The first episode of the new season of “Jeopardy!” aired tonight with its new host, Mike Richards, and fans are not happy. The backlash comes following a string of controversies surrounding the 46-year-old host. Richards, an executive producer on “Jeopardy!,” previously assisted in compiling a group of celebrities who could potentially fill the large, empty shoes of beloved game show icon, Alex Trebek.
However, despite the large collective of personable individuals who tried out for the role, Richards apparently had the role in mind for himself.
The controversy surrounding the new season premiere of “Jeopardy!” results from findings that Richards’ previously made insensitive, sexist, and racist comments during an earlier podcast. Game show fans, upon seeing the abhorred man’s face on “Jeopardy!” took to social media to air their grievances.
Watched #Jeopardy tonight even though I had to see Mike Richards’ stupid face. Thank goodness it’s temporary! I just love watching Matt Amodio play, especially when he counts syllables on his fingers. Ha!
— Jenny (@kobidor) September 13, 2021
In addition to frustration and anger, “Jeopardy!” fans also were saddened to see such a dislikable individual on the season premiere.
“It’s so weird that they are actually airing the Mike Richards episodes of Jeopardy. I mean, I guess they have to. Those games count. But it’s weird!”
Others were more straightforward in their feelings.
@Jeopardy Was surprised and disappointed to see Mike Richards hosting the first episode of the season but I guess they can’t go back and replay all of the games he recorded. Hopefully, he won’t be on long!
— susan (@phoneyourmother) September 14, 2021
Reigning ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Matt Amodio Returns
While the Mike Richards controversy ensues, both Matt Amodio and his fans were excited for the return of the long-running show tonight. Amodio shared a post to his own Twitter account, initially shared by the Jeopardy! account, featuring a question of whether or not the reigning champ will continue his streak this season. Above the link, he wrote, “The worst part of the year, the #Jeopardy! break, is officially over!”
Despite the current “Jeopardy!” scandal, an issue that has brought serious drama to a relatively simple and beloved show, fans enjoyed seeing the return of the game show’s current reigning champion as well. I
n support of their favorite game show participant, one fan wrote, “I’m really hoping Matt Amodio outlasts the time that Mike Richards is host #Jeopardy.”
Another stated, “JEOPARDY is back…Hopefully with a competent, scandal free, likeable, drama free permanent host. In the meantime, we’ll have to suffer through this week with Mike Richards! #TeamMatt.”
Hopefully, despite the outright hatred fans have expressed surrounding the game show’s current host, participants in addition to Matt Amodio help keep fans engaged while they wait for a new, more competent host.
In the meantime, however, we’ll keep Outsiders updated with all the latest “Jeopardy!” drama.
