Mike Richards is no longer the executive producer of Jeopardy! or Wheel of Fortune.
Following a string of guest hosts after the death of Alex Trebek, Richards was named the new host of Jeopardy! by Sony Pictures Television. Not even two weeks later, he stepped down after sexist comments he'd made years earlier resurfaced. However, while it was said at the time that'd he remain on board as executive producer, that's no longer the case.
"I’m writing to let you know that Mike will no longer be serving as EP of Wheel and Jeopardy! effective immediately," Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! EVP of Business and Strategy Suzanne Prete said in a message to the cast and crew of both shows. "We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened."
In Richards' absence, Embassy Row's Michael Davies will assist with the production of Wheel and Jeopardy!, and both are expected to remain on schedule.
"I know this has been a challenging time for the entire team, and I want to thank you all for your cooperation and professionalism over these last few weeks," Prete continued. "As [Sony Pictures Chairman of Global Television Studios and Corporate Development Ravi Ahuja] mentioned last week, I will be more involved in the day-to-day on our shows moving forward and I am looking forward to working closely with all of you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need anything."
After Richards stepped down as host, Mayim Bialik -- who was previously tapped to lead Jeopardy!'s primetime specials -- was named the new interim host.
"It pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter," Richards said upon resigning as host. "As I mentioned last week, 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. As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today."
Source: THR
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