Celebrity Extra: Richard Hatch
By Dana Jackson
Q: Is that Richard Hatch from the original “Survivor” on another reality show? Wasn't he in prison for a while? -- S.S.
A: Yes, Richard Hatch, the winner of the first season of the trendsetting CBS reality show "Survivor," is on another competitive reality show -- the appropriately titled "House of Villains," which airs on E! Hatch also competed on "Survivor's" all-stars edition two decades ago, but was kicked off after being accused of inappropriate behavior by another competitor.
Richard Hatch ("House of Villains"). Photo Credit: Art Streiber/E! Entertainment Media
Hatch went on to serve over four years in federal prison for tax evasion after failing to report those "Survivor" winnings and is now open to other reality show opportunities. He's even campaigning in the press to be chosen for the 50th season of "Survivor," stating that he's never missed an episode. According to Entertainment Weekly, he's fully confident he could win again, declaring that he's "got the brain to play the game."
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Q: Whatever happened to the sitcom Mayim Bialik had while she was hosting "Jeopardy!"? I thought maybe that's why she isn't hosting anymore, since she was too busy doing both shows. -- O.M.
A: The Fox sitcom "Call Me Kat" starred Mayim Bialik, Cheyenne Jackson ("30 Rock"), and the late Leslie Jordan ("Will & Grace"). It lasted three seasons before it was canceled in May 2023. Bialik was quite busy hosting the weekend edition of the syndicated game show "Jeopardy!" but unfortunately lost the gig in December 2023. The producers decided to stick with Ken Jennings, who was the primary host on weeknights. But with primetime game shows being so popular, perhaps she'll land another one of those in the near future.
In the meantime, Bialik's set to guest star sometime in the upcoming season of "Night Court," alongside her former "Big Bang Theory" co-star Melissa Rauch. The new season premieres on Nov. 19 and will air on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m. ET.
She will also be seen in the upcoming anthology film by Jim Jarmusch, titled "Father, Mother, Sister, Brother," with Cate Blanchett ("Blue Jasmine") and Adam Driver ("Ferrari").
Bialik certainly isn't hurting for money, however. She was a regular cast member on "The Big Bang Theory" for eight seasons, and she certainly has a bright future in whatever show-business endeavor she chooses next.
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Q: When is "Cobra Kai" coming back to Netflix with new episodes? I hope it hasn't been canceled. -- R.W.
A: "Cobra Kai," the popular nostalgic series based on the "Karate Kid" movies, is set to return to Netflix for the second half of its final season, beginning Friday, Nov. 15. Ralph Macchio and William Zabka are back for five episodes, along with a "final event hitting sometime next year," according to TVLine. This time, they'll be in Barcelona, Spain.
Joining the cast are Lewis Tan ("Deadpool & Wolverine"), Patrick Luwis ("Rebel Moon"), and newcomer Rayna Vallandingham as part of a competing dojo at the overseas tournament. Expect the setting, which takes place in a karate temple with no crowd-watching, to be a "totally different environment," according to co-creator Hayden Schlossberg.
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