Who is Mike Richards? Meet Alex Trebek’s reported ‘Jeopardy!’ host successor

Richards, who just joined the production last year as EP, had reportedly impressed Sony with his “command of the fast-paced game and easy on-air manner” when he guest-hosted in late February, according to Variety. Sony previously declined to comment to The Post regarding a permanent “Jeopardy!” host.

After long speculation about who would take over the place on the podium, many avid watchers and loyal fans of the show, which has had over 8,200 episodes and 37 seasons, have expressed surprise that Richards beat out all the big-name contenders, including fan-favorites Ken Jennings and LeVar Burton, who only got one week of hosting duties. Richards, who just joined the production last year as EP, had reportedly impressed Sony with his "command of the fast-paced game and easy on-air manner" when he guest-hosted in late February, according to Variety. Sony previously declined to comment to The Post regarding a permanent "Jeopardy!" host. But Richards may not be the official quiz czar, according to Sony Pictures, which told Variety that discussions were ongoing with several potential candidates. A source close to the hiring process revealed that there is no certainty that the sides will close a deal despite Richards being the alleged front-runner.