Mike Richards is already out as "Jeopardy!" host, but he'll still get some TV time ... because the few episodes he shot are going to air as scheduled, TMZ has learned.
Production sources tell us ... Mike shot 5 episodes Thursday before stepping down as the new daily host, and all of them will air beginning September 13.
We're told this decision was made by Sony Studios execs for a couple of reasons -- first, to keep the continuity of the show and honor the contestants ... and second, because one of these contestants was on an incredible hot streak before "Jeopardy!