Mayim Bialik to Fill In as ‘Jeopardy!’ Guest Host

The sitcom star Mayim Bialik will temporarily take over weeknight hosting duties at “Jeopardy!” as the venerable quiz show regroups in the wake of last week’s departure of its new host, Mike Richards.

Sony Pictures Entertainment named Mr. Richards, the executive producer of “Jeopardy!”, as the successor to Alex Trebek earlier this month. But he stepped down on Friday amid a furor over sexist and offensive comments he made on a podcast several years ago.

For now, Mr. Richards remains the show’s executive producer.

Ms. Bialik, best known for her roles on “The Big Bang Theory” and “Blossom,” was selected by Sony to host “Jeopardy!” prime-time specials, although only one has been scheduled. She was one of several personalities who had competed against Mr. Richards to succeed Mr. Trebek, who died last year after 37 years as host.

Sony said on Monday that Ms. Bialik would host this week’s tapings of “Jeopardy!” in Culver City, Calif., 15 episodes in all. The company said it had resumed its search for a permanent replacement for Mr. Trebek, it but has not revealed a formal list of candidates.

“As we move forward with production on this season of ‘Jeopardy!’, additional guest hosts will be announced,” Sony said in a statement on Monday.

The selection of Mr. Richards had proved controversial given that, as executive producer, he was involved in Sony’s search for a new host. Lawsuits also emerged from his last job at “The Price of Right” that included accusations of sexist workplace behavior. (He disputes the claims.)

A report last week in The Ringer revealed Mr. Richards had made offensive comments on a podcast, calling women who wear one-piece swimsuits as “really frumpy and overweight” and referring to stereotypes about Jews and large noses, which prompted a rebuke from the Anti-Defamation League.

Julia Jacobs contributed reporting.