Mike Richards is out as executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, days after he exited as the quiz show’s newly appointed host because of past misogynistic and other comments.

Richards is also no longer executive producer of “Wheel of Fortune,” according to a memo to staff that was confirmed by Sony, which produces both of the shows.

“We had hoped that when Mike stepped down from the host position at Jeopardy! it would have minimized the disruption and internal difficulties we have all experienced these last few weeks. That clearly has not happened,” Suzanne Prete, an executive with the game shows, said in the memo.

Richards had signed an overall development deal with Sony in 2019, and became executive producer of “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” in May 2020.

He quickly became controversial when he went from behind-the-scenes to Sony’s pick for host of "Jeopardy!'' — even before his 2013-14 podcast comments demeaning women and making stereotypical comments about Asians, Jews, and others surfaced.

Anointing Richards as successor to the admired Alex Trebek was a questionable choice to some, especially after the studio had conducted a splashy search that included actors, sports figures, journalists — and Richards.

Questions were raised about whether Richards had put his finger on the scale in favor of himself, and whether he had the gravitas that was seen in other candidates, such as fan-favorite LeVar Burton.

Share:
More In Culture
On The Scene at Artesano Peruvian Cuisine Restaurant
Peruvian cuisine has been on the rise globally with some of Lima's restaurants named as some of the top eateries in the world. Cheddar News was on the scene at Artesano in downtown Manhattan where Chef Cesar Taboada displayed some of Peru's finest and most famous dishes, including ceviche, causa and lomo saltado. Taboada also explained the Asian influence on Peruvian cuisine that has helped the Andean country expand its offerings to hundreds of typical dishes on its menu.
Load More