Breaking News
Mike Richards Steps Down as New ‘Jeopardy!’ Host Amid Mounting Controversies
After much backlash and a myriad of former allegations and controversies, Mike Richards has decided to step down and away from his new hosting duties at Jeopardy!
The series executive producer was named host last week causing many to cry foul when viewers were very much into other guest hosts who tried out for the hosting spot that would succeed the late iconic host, Alex Trebek.
The news of his exit as host came after a report from Ringer surfaced about Richards’ previous offensive and sexist comments towards his female co-hosts and guests on The Randumb Show, a podcast he hosted in 2013 and 2014. This came in the wake of previous allegations from his time and legal issues with women during his time as producer at The Price is Right.
On Friday, Richards made his decision through a memo that circulated within the production and it was posted by Deadline, which said in Richards words: “Dear Team, it pains me that these past incidents and comments have cast such a shadow on Jeopardy! as we look to start a new chapter. As I mentioned last week, I was deeply honored to be asked to host the syndicated show and was thrilled by the opportunity to expand my role. However, over the last several days it has become clear that moving forward as host would be too much of a distraction for our fans and not the right move for the show. As such, I will be stepping down as host effective immediately. As a result, we will be canceling production today. SPT will now resume the search for a permanent syndicated host. In the meantime, we will be bringing back guest hosts to continue production for the new season, details of which will be announced next week. 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.”
Sony Pictures Television made this comment on Richards hosting exit: “We support Mike’s decision to step down as host. We were surprised this week to learn of Mike’s 2013/2014 podcast and the offensive language he used in the past. We have spoken with him about our concerns and our expectations moving forward. Mike has been with us for the last two years and has led the Jeopardy! team through the most challenging time the show has ever experienced. It is our hope that as EP he will continue to do so with professionalism and respect.”
So, as of now the search is back on for the syndicated nightly version of Jeopardy! As noted, guest hosts will now fill the space, until one of them is named permanent host putting the likes of Levar Burton, Ken Jennings and more back into the equation. Mayim Bialik was previously named host of the primetime specials and versions of Jeopardy!
So, what do you think about Richards decision to step down? Was he forced to do so? Who should be the ultimate host of Jeopardy! now? Comment below.
We knew it was coming. There was no way anyone would allow him to continue on as host of Jeopardy! with everything that’s come out, especially following the article from The Ringer. It is my hope they can try and convince Mayim Bialik to sign-on full time as host.
I hope so too, Scott. I also enjoyed Aaron Rodgers and the sportscaster who was the last guest host.
Aaron Rodgers would be an interesting choice. I suspect he would rather do that than end up like the typical “retired” NFL guys, doing network sports commentary, commercials, or both. And he’s already done the insurance ads.
Not retired from football yet, but he’s pushing 40, so it’s a matter of time. Maybe the Jeopardy producers would be willing to work around his NFL schedule, or move their production to Wisconsin. (Yeah that last part really isn’t likely, is it?)
I am flabbergasted that they could let someone with his background advance to this stage. Didn’t they ever hear of background checks? Negative, insulting, derogatory remarks from this guy are not hard to find. It would never have worked and he should have been vetted in the first place. Just imagine how the Trebeks must feel after putting so much effort and money into establishing a homeless shelter when this dickwad chastises a woman for giving a homeless woman a dollar.
Well that didn’t take long. Mike has just become the William Henry Harrison of Jeopardy hosts.
Why is this such a big deal to find a host for this show I can think of a million people to host it instead they pick this douchebag nobody. Get real!
Mr. Richards has made the correct choice to step away from a role which our country has respected for so long. Mayim Bialik is still my first choice. I understand she can’t, at this time, fulfill the role as Jeopardy host. So let the search continue.
I say, move Mayim Bialik into the daily host position and name Ken Jennings to host prime time specials. The shows audiences know them and they are both a good and comfortable fit.
That happened long ago on a podcast far away He would have been great!
Ken Jennings is the most qualified and able person to host Jeopardy. Why keep bouncing around trying to make the world happy with other possibilities? Why waste more time?
The best candidates would be one of the past Jeopardy CHAMPIONS!
People may make poor choices in their lives, but should those choices haunt them forever? It’s not fair to expect perfection from those around us unless we expect the same from ourselves. In my opinion, Mike was the best guest host and realized that he was not the star of the show….the show itself is the star.
Most intelligent adults can understand that there are DEGREES of transgressions. This guy didn’t accidentally fart on the air; he made disparaging remarks about women, Jews, homeless people and the mentally disabled. Raise your standards. Be better.
Bright man but did he not anticipate that all of his former jobs and podcasts would get scrutiny? When you look at all the talent that applied for the job he should have realized how cut throat the selection process would be? The Ringer article was devastating. Someone did not vet this selection. I just hope they name a permanent host soon and move on.
Oh please – he “stepped down” as much as I won the Super Bowl last year. They canned his sorry behind. I’m sick of jerks like this giving all us men a bad name.
Breaking News
‘Santa Barbara’ Favorites A Martinez and Marcy Walker, ‘Cruz and Eden’ Reunion Chat, On Demand Replay Available for Half Price (Exclusive)
The love was felt around the world during the Sunday, June 7 livestream conversation featuring enduring Santa Barbara Daytime Emmy winners, A Martinez and Marcy Walker who played Cruz Castillo and Eden Capwell on the iconic NBC soap opera. The popular duo reunited for this special one-day only special event honoring their most memorable of daytime roles.
Santa Barbara was globally a hit, and nothing illustrated that more than having attendees from 20 countries and over four continents participate in and watch the live chat moderated by Melissa Braverman, the author of Santa Barbara: The Complete Story due out this fall.
While many were not able to purchase the initial livestream when the ticket costs were revealed to be $100, A Martinez previously clarified the event was to also raise money for Walker, who is currently facing a very serious health situation, now there is a way to catch the replay at half the price.

Courtesy: MBraverman
HOW YOU CAN STILL CATCH A AND MARCY’S LIVESTREAM
Michael Fairman TV can share exclusively that if you missed the chance to see and listen to what A and Marcy had to say, On demand access is available at the event link for a half price at $50 (guests can contribute up to $100 if they so chose). Like the livestream, 100% of On demand sales for the recording will be available for a limited time only, and also go toward Marcy’s medical expenses.
There was plenty of laughter, tears, and reminiscing through the the two and a half hour chat which included: some memorable footage and images from the love story of Cruz and Eden. At one point, Marcy reflected on the enduring impact and affection for Cruz and Eden. “You hope that whatever you do in this life, that you’ll make an impact of some kind,” expressed Walker. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be wrapped up in success or career or anything like that, but I think we all want desperately to feel like our time here blessed someone. To hear that somebody’s life was even a moment better because of what we did is a massive gift.

Photo: NBC
A AND MARCY’S DESIRE TO WORK TOGETHER AGAIN
In a moment that brought joy to those in attendance, A and Marcy both expressed a sincere hope and desire that one day they can work together again. Martinez explained, “There’s more avenues to pursue now than there have ever been. I would say just keep a good thought for it. I’ve been holding it for decades, and I fully intend to do whatever I can to make it happen. We’re engaged in trying to make it happen. And you know, we’ll see. I know we both want to do it.” Marcy simply nodded and responded “Amen.”
Melissa Braverman shared with Michael Fairman TV, her sentiments on hosting the Santa Barbara favorites. “Seeing A and Marcy together again, even virtually, was an absolute gift. It instantly reminded all of us why we fell so hard for Cruz and Eden in the first place. Their undeniable chemistry leaped off the screen and straight back into our hearts, proving that the magic they created all those years ago hasn’t faded one bit. Sharing in equal parts laughter and tears felt like catching up with old friends. It just meant the world to see them side-by-side again and to see how this incredible fandom showed up for Marcy during such an important time for her.”
So, if you attended the livestream chat with A Martinez and Marcy Walker, what did you enjoy hearing about the most? Now the tickets have dropped to watch the replay On Demand, would you want to check it out? Let us know via the comment section below.
Breaking News
‘Days of Our Lives’ Officially Confirms Ryan Quan Returning as Co-Head Writer Beginning in July
There is definitely a shake-up going down at the writing team at Peacock’s Days of Our Lives. Now, the long-running soap opera has confirmed, what has been previously reported, that current General Hospital breakdown writer, Ryan Quan is heading back to his old stomping grounds in Salem. This time as the series co-head writer.
The appointment of Quan comes with the official news that current co-head writer, Paula Cwikly, who was previously rumored to be departing the series, is not. She is staying with the soap opera and transitioning to a consultant role with the show. Now, Quan will join current co-head writer, Jeanne Marie Ford to steer the ship for the characters on the canvas.
On Wednesday, TV Insider, reported the official confirmation and that Quan will return to DAYS next month in July. In a statement to the outlet, executive producer, Ken Corday expressed, ‘We are lucky to have Ryan back in the fold. There are very few people who have such a deep knowledge and understanding of our show’s history. Stay tuned!”

Photo: JPI
THE FUTURE OF DAYS OF OUR LIVES
Since Days of our Lives unusual production schedule tapes ten-months ahead of air, the new creative team’s vision led by Quan and Jeanne Marie Ford are not expected to stream on Peacock until mid-2027.
Days of Our Lives is currently renewed through its 63rd season. The former NBC soap opera which transitioned to Peacock in September of 2022, celebrate its 60th anniversary in November of 2025.
The writing regime change comes after NBCUniversal Media Chairman Matt Strauss revealed that Peacock is expected to turn a profit for the first time in the current quarter, punctuating their investment with the enduring soap opera on its platform.
As for Quan, his knowledge of Salem is tremendous. Ryan joined Days of Our Lives as a writer’s assistant in 2007 after some time over at Passions. He then spent two decades and held every position on the writing team where he previously served as co-head writer from 2016-17 alongside Dena Higley.
Later, when Ron Carlivati took over as head writer for 7 years in 2017, Quan became his right-hand man and main story consultant for his deep knowledge of the history and the legacy of the show. After Carlivati exited the show in 2024, General Hospital hired Quan in 2025.
So, what do you think about DAYS making it official with Ryan Quan as the new co-head writer of the series alongside Jeanne Marie Ford. What do you think about the fact we won’t see the changes on-screen till 2027? Weigh-in via the comment section below.
Breaking News
ABC Announces ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ Texas Spin-Off Gets Straight-to-Series Order
In a surprise move, coming a week after ABC unveiled its 2026-2027 fall television schedule, Grey’s Anatomy is getting a new spinoff co-created by the original series’ creator/executive producer Shonda Rhimes.
The new untitled medical drama will be written and executive produced by Rhimes and Grey’s Anatomy showrunner/executive producer Meg Marinis under the Shondaland and 20th Television umbrella. In addition, long-running ‘Grey’s’ star Ellen Pompeo will also serve as an EP of the spinoff.
The upcoming new series will debut midseason in 2027. This will be the first of Grey’s franchise not set in urban city or West Coast locale. According to Deadline, the new “edgy drama is about a team at a rural West Texas medical center — the last chance for care before miles of nowhere.”

Photo: ABC
In a statement, Marinis shared, “I am incredibly excited to expand the Grey’s Anatomy universe. This opportunity will bring new characters and stories to life that will embody the same heart, emotion and connection audiences have loved from Grey’s for more than two decades — all set in my home state of Texas. I am so grateful to Shonda Rhimes for creating this dynamic world and feel so fortunate that I get to be a part of it.”
A NEW GROUP OF DOCTORS IN RURAL TEXAS
The Texas spinoff will feature a a new group of doctors, but there will be some connection to the OG Grey’s Anatomy and possibly to Debbie Allen’s character of Catherine Fox. The amount of episodes in the series order has not yet been determined. Previous Grey’s Anatomy spinoffs were the defunct Station 19 and Private Practice.
Previously, Grey’s Anatomy was renewed for its upcoming 23rd season while the amount of episodes is unclear. The last two seasons the series produced 18 episodes.
It should also be noted, Grey’s Anatomy and the Texas spinoff would likely share a time period, which requires limited-run orders for both with Grey’s premiering in the fall, followed by the spinoff on the midseason programming block.
So, what do you think about a Texas spinoff of Grey’s Anatomy coming in 2027? Who would you like to see from daytime or primetime as some of the featured roles as new doctors? Put on your casting directors hat and let us know via the comment section below.
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