Mike Richards Steps Down As 'Jeopardy' Host Just One Week After Getting The Job

UNSPECIFIED – JUNE 25: In this screenshot released on June 25, Mike Richards accepts the award for Outstanding Game Show for Jeopardy! during the 48th Annual Daytime Emmy Awards broadcast on June 25, 2021. (Photo by Daytime Emmy Awards 2021 via Getty Images)

Just one week after being announced as the new permanent host of Jeopardy!, Mike Richards is stepping down.

Richards had come under fire recently for offensive comments he made on a podcast in 2013 and 2014.

In a statement, Richards – who is also the show’s executive producer – said it would be “too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show”. Sitcom star Mayim Bialik will remain as the host of the show’s prime time specials.

So what does this mean for the future of Jeopardy?

The show will go back to a rotation of guest hosts for the time being. New episodes begin filming next week.