Who Will Be The Next Host Of 'Jeopardy!’? Famed Quiz Show May Come Down To Two Candidates
The popular prime-time game show “Jeopardy!” appears to be moving closer to naming a new host. The position has generated attention after the recent death of longtime host Alex Trebek.
While actor LeVar Burton appears to be a front-runner, the show on Tuesday named former top contestant Ken Jennings as the first interim host.
"We will resume production on 11/30 with a series of interim guest hosts from the Jeopardy! family – starting with Ken Jennings," the show's official Twitter account said. "Additional guest hosts to be announced."
Jennings, 46, is the show’s longest-winning streak holder with 74 consecutive wins. Burton, 63, is a known television personality who viewers have lobbied to be named the permanent host.
“[Trebek] believed in the importance of Jeopardy! And always said he wanted the show to go on after him. We will honor his legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved," “Jeopardy!’” executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement.
Burton was a host of the longtime children's program “Reading Rainbow” and was a key cast member of “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
We will resume production on 11/30 with a series of interim guest hosts from the Jeopardy! family – starting with Ken Jennings. Additional guest hosts to be announced. pic.twitter.com/0MdGqnzp3R
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) November 23, 2020
Burton retweeted the show's statement. He hasn’t commented or tweeted about the announcement of Jennings as interim host.
Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires. #Jeopardy https://t.co/N1HrMTCaYI
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 22, 2020
Fans of the show reacted to the announcement on social media. Some supported Jennings, while others wanted to see Burton get the first interim position.
Please. Please. Please.
— Cordir (@lady_cordir) November 24, 2020
Please hire LaVar Burton to be the host.
(You DO know about that https://t.co/GqeSVh4OtJ petition, right?)
So glad to see the show literally going on. Will be interesting and very different but so glad you are honouring his legacy this way. You know he's going to be watching from Heaven 😉 Big shoes @KenJennings & others #RIPAlexTrebek
— BrownSquirrel (@BrownSquirrel) November 23, 2020
Please please Levar Burton give him at least a shot
— Caleb on a Bagel (can have anytime) (@juszisguy) November 23, 2020
Others recalled a tweet from Jennings in 2014 that was perceived as disrespectful.
I can't think of anyone better to carry on Alex's legacy than someone who would tweet this. pic.twitter.com/HXQS91Yo6j
— Bill: At Home😷💉💉 (@BILLYonaire_GSN) November 23, 2020
Trebek hosted "Jeopardy!" for 36 years. "Jeopardy!" plans to air 10 of Trebek's best episodes in the weeks of Dec. 21 and Dec. 28.
"Jeopardy!" will resume on Nov. 30.

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