‘Jeopardy!’ fans are buzzing mad Mike Richards could be show’s new host
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Answer: “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards has been tapped to become the show’s new host.
What is: The fans are outraged.
Hot takes from hotheaded “Jeopardy!” watchers are sizzling on social media in response to claims that Richards, 46, is in “advanced negotiations” to become the trivia series’ permanent master of ceremonies. Representatives for the show declined to comment to The Post.
“If Mike Richards is going to be the new host of Jeopardy!, I’m done,” one fuming fan wrote on Twitter. “I don’t think Alex Trebek would’ve chosen him as successor.”
Trebek, the game show’s venerated moderator, died at age 80 in November following a well-fought battle with stage four pancreatic cancer.
!["Jeopardy!" fans are outraged over claims that executive producer, Mike Richards, will become the game show's new official host.](https://cdn.statically.io/img/nypost.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2021/08/jeopardy-28.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all&w=1024)
A revolving door of celebrity guests hosts have since taken up the mantle in Trebek’s absence, including Richards, “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings, 47, NFL quarterback Aaron Rogers, 37, journalist Robin Roberts, 60, and actor LeVar Burton, 64.
Burton received a standing ovation from the quiz show’s cyber fans, who applauded the “Star Trek” star for his charisma and enthusiasm.
He ranked third as the fan-favorite to be crowned the next “Jeopardy!” king, earning 10% of the 1,003 voter ballots.
Jennings — who was the first to take Trebek’s podium as guest host in January — came in first place in the poll, winning more than 20% of viewers’ nods.
And surprisingly, despite the current online uproar, Richards was the second choice of fans for permanent hosting privileges. He garnered an impressive 14% of the nominations.
The survey results notwithstanding, Twitter protestors are buzzing in with their objections to Richards’ new promotion.
jeopardy: we're searching for a new host
— Fretty Boop (Varys Is Still Underrated) (@i_miss_the_days) August 4, 2021
everyone: ok we want @levarburton
j: we want to see who the audience responds to best
e: we ❤ levar
j: if only we had some idea who to choose
e: le👏 var👏 bur👏 ton👏
j: congrats to mike richards
e: that's not how you spell levar
jeopardy viewers finding out mike richards is the new host pic.twitter.com/hHJQQzMUBM
— entitled (@PythonBro) August 4, 2021
Congrats to the new Jeopardy host, Bad Guy from Every High School Movie Ever Made. pic.twitter.com/1ERth9D75H
— George Wallace (@MrGeorgeWallace) August 5, 2021
Mike Richards choosing between LeVar Burton, Aaron Rodgers, Buzzy Cohen, or Mayim Bialik to be the new #Jeopardy host : pic.twitter.com/ehnt8fMWI3
— Drizzle (@Runwitscissors) August 5, 2021
Me looking at Mike Richards as the potential new Jeopardy host: pic.twitter.com/2w5V7tkKhm
— Obsidian Diz (@da_infamous_DiZ) August 4, 2021
Burton took to Twitter Thursday, graciously conceding his loss in the run for “Jeopardy!” host honors.
“I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I’ve won,” he wrote. “The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible! If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure.”
Richards has yet to openly comment on claims he will be dubbed the official host of “Jeopardy!”