'Jeopardy!' fans react to pre-taped episodes of ousted host Mike Richards
Jeopardy! kicked off season 38 this week, and while some viewers have noticed the small tweaks to the set and music, most can’t help but notice that the host is Mike Richards. That’s because he stepped down as host and was fired as executive producer of the show last month, amid controversy surrounding his past. But since Richards taped five episodes of the show before stepping down, viewers are dealing with what many on social media can only describe as “awkward.” Especially after the way Richards opened Tuesday’s show.
“You know, the power of this show has always been derived from the contestants,” Richards said after taking the stage. “And my pledge to Jeopardy! fans everywhere, is to continue to make this stage a place where our contestants can shine their absolute brightest.”
Video Transcript
MIKE RICHARDS: Welcome to "Jeopardy." You know, the power of this show has always been derived from the contestants. And my pledge to "Jeopardy" fans everywhere, is to continue to make this stage a place where our contestants can shine their absolute brightest.
KYLIE MAR: Season 38 of "Jeopardy" kicked off this week and along with a few tweaks to the set and music, viewers can't help but notice that the host is Mike Richards.
That's because he stepped down as host and was ousted as executive producer of the show last month amid controversy surrounding his past.
But since Richards taped five episodes of the show before stepping down, fans will have to live with a little bit of awkwardness this week, especially, as one viewer pointed out, with the rapport that current champ, Matt Amodio, is building with the host.
MIKE RICHARDS: You're getting a lot of comparisons online to famous celebrities. Which one has surprised you the most?
MATT AMODIO: I've been getting a lot of young Tom Hanks. And I have to tell you, it is such a relief to be compared to Turner and not Hooch.
MIKE RICHARDS: Not the dog?
MATT AMODIO: Yes.
MIKE RICHARDS: Yes.
KYLIE MAR: The awkwardness has definitely been felt on Twitter with comments like, this lone week of Mike Richards "Jeopardy" episodes is already cringe AF. It's a guy proud of where he is and uncaring about the party he carved.
But starting next week, Mayim Bialik will return as guest host for three weeks, followed by another series of rotating hosts. And while the hosts will keep changing, the champion may stay the same for a while.
MIKE RICHARDS: Your 20-day total, $678,801. They just keep piling up for Matt Amodio. Congratulations to all three of you, very well played. I hope to see you all again tomorrow. Thanks for watching.
