Mike Richards reportedly in the lead for ‘Jeopardy!’ host job

Mike Richards, the “Jeopardy!” executive producer who tried out this year to succeed the late Alex Trebek, reportedly is in line to assume the job for good.

Variety reports that Richards is in “advanced negotiations” to become permanent host of the long-running game show, beating out the better-known fill-ins including Aaron Rodgers, Anderson Cooper, LeVar Burton and Mayim Bialik.

Richards drew praise for his smooth two-week stint at the podium in February and March. USA Today called him the best of the interim hosts, writing: “From his cool and sleek delivery of clues to his clever banter, Richards was both comforting and uncontroversial, taking his cues from Trebek’s work but never directly copying him.”

Trebek died in November at age 80.

No newbie in the host position, Richards previously fronted two shows on GSN: “Divided” and “Pyramid.” He also had stints behind the scenes on “The Price Is Right” and “Let’s Make a Deal.”