Jeopardy! fans SLAM decision to make Mike Richards new host... as Meghan McCain, Ava DuVernay and more stars back LeVar Burton instead
Not everyone was happy with the Jeopardy! announcement on Wednesday, that confirmed Mike Richards as the new daytime host, and The Big Bang Theory's Mayim Bialik at the helm for spin-offs.
Fans took to Twitter to air their grievances at the choices, with many left disappointed that it wasn't fan-favorite LeVar Burton, or star player Ken Jennings, who holds the record for most consecutive wins on the show.
Even celebrities including Meghan McCain, Ava DuVernay, and Oscar-winning director Matthew A. Cherry voiced their opinion on the announcement as backlash against the two new hosts mounted.
'It was fun while it lasted': Jeopardy! fans SLAM news hosts... including Selma director Ava DeVernay who used a meme for Schitt's Creek to air her grievances
However, it was mainly Richards that took most of the heat, since he will be the main daytime host, with Bialik just around for the spin-offs.
Cherry tweeted: 'RIP Jeopardy. Was fun while it lasted.'
Selma director DuVernay used a Schitt's Creek meme to show her disappointment, writing: 'Me trying to create a show right in this moment for @levarburton to host and make an international hit.'
Former host of The View McCain wrote: 'Why couldn't they just give it to @levarburton like literally everyone on the planet wanted?'
Oh dear: Even celebrities including Meghan McCain and Oscar-winning director Matthew A. Cherry voiced their opinion as backlash against the two new hosts mounted
The New York Times reporter Anstead W. Herndon said: 'after all that... the jeopardy exec producer just chose.... himself lmaooo,' referencing the fact that Richards has served as executive producer on the quiz show.
Herndon added with a meme: 'jeopardy producer watching all those little guest hosts knowing he was choosing himself the whole time.'
'So basically he's still giving himself the job but throwing Bailik out there to distract from his past connections to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment on the Price is Right,' tweeted Dr. Jason Johnson.
Not a fan: Some seemed to suggest that as executive producer it felt as though Mike Richards had chosen himself for the role (Pictured, last month)
Surprise: The Big Bang Theory star Mayim posted her own statement about being picked as the host for special 'new versions' of the show
Fan favourite: Guest host LeVar Burton was also in the running to be named as the new host, and angry fans hit out on Wednesday when he wasn't picked
Earlier this week, Mike Richards reportedly addressed recently resurfaced sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuits from his time producing The Price is Right in a memo to Jeopardy staff.
Writer Aidan Moher tweeted: 'The worst thing (okay, maybe not the WORST thing, but...) is that you know Mike Richards is gonna leave Jeopardy in, like, three years because he's a self serving egotist.'
Longtime host Alex Trebek - who died aged 80 after battling cancer in November last year - was at the helm of the iconic show for 36 years, and there has been a series of guest hosts since his departure.
Still, Richards kept upbeat as he said in a statement about his confirmed gig: 'I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of Jeopardy! Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude.'
Strong reaction: While Bialik's appointment fared better, many were disappointed with Richards
'I am incredibly humbled to step behind the lectern and will work tirelessly to make sure our brilliant contestants shine in each and every episode. Alex believed the game itself and the contestants are the most important aspects of the show.'
'I was fortunate to witness his professionalism, intensity and kindness up close and that will serve as the ultimate blueprint as we continue to produce the show we love. I am thrilled that Mayim is joining the Jeopardy! team. Her academic track record and enthusiasm for the game made her a terrific guest host. It will be a privilege to produce the primetime series with her as host.'
Bialik said in her own statement that she 'couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Jeopardy! family' and added: 'What started out with my 15-year-old repeating a rumor from Instagram that I should guest host the show has turned into one of the most exciting and surreal opportunities of my life!'
'I'm so grateful and excited to continue to work with Mike Richards, and I’m just over the moon to join forces with him and Sony. After all the conversations we’ve had about this partnership, I am just so ready to get started!'
Iconic: Longtime host Alex Trebek - who died after battling cancer in November last year - was at the helm of the quiz show for 36 years
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