Richards was chosen last week as the successor to Alex Trebek, a decision that was seen as divisive from the beginning after the show had embarked on a search that included actors, sports figures, journalists and celebrities.
The Ringer website published demeaning comments Richards made about homeless people and women earlier this week. The reports were posted online.
Richards wrote in a note to “Jeopardy!” staff Friday, “Over the past few days it has become apparent that moving forward with host would be too distracting for our fans”
Richards stated that a search will be launched for a new host, with guest hosts returning for production for the next season.
The viewers will be able to see Richards in action. The episode that Richards taped Thursday night will air when the show resumes its 38th season on Sept. 13. A do-over with a substitute host, which would be a disgrace to the contestants, would further weaken the show.
Richards indicated in his note that he would remain as executive producer of the show — a difficult situation for anyone who replaces him.
Sony Pictures Television, which produces “Jeopardy!” said that it was shocked to hear Richards’ podcasts and offensive language. It spoke with Richards “about our concerns” and “our expectations moving forward.”
Sony released a statement on Friday stating that it was their hope that he would continue to treat EPs with professionalism and respect.
Robert Thompson, a Syracuse University professor, stated that Richards’ podcast content would have been a problem for anyone who was looking to take over a high-profile Hollywood job, but it was particularly difficult for him.
They were “the exact opposite of Alex Trebek’s vision.” Thompson stated Friday that Trebek and Jeopardy were “the opposite of what we thought in Alex Trebek.”
James Holzhauer is the “Jeopardy!” champion and holds the record for winning single games. He is also No. 3 for all-time wins, Richards’ departure was met with a sarcastic response.
Holzhauer tweeted, “I was looking forward to the season premiere. After an exhaustive 61-clue hunt for the next Jeopardy champ, the show looks past three obvious candidates and declares Mike Richards winner.”
Sony announced last week that Richards would host the game show and that Mayim Bialik, an actor, would host “Jeopardy!” spinoff and prime-time series.
Richards was given the show’s flagship program. He is a stereotyped host, with a square jaw and a straight white face. This struck some as evidence of the studio’s insincere efforts to include a woman, person of color, or LGBTQ person. These are the categories that more than half of guest hosts fall under.
Although Richards’ podcasts were reported immediately before his departure, former models filed lawsuits against the show alleging discriminatory behavior. He was reportedly dropped from the show before a settlement was reached.
There were also doubts about the fairness and fairness of the selection process. Reports found holes in Richards’ repeated assertions that the decision was Sony’s, and that he played no part in it. There were a lot of memes comparing Richards with Dick Cheney, who was the vice presidential running mate for George W. Bush in 2000.
After a pageant-style parade featuring celebrity contestants, Sony decided to name Trebek the successor of its “Jeopardy!” executive producers. This had caused a lot of ill will and suspicion towards what was once a highly trusted institution. Trebek, host of the show for 37 seasons died last November.
Andy Saunders, long-time Canadian viewer and administrator for The Jeopardy!, stated that there was “tentative celebration!” among “Jeopardy!” fan on Friday. Fan website. Richards’s continued role as producer was a source of deep concern for him.
He said, “With his comments regarding so many marginalized group becoming public knowledge,” he added.
Richards used crude and derogatory language on the podcast about women’s bodies. Richards claims that his former assistant and co-host was a “booth ho”, and “booth slave” during her time at a trade fair. He also mocked Jews and Asians, and made disparaging remarks about the homeless.
Richards stated that it was “humbling” to face a moment of insensitivity, thoughtlessness and misjudgment from almost a decade ago in a statement to Claire McNear, The Ringer staff writer. McNear first reported on the podcasts. Richards called the comments inexcusable and said, “I am deeply sorry.”
McNear, the author of “Answers In the Form of Questions 2020: A Definitive Historical and Insider’s Guide To Jeopardy!” stated Thursday that “Jeopardy!” was now an irreplaceable part of pop culture.
“Everybody knew Jeopardy!” and everyone loved Jeopardy! Trebek was not controversial. It was a great trivia show. It is now controversial, and it’s not going to disappear,” she stated.
It was not easy to fill the role of host. Trebek’s affection made it both a business decision and a gesture of love.
Richards’ hire was a surprise to many, but he managed to handle a two-week stint in fill-in hosting. Fans of LeVar Burton, Aaron Rodgers and Ken Jennings also protested.
In 2019, Richards signed an overall deal with Sony and was promoted to executive producer of “Jeopardy!” in May 2020. He would also continue hosting the quiz show in those positions.
Although ratings fluctuated during guest-host stints throughout the series, “Jeopardy!” is still a top-rated syndicated program and an important asset for Sony.
