The real question is: do those episodes see the light of day?
Do we know with absolute certainty that they were taped? I believe yesterday was the first scheduled taping day with Mike, but he and Sony already knew what was coming by that point.
Not literally, but figuratively they must. Whatever else is happening, you cannot be that unfair to the players, most certainly not when the returning champ is who it is.
I don't see anything in their rules that says they are bound to air any particular episode. But for the sake of goodwill and legal thoroughness, it wouldn't surprise me if they cut a deal with any contestants who were on the five shows that were theoretically taped with Mike as the permanent host. Maybe they get to keep whatever they won on the unaired shows,
plus play again on a newly taped show and keep those winnings as well? Maybe a hypothetical champion on a Mike show who doesn't win on the retaped show gets an additional bonus of some sort? It would be messy, but there's no way they can debut their new season with a host they've already acknowledged is irredeemably tarnished.
Not shocking news, but I am surprised that they're going back to guest hosts
Even if they have a replacement in mind already, there will have to be contract negotiations. They have no choice but to resume taping very soon. The new season starts airing only 3 weeks from Monday.
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