I think this is indicative of our times. Nobody can pass close scrutiny today, most celebrities say too much on social media that comes back and haunts them.
3 Likes
Agree. But even with that, there are some people/celebrities that just have more baggage than others. Both Mike Richards and Mayim have baggage and surprised that didn’t seem to be explored more before they were tapped for their roles.
3 Likes
Did you read through the whole article? It’s more than just hawking unproven treatments. I’m not saying it’s enough to ding her for the hosting job and it certainly isn’t the same thing as a producer ignoring sexual harassment, but she’s said some real tone deaf, ignorant, and even potentially dangerous things in the past.
2 Likes
But they were vetting game show hosts, not screening for national security issues or to be a nanny taking care of royal children. Read the questions, sound like you knew the answer to what’s the national wildflower of Libya (and sound like you can’t believe the contestants didn’t know it!), and ask interesting questions about the time Steve won the hula contest in third grade.
Not giving them the launch codes.
Bob Barker was sued by the models on The Price is Right. Not surprised others were named in complaints over the years.
4 Likes
Bob Barker was sued in another day and age. And settlements were made. It’s a new world and many people don’t put up with this kind of nonsense anymore. Or quackery. Thankfully. And are more discerning about who they support or want to see regularly in their homes on television.
1 Like
Do you vet everyone who you watch on TV? Or in the movies? Business owners? What do you find disqualifying versus just problematic/unfortunate?
The kinds of stuff Mike Richards did and said as a game show producer disqualifies him to be a game show host (and also a game show producer).
1 Like
No, of course not. And nobody is going to be squeaky clean. But this is such a major mess that I hope they are careful with who they finally choose for the main gig. . I am sad with how this has all gone and I will probably not watch the main show regularly going forward if Mayim is chosen( but I will probably watch initially so of course could change my mind). I had gotten into Jeopardy again and watched when I was younger. Again, just my personal opinion and everyone will have their favorites. Mayim was just not one of mine.
.
1 Like
I do have some people I prefer not to watch became I don’t want my entertainment dollars going to Scientology or Harvey Weinstein Co or the political causes certain hollywood people support, but it is sure hard to do when a lot of actors and movies are in those categories. My sister let her kids watch The Simpsons but made her husband turn off the commercials because she didn’t like them to see/hear those.
I don’t really care who the Jeopardy! host is or what commercials are on. I’m usually not paying that much attention. Not a big Mayim fan, but I knew of her unique views on child rearing and anti-vax thoughts a long time ago. Didn’t change my opinion on watching her as host, because I’ve watched jeopardy for many years and like it (except the kids tournament).
I also find it interesting how much weight some people here are giving to the host being a deal maker or breaker for you. I mean a good skilled host is needed - but even if they are not your “choice” doesn’t the format of the show, the questions you play along with, the contestants - doesn’t that keep you watching??? If you’re largely watching for the host color me surprised (unless it’s someone you REALLY dislike!!)
4 Likes
If only I had a dollar for every time someone said “I’m never watching this show/visiting this website/etc ever again.” 
9 Likes
Unfortunately, the contestants leading up to this did not do much to keep me that interested either. Lack of competition is just not appealing to me. And unfortunate going into this long break and all the drama now going on. There are diehard Jeopardy fans that will probably keep watching no matter who they pick. I’m just not one of them.
James won 33 regular season games. Something like 85% of them were runaways which allowed him to bet big on finals (he has the 15 highest single game totals, 18 of the top 20). He never risked more than he had to or more than he could afford to lose and still win. Jennings won 74 games and something like 65 were runaway games. Each players average coryat score (basically taking wagering out of the equation) was more than 4x that of their opponents. Did those shows lack competition too?
Diehard fans will keep watching no matter who they pick to host. At least the vast majority of us. And some non-diehards will be gained (or lost) based the chosen host. At least for a period of time.
4 Likes
No. They didn’t lack competition. I watched some when James was on his run. The opponents of Matt in general just seemed not very compelling to me at all , just didn’t seem to even be anywhere remotely near his level. All of a sudden someone looked like she could have beaten him, conveniently right before a major break in the action. I hope Jeopardy comes out beautifully after all this current mess. I have fond memories of watching on and off over the years.
Seems like you are saying James and Ken dominated against good competition and Matt has dominated against weak/no competition. Could be the case but I am not sure how that is known by just watching. And good players have a way of making other good players not look so good.
James was looking unbeatable. Until Emma came along and he wasn’t. He lost in the game that was expected to take him past Ken for record regular season money winnings. Interestingly enough she was the first contestant (I believe) to beat a 10+ day champ who didn’t lose the next game.
James came close to losing to an admissions official from Brandeis who lost by a dollar, having made over 50K. He holds the record for highest single-game dollar amt that did NOT win the game.
There was talk of inviting him back to play again, but do not recall if that ever happened.
It has been mentioned earliler in this thread that the woman who was in charge of contestant selection retired after 30+ years of service. Perhaps her replacement(s) don’t quite have the skills she has.
2 Likes
And remember that many potential contestants are hesitant to travel across country at this time.
2 Likes
Expecting some people to lobby for an asterisk next to Matt’s name in the Jeopardy record book. Given James’ narrow win over the admissions official at Brandeis, maybe it should be two.
Mike Richards fired as Executive Producer
https://www.cnn.com/2021/08/31/media/mike-richards-jeopardy/index.html
5 Likes
Hard to rationalize firing him as a host and keeping him in an executive capacity.
3 Likes