'Jeopardy!' announces Mayim Bialik, Mike Richards as permanent hosts to replace Alex Trebek

Mike Richards and Mayim Bialik will split "Jeopardy!" hosting duties in Season 38

The current idea is to have Richards take over in Season 38 for regular play while the "Call Me Kat" star headlines an upcoming crop of spinoff and special event games such as the upcoming "Jeopardy! National College Championship" at ABC.  "I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to host the syndicated version of Jeopardy!," said Richards in a press release. "Never in my wildest dreams could I have imagined being chosen to step into a role of this magnitude. 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 added: "I couldn’t be more thrilled to join the Jeopardy! family. 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!"