‘Jeopardy’: Mike Richards’ Sinister Plan Comes Back To Bite Him?

Former Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards’ sinister plan comes back to bite him once again. Fans noticed the “evil decision” that didn’t work in his favor. The show ended up choosing Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik as the permanent hosts to take over in Season 39.

However, that wasn’t the case at first. Mike was originally announced as the new full-time host. He was one of the many guest hosts who tested for the quiz show. Many fans believe that Mike tried to worm his way into the position.

They blamed him for the way he treated LeVar Burton’s testing week. The Reading Rainbow alum slammed Mike Richards’ for his “distasteful behavior.”

Jeopardy! is currently on hiatus

Jeopardy! ended Season 38 in late July. It’s currently on hiatus as the popular game show gets ready to film the new season. Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik will continue to swap hosting duties. Jeopardy! Season 39 premieres on September 12, 2022.

Ken will return to the podium and will continue to host until January 2023. From there, Mayim Bialik will resume the position until further notice. The hosts will continue to split the position from then on. Before Ken and Mayim, there was Mayim and Mike Richards.

In 2021, the show shocked viewers when producers announced that the ousted executive producer would become the new permanent host to follow after the late Alex Trebek. At the time, Mayim would only host the specials and spinoffs that are in the works. As TV Shows Ace previously reported, she announced that she’s the host of Celebrity Jeopardy!, which will air on ABC.

Mike Richards’ past continues to haunt him. The decision was discovered online this week just a year as it happened. The show never removed it. The tweet from 2021 reads: “Announcing Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards as our new hosts of Jeopardy! Richards will host the daily syndicated show, while Bialik will host primetime and spinoff series.”

Announcing Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards as our new hosts of Jeopardy! Richards will host the daily syndicated show, while Bialik will host primetime and spinoff series.https://t.co/MVQAqnKgjU pic.twitter.com/itY6fIe5Uv

— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) August 11, 2021

Mike Richards still haunted by his past

One eagle-eyed Jeopardy! fan took notice of the old tweet. They quote-tweeted the post on Thursday, August 11 with the following message: “One year ago today. A day that will live in infamy…” Fellow fans took to the comment section to share their thoughts. Some are surprised that Jeopardy! never removed the announcement.

However, others couldn’t help but notice that Mike Richards’ “evil” plan backfired on him. His run only lasted a week when his past came back to haunt him. An explosive story about the controversial comments that he made about women resurfaced on The Ringer. Instead of bringing back LeVar Burton, Ken became Mike’s replacement.

Please join us in welcoming the official co-hosts of Jeopardy!, @kenjennings and @missmayim! We couldn’t be more thrilled.

For more on our new hosts and new initiatives, click to read a note from Jeopardy! EP @embassydavies: https://t.co/U8MeXCdsec pic.twitter.com/WTSAnZPAv2

— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) July 27, 2022

There were also whispers that Mike Richards was gunning for the position and calibrated the search in his favor. He felt that he should replace Alex. Less than a week after the announcement, Mike was fired from his position of EP for both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Mike disappeared from Instagram and maintained a low profile ever since.

What are your thoughts on the show not removing the tweet? Do you think Mike Richards’ plan was evil? What are your thoughts on the hosting decision? Sound off below in the comment section.

Check back with TV Shows Ace for more news on Mike Richards.