Mike Richards Fired as Executive Producer of ‘Jeopardy!’ and ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeGreetings from Variety Awards Headquarters! Today is Sept. 17, 2021, which means it’s now just 2 days until the Primetime Emmys telecast on Sept.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeWhen Frank Scherma was elected as chairman and CEO of the Television Academy three years ago, he came to office with grand plans to reform the organization. What he didn’t plan on was a global pandemic interrupting that focus.That’s why, as Scherma confirmed to Variety on Wednesday morning, he plans to run for re-election in November in a bid to continue as chairman/CEO for another two-year term.

Daniel D'Addario Chief TV CriticMike Richards’ first episode as host of “Jeopardy!” — one of what would end up totaling only five — taped Aug. 19 but only aired, after his ouster, on Monday night.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeA week after “Wheel of Fortune” lost its executive producer, as Mike Richards stepped down in a firestorm of controversy, the show has sealed a new deal to keep long-running hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White in place.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeBut despite the difficulty in organizing the events as the COVID -19 pandemic’s Delta variant causes a spike in cases, producer Bob Bain says he’s relieved to once again oversee these in-person shows.“We’re hoping for something that — in terms of energy — feels a lot more like the prior shows that we used to do at the Microsoft Theatre than last year, when it was all virtual and Zooms that no one really wants to watch,” Bain says.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeVice TV had been in active production on season two of Michael K. Williams’ unscripted series “Black Market” when the star died on Sunday, and according to insiders, much of it had already completed.

Michael Schneider Variety Editor at LargeAfter 20 years and 32 seasons, CBS’ “The Amazing Race” remains one of the gold standards of reality competition TV, having won 10 Emmys in that series category since its inception, more than any other show. Production on “The Amazing Race” currently remains on hiatus, unfortunately, as the world continues to contend with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

James Holzhauer has never been one to hold back his emotions, or keep quiet about how he really feels, and so it makes sense that the legendary Jeopardy! champ is letting it all hang out right now!

James Holzhauer isn’t hedging his bets. The former “Jeopardy!” champion and current trivia master on The Chase is expressing his true feelings about Mike Richards’ departure.

James Holzhauer isn't hedging his bets. The former champion and current trivia master on is expressing his true feelings about Mike Richards' departure.Holzhauer took to Twitter on Tuesday morning to address Richards' ouster as executive producer on, and addressed Richards' past controversial comments, which were in part the reason for his exit.«Do I think Mike Richards’ podcast comments were appropriate for polite society? No,» Holzhauer wrote.

James Holzhauer is celebrating.

Mike Richards is out at “Jeopardy!” (for real this time) and James Holzhauer is so happy he could sing, apparently. Amid the news that Richards would no longer be serving as the show’s executive producer, the prolific “Jeopardy!” contestant posted two tweets on Tuesday that could each serve as valid answers for, “What is shade?” First he tweeted, “Do I think Mike Richards’s podcast comments were appropriate for polite society? No.

We’ll take “Bye, Felicia” for $500, Mayim.

stepped down from the coveted host gig last week amid public outrage and resurfaced sexist comments.

“Jeopardy!” is out a host, and now an executive producer, too.