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Richards will be the main host, while Bialik will host primetime events.

Since Alex Trebek’s unfortunate passing in November of 2021, Sony Pictures Television has been running through a series of guest hosts as they searched for a new face of the popular primetime game show Jeopardy! After test shows with numerous hosts, ranging from athletes to seasoned actors, Sony has finally selected its host. Or rather, hosts.

Mike Richards, executive producer of Jeopardy! will be the show’s primary host going forward. Joining him will be actress Mayim Bialik, who will host the show during major primetime events, as well as a potential spin-off.

“We are thrilled to begin the next chapter of America’s favorite quiz show with Mike hosting our daily show and Mayim hosting new versions of Jeopardy!,” Ravi Ahuja, chairman of global television studios and corporate development for Sony Pictures, told Variety. “We took this decision incredibly seriously. A tremendous amount of work and deliberation has gone into it, perhaps more than has ever gone into the selection of hosts for a show – deservedly so because it’s Jeopardy! and we are following the incomparable Alex Trebek. A senior group of Sony Pictures Television executives pored over footage from every episode, reviewed research from multiple panels and focus groups, and got valuable input from our key partners and Jeopardy! viewers.”

Breaking News: "Jeopardy!" announced that it would have two hosts to succeed Alex Trebek: Mike Richards, the show's executive producer, and Mayim Bialik, the actress and neuroscientist known for her roles in "The Big Bang Theory" and “Blossom." https://t.co/EkhDa47mFN

— The New York Times (@nytimes) August 11, 2021

“Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude,” Richards said. “I am incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern and will work tirelessly to make sure our brilliant contestants shine in each and every episode. Alex believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show. I was fortunate to witness his professionalism, intensity and kindness up close and that will serve as the ultimate blueprint as we continue to produce the show we love. I am thrilled that Mayim is joining the Jeopardy! team. Her academic track record and enthusiasm for the game made her a terrific guest host. It will be a privilege to produce the primetime series with her as host.”

“I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Jeopardy! family,” Bialik said. “What started out with my 15-year-old repeating a rumor from Instagram that I should guest host the show has turned into one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities of my life! I’m so grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards, and I’m just over the moon to join forces with him and Sony. After all the conversations we’ve had about this partnership, I am just so ready to get started!”