New 'Jeopardy!' Host In Negotiations

CULVER CITY, CA — Mike Richards is in advanced negotiations with Sony Pictures Television to host the iconic game show "Jeopardy!" and take over permanently following the death of longtime host Alex Trebek, Variety reports Wednesday.

Sony added a series of guest hosts after the venerable host's death, with some interested in taking over the role. Richards is the executive producer of the game show.

"A Sony Pictures spokesman said discussions were ongoing with several potential candidates. He would not comment specifically on Richards’ status," Variety reports.

Trebek hosted the show for 36 years. He died in November 2020. He was 80 years old.

Trebek was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2019.

He was the host of "Jeopardy!" from 1984 until his death, winning several Emmy Awards for his role on the show.

The Canadian-born game show icon began his career in 1961, with his pre-"Jeopardy!" stops including gigs as the host of "The Wizard of Odds" and "High Rollers." He had a brief stint as a fill-in host for Chuck Woolery on "Wheel of Fortune."

Read the full Variety report.

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