‘Jeopardy!’ executive producer is reportedly the permanent host frontrunner, and fans are fuming

The search to replace the incomparable Alex Trebek as the host of Jeopardy! appears to nearing it’s end, and the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, “is in advanced negotiations” to take over the role, Variety reported Wednesday.

Since Trebek’s death in November 2020, the show has had several guest hosts — such as Aaron Rodgers, Ken Jennings, LeVar Burton, Katie Couric, Robin Roberts, Anderson Cooper and Mayim Bialik — fill during the search for a permanent replacement. According to the report, Bialik and former Jeopardy! contestant Buzzy Cohen have also strongly been considered.

“Richards, who joined the show just last year as executive producer, impressed Sony Pictures brass with his command of the fast-paced game and easy on-air manner,” Variety reported.

Mike Richards in Advanced Negotiations to Become Permanent Host of ‘Jeopardy!’ (EXCLUSIVE) https://t.co/N9BkwH5vOM

— Variety (@Variety) August 4, 2021

However, many fans were not happy to hear this news, seemingly in part because their preferred candidate isn’t the frontrunner and in part because they have no idea who Richards is. He guest hosted Jeopardy! in February and March.

And while many hoped Rodgers would leave the Green Bay Packers to take the host job, that’s not realistic. But Burton was a popular fan favorite as a guest host last month and to become the permanent host, and the Star Trek: The Next Generation actor wants the job, telling Newsweek in April:

“I think I could continue his legacy, I think I would do it proud. Yeah, I think I would bring myself and my skills and my life experience. I believe that I will be honoring Alex’s legacy by standing on the podium.”

Another good option would have been Jennings, the Jeopardy! superstar who won the GOAT tournament against James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter back in early 2020.

So the news that Richards might be the new Jeopardy! host isn’t sitting well with a lot of fans, and they voiced their frustrations on Twitter. And, of course, had a lot of jokes.