deliberation has gone into it, 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.
Back in April, Advocate Channel spoke to Bialik before her stint as guest host.
See our interview here:
The news comes after more than 15 other hosts tried out for the gig as well, and rumors that Richards was in talks for the gig started last week.
Both Bialik and Richards were quoted in the Sony statement.
"I couldn't be more thrilled to join the Jeopardy! family," Bialik said. "What started out with my 15-year-old repeating a rumor from Instagram that I should guest host the show has turned into one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities of my life! I'm so grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards, and I'm just over the moon to join forces with him and Sony. After all the conversations we've had about this partnership, I am just so ready to get started!"
She took to social media to express her excitement over the news.
Here's what Richards, who also executive produces Wheel of Fortune, had to say.
"I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of Jeopardy!," said Richards. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude. I am incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern and will work tirelessly to make sure our brilliant contestants shine in each and every episode. Alex believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show. I was fortunate to witness his professionalism, intensity and kindness up close and that will serve as the ultimate blueprint as we continue to produce the show we love. I am thrilled that Mayim is joining the Jeopardy! team. Her academic track record and enthusiasm for the game made her a terrific guest host. It will be a privilege to produce the primetime series with her as host."
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