‘Jeopardy!’ fans have seen a slew of guests hosts take to the podium since November of last year after the late Alex Trebek took his final bow. Even executive producer, Mike Richards had his turn, following GOAT, Ken Jennings’ 6 week run.
Since then, it has been a revolving door of guest host, all staying for a two week limited appearance. Most recently actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik concluded a very successful run, with viewers throwing her name into the ring as suitable for taking over the role permanently.
‘Jeopardy!’ Exec, Mike Richards Assure a “Robust Team” is Seeking a Permanent Host
With several more guests hosts still scheduled to come, how close is the show to announcing its new permanent host?
Sony Pictures Television is expected to make the call before the next season begins taping, later this summer. Audiences’ critical regard for Trebek, who hosted Jeopardy! since 1984 makes finding a suitable host a difficult task, and Sony is taking their time, doing their due diligence.
According to Richards, Sony has “the most robust team of people I have ever seen looking at this and analyzing it in a very cerebral way.” He further explained their methods are “a real change from the way casting has traditionally been done on television.”
Though not all guest hosts have had their chance at a ‘public audition’ just yet, front runners Aaron Rodgers, Jennings and Bialik have been tapped to be worthy replacements, along with actor and Reading Rainbow host, LeVar Burton, who is yet to make his debut, yet earned his guest role through public support. T
hen again, none of the public know if any of their favorite guests host are actually available to take over full time. It well could be that a permanent host is found outside of the slew of guest hosts we have been watching all year.
Whoever is chosen to fill Trebek’s shoes will need to be prepared for online trolls. Despite knowing it’s virtually impossible to keep everyone happy, Richards hopes the ‘chosen one’ will be given a chance to prove themselves without too much online backlash.
“Ultimately, we are trying to put out the best product for our fans,” Richards explained.” That tends to narrow your focus to a pretty nice North Star, as opposed to, ‘What’s the internet going to say?'”
Don’t worry, Mike, we all know what the internet is going to say- no matter who takes the coveted role.
Jeopardy! airs weeknights on ABC
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