‘Jeopardy’ Taps Mayim Bialik As Temp Host Following Mike Richards’ Ouster

“Big Bang Theory” alum Mayim Bialik is going to be the temporary host of “Jeopardy!” after the abrupt exit of Mike Richards from the show.

The 45-year-old Hollywood actress, neuroscientist and author is filling in as the host of the mothership syndicated television game show, Deadline reported Monday, noting that Bialik is also hosting the primetime and spinoff series of “Jeopardy!”

Bialik’s involvement with the main series will only be temporary as the show is currently scheduled to film a total of 15 episodes that will be good to air for three weeks. Additional guests host will be announced at a later date as production on the 38th season of the quiz show continues ahead of its premiere on Sept. 13.

A spokesperson for Sony Pictures Television confirmed to People that Bialik will start filming this week as the company continues its search for the next permanent host shortly after Richards’ departure and about nine months after the passing of longtime “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek.

Richards, 46, officially announced Friday that he was stepping down from hosting the show. But even before he issued the statement, several outlets had already reported that he was ousted following his multiple controversies.

His departure came after he finished taping about five episodes for the show that will still be aired as part of the new season. Richards will also remain as an executive producer of the franchise following his failed hosting gig.

The controversies surrounding Richards started after Ringer published a report on the insensitive and sexist comments he purportedly made toward his female co-hosts and guests on a podcast he hosted, titled “The Randumb Show,” from 2013 to 2014.

Richards and the staff and crew of the game show were summoned for a Microsoft Teams meeting on Monday, and the ex-host allegedly apologized to everyone for the disparaging comments he had made in the past, which resulted in another roadblock for the show.

Sources told Deadline in a separate report that staffers expected Richards to also step down as executive producer as the show is moving forward with finding a new permanent host. Sony also reportedly announced at the gathering that it is assembling teams to work on increasing inclusivity.