UPDATE: Mayim Bialik to be first ‘Jeopardy!’ guest co-host

Search resumes for full-time host to replace Alex Trebek

Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards Named New ‘Jeopardy!’ Hosts.Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards Named New ‘Jeopardy!’ Hosts.Since Alex Trebek’s death, a slew of guest hosts have taken the stage on the popular game show.Since Alex Trebek’s death, a slew of guest hosts have taken the stage on the popular game show.On Aug. 11, Sony Pictures Television announced that not one, but two people would be named the new official "Jeopardy!" hosts.They are executive producer Mike Richards and "Big Bang Theory" star Mayim Bialik.Richards will continue to executive produce as he assumes the role of host.Bialik will handle "prime-time and spinoff series, including the upcoming all-new 'Jeopardy! National College Championship' set to air on ABC next year, as the studio looks to extend the 'Jeopardy!' franchise to new platforms.".Contrary to speculation by some, Richards did not pick himself for the job.We knew early on that we wanted to divide the hosting responsibilities, and it became very clear that Mike and Mayim were the undeniable choices. They were both at the top of our research and analysis. , Ravi Ahuja, Sony Pictures' chair of global TV studios and corporate development, via CNN.Richards and Bialik issued statements upon news of their selection.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, Mike Richards, via statement.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, Mayim Bialik, via statement

Mayim Bialik will be the first guest co-host of the popular TV show “Jeopardy!” following last week’s departure of Mike Richards.

CNN confirmed Bialik on Monday.

Richards announced his departure on social media.

Richards’ past comments from a now-deleted episode of his podcast, “The Randumb Show,” have come under scrutiny since he was named as permanent host of the show. The podcast was created as a way, according to USA Today, to promote a behind-the-scenes look at the CBS game show “The Price is Right,” for which he was a co-executive producer.

Richards, 46, is accused of using offensive language to describe women’s bodies, as well as making offensive comments about Jewish people.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Richards has apologized for his comments.

In a statement to Fox News, Richards said, “it is humbling to confront a terribly embarrassing moment of misjudgment, thoughtlessness, and insensitivity from nearly a decade ago,” Richards said in a statement to the outlet. “Looking back now, there is no excuse, of course, for the comments I made on this podcast and I am deeply sorry.

“The podcast was intended to be a series of irreverent conversations between longtime friends who had a history of joking around. Even with the passage of time, it’s more than clear that my attempts to be funny and provocative were not acceptable, and I have removed the episodes,” the statement continued. “My responsibilities today as a father, husband, and a public personality who speaks to many people through my role on television means I have substantial and serious obligations as a role model, and I intend to live up to them.”

Richards was recently named as the late Alex Trebek’s replacement for the show.