Jeopardy producer Richards named host role for Bialik

Eight months after the death of beloved ``Jeopardy!'' host Alex Trebek, the daily syndicated quiz show chose its executive producer Mike Richards as Trebek's successor over a field of celebrity candidates.

But after fan backlash to a selection process that turned messy in recent weeks, producer Sony split the pie by naming another guest host, actor Mayim Bialik, as emcee for ``Jeopardy!'' primetime and spinoff series, including a new college championship.