Jeopardy! host frontrunner Mike Richards faces scrutiny over past discrimination lawsuits

Mike Richards
(Image credit: Jeopardy!)

Who is Mike Richards? Potentially, the next host of Jeopardy!, but he's drawing new scrutiny among fans as the official announcement approaches.

A report from Variety this week revealed that Richards, the executive producer of Jeopardy!, is in "advanced negotiations" to succeed Alex Trebek as host. The idea of ending the lengthy job search for Trebek's replacement by giving the role to the show's own producer already drew some pushback on social media, especially from fans who wanted the gig to go to another candidate like Ken Jennings or LeVar Burton. But now, Richards is also facing scrutiny over his involvement in past discrimination lawsuits.

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/jacafc5zvs1692883516.jpg

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up
Explore More
Brendan Morrow

Brendan worked as a culture writer at The Week from 2018 to 2023, covering the entertainment industry, including film reviews, television recaps, awards season, the box office, major movie franchises and Hollywood gossip. He has written about film and television for outlets including Bloody Disgusting, Showbiz Cheat Sheet, Heavy and The Celebrity Cafe.