‘Jeopardy!’ EP Michael Davies Teases ‘Massive Plans’ For Fans

One of the major changes that occurred on the “Jeopardy!” stage didn’t involve the rotating string of guests hosts or the controversy over who was going to take over for the late Alex Trebek.

Although “Jeopardy!” announced earlier this week that both “Jeopardy!” G.O.A.T. Ken Jennings and former “The Big Bang Theory” star Mayim Bialik would be sharing hosting duties throughout 2022, they also slipped in a mention that executive producer Michael Davies would be continuing his run with the show.

Davies was filling in for former executive producer Mike Richards, who was fired after controversial comments he made about women and minorities from his podcast came to light. Although Richards voluntarily stepped down as host, he was later fired as executive producer. Davies stepped in to fill his shoes, and on Thursday night, he penned a touching letter to “Jeopardy!” fans to let them know just how much the show means to him.

Davies gave fans an insight into how things work behind the scenes by letting them know that there are three different “time zones” in the “Jeopardy!” universe. There’s JPT, (“Jeopardy!” Production Time) when they’re filming the shows, JAT (“Jeopardy!” Air Time) when the shows reach audiences, and JFT (“Jeopardy!” Future Time) when they “spend more time thinking about than anything else.”

He says the primary question on their minds is “How do we modernize and make ‘Jeopardy!’ more accessible to all of our potential fans and viewers while preserving everything that is and has been so perfect about the show throughout its storied history?”

Davies further revealed that he has 99 shows under his belt, of which only 41 have aired. However, his relationship with the show’s creator Merv Griffin goes back over 30 years, and it was Merv who gave him his big break.

He revealed that “Part of my job for Merv was watching ‘Wheel [of Fortune]’ and ‘Jeopardy!’ every day, looking for lively contestants who we might bring in for run-throughs of new game shows that we were developing. That’s when I first met ‘Jeopardy!’ contestants in real life. I was in awe of their command of the canon of general knowledge, their quick recall, and their speed on the little reception bells we set up in the conference room behind their makeshift podiums.”

Davies further revealed that “On my first day as interim Executive Producer, the breathtaking MattAmodio ended his 38-game run.” He went on to praise the other brilliant contestants this season: Jonathan Fisher, TylerRhode, AndrewHe, and current champion Amy Schneider.

“All such different personalities and players, each with their own style and substance,” Davies continued. “I cannot express to you how excited everyone at ‘Jeopardy!’ is for the next Tournament of Champions – we really do have massive plans.”

He went on to say that “Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings are outstanding hosts, and above that, outstanding people.”

He concluded the message by saying, “Finally, I never forget that, at root, we wouldn’t be here without the loyalty and passion of our fans and viewers. This note is for you, and I really hope you enjoy it. Please send your feedback to me and the team here. This is the first of many initiatives to bring you more access to the show we all love. And as with everything else on ‘Jeopardy!,’ we want to get it right. And in time, with your help, I know we will.”

The link brings fans to a contact page on the “Jeopardy!” website, where fans can get support on their “Jeopardy!” account, online testing, technical help, or “other.” Overall, it sounds like “Jeopardy!” is taking steps to make sure that the show is one that all fans can enjoy, and that, in itself, is a step in the right direction.