Mike Richards reportedly in advanced talks to permanently host ‘Jeopardy!’

LOS ANGELES — Who is Mike Richards?

According to Variety.com, he’s an executive producer for ‘Jeopardy!’ and is in advanced negotiations to become the permanent host of the popular game show.

After the death of beloved host Alex Trebek in November, the show has seen a series of big name guest hosts, including Mayim Bialik, Anderson Cooper, Katie Couric, Dr. Oz, Ken Jennings, Robin Roberts, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Aaron Rodgers, and LeVar Burton.

Variety.com reports Richards joined the show last year as an executive producer and impressed higher-ups during his time as guest host. He previously hosted the series “Divided” and “The Pyramid” for GSN. He has served as a reality TV host for “High School Reunion” and “Beauty and the Geek.” Richards joined “The Price is Right” in 2008 as a co-executive producer as well. He helped sell the remake of “Let’s Make a Deal” to CBS.

A Sony Pictures spokesman said negotiations were ongoing with several candidates, but Variety.com reports Richards “is clearly the front-runner.”

Ken Jennings was seen as a possible choice to succeed Trebek as host of the television institution. There’s also been a fan push to have LeVar Burton be named permanent host.

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