More 'Jeopardy!' Drama Comes After It's Revealed What Mike Richards Did to Ken Jennings Behind the Scenes

As Mike Richards steps back into his executive producer role after being offered the permanent Jeopardy! hosting gig, more stories from behind the scenes at the beloved quiz show are coming to light.

With the new season right around the corner on September 13, Mike got started right away taping new episodes of Jeopardy! once being awarded the position. According to The New York Times, the taping included several important guests in attendance, including former guest hosts and Jeopardy! prodigies Buzzy Cohen and Ken Jennings.

But per the report, neither Buzzy nor Ken got to actually see Mike's debut in the studio. When they arrived at the studio in Culver City, three sources told the NYT that Mike was "too nervous" to have them on the sound stage and instead escorted Buzzy and Ken to a nearby green room where they proceeded to watch the taping.

Apparently, one source compared not letting Buzzy and Ken attend the taping to "inviting Joe DiMaggio back to Yankee Stadium and not letting him in the dugout."

Sony seemingly pushed back against these claims, saying that access to the taping was restricted due to COVID-19 protocols, while also noting that Anthony Vinciquerra, Sony Pictures Entertainment’s chief executive, was not allowed on the sound stage.

Regardless, Mike has since ceased taping more episodes and has been transferred back to his position behind cameras. Now, Mayim Bialik, who was awarded a hosting position for Jeopardy! primetime specials, will lead new episodes until the quiz show can once again book more guest hosts to audition for the role.

Mike's decision to step back came following a string of controversies stemming from his past. Several harassment and discrimination lawsuits from his time working at The Price Is Right have reemerged online in recent weeks, as have past controversial comments he made on a podcast.

In an internal memo to staff, Mike wrote, "I want to apologize to each of you for the unwanted negative attention that has come to Jeopardy! over the last few weeks and for the confusion and delays this is now causing. I know I have a lot of work to do to regain your trust and confidence."

You Might Also Like

• A Cleaning Expert Explains the Best Way to Clean Cloth Face Masks After You Wear Them — Good Housekeeping

• 35 Delicious Pantry Recipes That Use What's Already in Your Cabinets and Freezer — Good Housekeeping

• The Amish keep to themselves. And they’re hiding a horrifying secret. — Cosmopolitan