Who Is LeVar Burton? ‘Jeopardy’ Fans Want Him To Replace Alex Trebek

Following the death of famed “Jeopardy!” star Alex Trebek earlier this month from pancreatic cancer, several names are being thrown into the ring to replace the game show TV host.

While the replacement suggestions from fans range from podcaster Joe Rogan to “Jeopardy!’s” longest-winning streak holder Ken Jennings, one name, in particular, is striking a chord with social media – LeVar Burton.

Burton, 63, is best recognized for hosting 21 seasons of the children’s show “Reading Rainbow” from 1983-2006 as well as playing Lt. Geordi La Forge on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.” He is also known for his role as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 mini-series “Roots.”

A petition on Change.org, which was signed by over 8,400 people as of Thursday morning, is calling for Sony Pictures Entertainment and Harry Friedman, the show’s producer, to choose Burton to replace Trebek on the game show.

The petition reads, “LeVar Burton has inspired and shaped the minds of several generations of trivia-loving nerds.” It added, “we'd all love to see him as the next host of 'Jeopardy!'”

Twitter users seemed to agree as many on the platform have also suggested Burton become the next “Jeopardy!” host. On Thursday, Burton's name was trending on the site as a result.

“This is the best and only choice for Jeopardy!’s next host,” one poster wrote.

Another Twitter user said, “I can’t imagine a better choice.”

Another fan shared their pick for a new host in the form of a question, saying of Burton, “What is perfect?”

Burton is also definitely interested in becoming the show’s host as he posted on Twitter in September, “Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires.”

Claire McNear, author of “Answers in the Form of Questions,” a new book about “Jeopardy!,” told The New York Times that Trebek informed her he would like a woman or person of color to replace him.