Well now, here we are, almost at the finish line of JEOPARDY guest hosts. This week it’s David Faber and next week, to round it out, Joe Buck. By the way, Joe will be my podcast guest this week, dropping 9 pm PDT on Wednesday. He really walks us through the process. He’s a great guest so I hope you’ll tune in.
LeVar Burton just finished his audition week. Of all the candidates he’s the only one who really campaigned for the job. He pretty much did everything but skywriting. He also has a large legion of fans who remember him fondly from READING RAINBOW. Personally, I like him very much. I had the chance to direct him once on BECKER. Great guy and a very talented actor. Going in I would have been very pleased to see him get the JEOPARDY gig.
But after watching his week-long audition, he’s not the guy. Sorry. But he’s just not.
He was too hyper, screwed up way more than the others, and basically just doesn’t have a feel for the rhythm of the game.
Alex always maintained that the contestants were the star, but LeVar managed to place all the emphasis on himself. He was very overbearing and had very little connection to the contestants. On his first show one of the contestants was completely overwhelmed. He set a record for the worst one-day showing. The only acknowledgement from LeVar was “You won’t be joining us for Final Jeopardy.” I recall a few years ago a woman contestant also struggled and Alex went out of his way to console her throughout and cushion the blow of being humiliated on national television. He said something like, “this just wasn’t your day” implying on another day with other categories she might’ve done much better. LeVar just cast the contestant aside.
Now, I’m sure in part that’s because he didn’t realize this contestant was digging a deeper and deeper hole for himself. And without question, there are a lot of moving parts the host must negotiate at one time, but constantly taking the temperature of the room, making each contestant feel comfortable is a big part of the gig. He was overly excited when someone got an answer right, often screaming “YES!” as if they had won a million dollars instead of $400, and a curt “no” if someone answered incorrectly.
Could he get better over time? I’m sure. But there were other guest hosts who just felt it in their bones. They were comfortable, engaging with the contestants, quick-witted, at ease with the teleprompter, and in confident control of the game. With LeVar you would have to land the plane by radar. He would need months of notes and adjustments. A half-dozen other candidates could just step right in. It’s like some musicians just feel the groove. You can teach anyone to play an instrument but some just have that innate groove.
There’s another part of the job that’s hidden. How do you deal with unexpected circumstances? Things are going to come up. A contestant had a mild stroke once during a game. The board and clues don’t match on occasion, a contestant freezes up, the board malfunctions, whatever. You need a PRO when this happens. Alex was amazing at this. It stemmed from his natural talent and decades of experience as a broadcaster. LeVar Burton would be a deer in the headlights. Aaron Rogers wouldn’t have a clue. Dr. Oz — well, he was so terrible at everything it’s not worth mentioning.
The fan verdict on LeVar falls right along the line of who watched READING RAINBOW and who didn’t. Those that did have great affection for him. Those that didn’t are very underwhelmed by his performance. Some newspapers and websites are taking polls and LeVar shows up high, but remember, he’s campaigning. His fans are actively participating. There’s no worldwide Buzzy Cohen fan club. And even then, LeVar is not blowing away the competition.
Sorry, but he’s not the guy.
My picks? I loved Mayim Bialik. She brought a fun infectious attitude, and has a great feel for the game. Her diction was also terrific. I was surprised by how good Robin Roberts was. I shouldn’t be. She’s a seasoned pro and her years at Sportscenter really prepared her for spitting out those clues. But she was warm and excelled way beyond my expectations.
Ken Jennings is also a favorite. He certainly has a connection to the game. My only concern with Ken is his voice is a little weak. Buzzy Cohen also did a great job, in my opinion, although he was a little hyper and would need some adjustments.
And my other pick is Mike Richards. I doubt they’ll go in that direction, but as the executive producer he handled the game and contestants beautifully. You know you’re in good hands.
I noted previously how smooth and polished Anderson Cooper was. But he's a CNN guy so enough people probably hate him to cause producers to shy away... which is a shame.
Let’s see how David Faber and Joe Buck do. But a decision needs to be made soon, and I have a feeling the producers are close to making one.
And now I’ll throw it open to you. Who would you like to see get the job permanently? Ground rules: you must leave a name and you must honor other readers’ choices. No name calling. No attacking. Even if they think Dr. Oz should get the job. The comment section is open. And I’ll be looking up to see if there’s skywriting.
99 comments :
My top three are Mike Richards, Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings, in that order.
My longshot pick didn't get a tryout - Wonder Years actress and mathematician Danica McCellar. I thought her appeal would translate to multiple generations.
I love LeVar’s other work, so I was looking forward to seeing him here. After 5 minutes I had to turn the channel. Yikes. Loved Mayim and I’ll come back if she returns as host.
There have certainly been many excellent performances, but so far my personal favorite has been Buzzy Cohen. His enthusiasm seemed genuine, he seemed to relate well to the contestants, and his knowledge of the game and the pacing of it was impressive as well. However, Ken Jennings, Mayim Bialik, Mike Richards, Anderson Cooper, Robin Roberts, or Dr. Gupta would also be very good choices.
Ken, what happened to Anderson Cooper? Didn’t you write a whole post saying in effect “he’s the guy” when he hosted?
What happened?
1st choice: Mayim Bialik. 2nd choice Buzzy Cohen.
Mayim or Buzzy.
I also loved Anderson Cooper and Katie Couric, but I doubt either one would take the job.
Great review, Ken. We are definitely on the same wavelength in regards to Levar Burton and Mayim Bialik. She's my pick by a wide margin. I did not like Mike Richards,though. Just a personality thing, Anderson Cooper would be my second choice.
My top three in order: Sanjay Gupta, Mayim Bialik, Anderson Cooper. Honorable mention to Buzzy Cohen.
I think we need to separate the candidates into who is serious about taking the gig, and who's just checking their bucket list.
Are a Mayim Bialik, Joe Buck or even Aaron Rodgers seriously going to take the gig if it's offered?
I don't envy the producers. There have been several people who would be good choices. And in our whiny society, you know fans of whomever doesn't get it will be be very vocal about it.
How about three hosts:
Jeopardy: Mayim Bialik
Tournament of Champions: Buzzy Cohen
Teen Tournament & Kids Jeopardy: LeVar Burton
I wish Norm MacDonald got a shot to guest host.
CLiff Claven
Jack Narz
This came up on another board I'm on, and I had exactly the same thoughts as you did: Ken, Mayim or Buzzy would be great. Mayim has a little of the Dr. Oz-style baggage (she's doing commercials for a "supplement" of questionable efficacy), but Ken felt natural in the role, and Buzzy was an inspired and very fun surprise.
LeVar (and Katie Couric for that matter) were just far too surprised-sounding when someone got a clue correct; a surprised "Yes!!!" when one of the smartest people around can identify the capital of Montana is kind of insulting. Aaron Rodgers deserves credit for trying, though he never rose above the delivery of a sixth-grader reading his book report in front of the class. Most of the others just felt like placeholders without distinction. The professional broadcasters (Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, etc) obviously were stronger, but ultimately forgettable.
And the less said about Dr. Oz the better. (This is just general advice, not specific to "Jeopardy!".)
I had been among the legion of LeVar Burton's fans, and I'm glad he got the opportunity to guest host, but... I have to agree. He was decent, certainly better than some, but to me the biggest thing was he didn't always seem to have the best grasp on how to read answers. Jeopardy is a show filled with double meanings, and the host needs to be able to be able to identify those and draw them out for the contestants. Burton struggled with this, which is unfortunately quite a point against him.
Of the guest hosts so far, my favorite was easily Anderson Cooper, but even aside from the whole thing about a lot of people not liking CNN, I just haven't gotten the impression he was interested in the job permanently, and only ever wanted to do it as a guest.
There are a few people who haven't been guest hosts that I think might be good, or at least interesting. I would love to see Adam Scott or William Russ host the show; I think they would both be fantastic. So would Tom Hanks, but I can't imagine he'd be interested, at least long-term.
But most of all, I want to see John Ratzenberger guest host Jeopardy, even if only for a day. Presumably I need not explain this one.
Sanjay Gupta was the most like Alex. Warm, smart, not too flashy, and he knew the game well. I hope he gets it.
I just want the whole damn thing over with. Talk about beating a dead horse!
Picard always tried to keep his crew safe,
But it looks like La Forge is in Jeopardy .....
As a theatre director, I'm always weighing one auditioner against the others, seeing who has the talent and the spark for the gig. Every once in a while, somebody will come in on a thunderbolt and blow everybody else away. There's not even a question about who gets it. It's rare, but I love when it happens. For me, the best typical auditioner was Ken Jennings. The thunderbolt was Mayim Bialik.
I was expecting more from LeVar. He didn't show me anything special. Was pleasantly surprised by Mike Richards, but figured he wouldn't get the job because of his "other" job. Same with many of the people with other committed careers. Not a fan of Buzzy or Ken, though either one would be OK, I guess. And, although I was quietly rooting for Mayim, I thought objectively she did a really good job. I wouldn't mind seeing her as the host.
She’s got a gig, but I was favorably surprised by Savannah Guthrie (in fairness, I was unfamiliar with her other work).
Of the serious candidates - the ones who might actually take the job - Ken Jennings first, Blossom second (anybody notice she’s a woman?), and Mike Richards - Jeopardy’s version of Dick Cheney - third. He’s good, but Game shows aren’t supposed to be fixed.
It's too bad that the producers of Jeopardy! didn't go after an Art Fleming-type. I'm one of the old guys who grew up watching Fleming on Jeopardy! when I came home from school for lunch.
My Criteria for host has always been who would I want to spend time with when the game is going on. Hold my attention and not get in the way of the game. So far the Producer Mike Richards, Mayim Bialik and Aaron Rodgers are the ones that meet that criteria for me. Polished enough to host, has some personality but it doesn't get in the way of the game and hosts I wouldn't mind seeing on an every day basis.
No, I didn't like Levar. Robin Roberts, I thought, did great and made it interesting. I wish
you (Ken Levine) would take a shot at it, you would kill it.
I think that I'm rooting for Buzzy Cohen. I thought he did real well. Also, nobody knows him from anything else, so that distraction would be gone.
I'm on the Mayim Bialik bandwagon. Thought she just knocked it out of the park. Seemed so natural & in control.
I agree that Mayim and Robin Roberts were great. I also thought Dr. Gupta did a very good job.
Dr. Oz is imploring for Gilbert Gottfried to guest host -
so that he would no longer be at the bottom of everybody's list.
Didn't watch all the guest hosts, but Mayim Bialik was the best of ones we did watch. She was warm, intelligent, and knew the game. LeVar Burton was a big disappointment for all the reasons you mentioned. I was cheering for Ken Jennings, but he was a bit too stiff for me.
Ken Jennings - Mike Richards - Buzzy Cohen
Levar was a total mess - felt like he had never been in front of a camera or read a teleprompter before - It was so embarrassing that I turned the channel and didn't watch the rest of the week
If these were auditions and not mostly hype for production partners, fine. Two I still think would have been better: Tony Reali of ESPN and Aisha Tyler. One I thought of way too late: Vlad Duthiers of CBS News. Of those who auditioned: LeVar Burton. An actor can take direction.
Bill Cullen
Friday question about Jackie Mason
What did you think of him and his comedy? You've not mentioned his passing. I assume it's because in his later years he became better known for being a racist and a Trump supporter than a comedian.
I mainly knew him from his performance in The Jerk, so I decided to revisit some of his stand up material on YouTube to see how it had aged. Jesus, was the guy unimaginative and tedious! Naturally one expects a Jewish comic to make jokes and observations about being Jewish and the culture, but that's all he did. And most of it was lazy. There's a video of him performing in Israel in 1996 and almost every single joke is "There are no Jewish farmers/welders/hunters/jockeys/muggers/stuntmen", followed by very simple and obvious observation.
He also had an annoying habit of running a joke into the ground. Telling a joke about how Jews go to the opera and sleep through it is mildly amusing. Repeating the fact that they sleep through it another 7 times is comedy anthrax. Then saying every opera is the same, followed by a further 7 repetitions of the audience sleeping is comedy nuclear meltdown. And this guy was called a genius?
From what I've read online, in recent years, a lot of Jewish audience members walked out when his material turned racist, like referring to Obama as a schvartze. Even so, Al Jean of The Simpsons still saw fit to pay tribute to him on twitter.
I think Ken Jennings would be the best fit.
Would Bialik be available for the job, given that her sitcom has been renewed? I’m not sure of the Jeopardy shooting schedule, they’d probably be able to work something out.
I'm old enough to remember Art Fleming, however, when I went to YouTube and watched an episode, he was different. Perhaps because it was the last one, but while he had a firm grasp of the game and a great voice and diction, but he had the rather annoying habit of making a comment after a right answer. A couple of times is OK, but after one question he SANG a bit.
It's also fascinating to see Trebek in the early days. Before he made the show his own, he was also a bit exuberant and at one point of an early game, there was a gasp from the audience during the game. He was, in a small way, imitating Art Fleming.
Having said the above, I am quite fond of both men's work.
Sadly, I have to agree with Burton not immediately being the best person for the job. This job takes a special set of skills. Not all actors can be a host and not all game show hosts will necessarily make good actors, although as a bonus, Trebek was great in Cheers and Pacific Station.
Bialik was great, I'd go with her. As for who COULD host, is Stephen Fry willing? He was great hosting QI and he is undoubtedly intelligent. The only thing I would miss is that this format does not allow for too much of his wit to come through. It would be like watching a gunslinger walk through town.
I also vote for Mayim Bialik as the best choice and I think she's said that she would be interested in the job if it was offered. I think her sitcom got renewed, but they could probably figure out filming schedules to let her do both. Most of the news and sports personalities would probably be more likely to have to give up their other jobs.
The others that I thought stood out were Anderson Cooper, Dr. Gupta, and Mike Richards. I felt Ken Jennings did okay and he had a particularly hard job being the first to host after Alex's death. I agree that his voice was a bit weak and he does have a bit of baggage.
As for Levar Burton, I really wish that he had been given two weeks instead of one. I thought he improved over the course of the week and many of the earlier candidates showed pretty marked improvement in their second weeks. Burton also got kind of a difficult week since there was a massively dominant champion, who also had a bit of a challenging personality. I agree that he didn't handle the record-setting losing contestant well, but that was also on his very first show. Burton seemed nervous and, at times, like he was trying to hard, but he also likely wanted the job more than most.
I'd be surprised if the permanent host hasn't already been selected. My best is that they announce it immediately after the last episode of the season.
I'm in a game show newsgroup. Unscientifically speaking, the favorites there are probably Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings. Aaron Rodgers was considered a favorite until he reported to Green Bay's training camp, and LeVar Burton was well-liked until he actually hosted. Jennings was considered the favorite at the beginning of the process, but it looks less like a shoo-in now than it was.
Mike Richards generates mixed feelings--he's the executive producer and only started there this year (he was with The Price Is Right for a long time before that), so there's an aura of nepotism if he gets it.
None of the others are serious contenders; most either aren't interested in doing the job full time or their current jobs preclude it. No one wants Dr. Oz.
Mayim Bialik started shooting Call Me Kat before Alex Trebek died, and its renewal came as a bit of a surprise (it didn't get particularly good reviews or ratings, and the showrunner was replaced for season two). I'd hate to see her get passed on the Jeopardy! gig because of Call Me Kat, only to have that show cancelled after a few weeks.
Mayim Bialik for me. And, yeah, LeVar Burton was disappointing.
I know the producers have said that whoever they pick, they want that person's primary job to be the host of Jeopardy, not a side gig and not someone who'd still be pursuing other concurrent jobs, whether it be acting or newscasting. Other than the occasional sitcom gig and a few commercials, Trebek had few other gigs while Jeopardy was going, Classic Concentration being the exception, but I don't believe he did any other side gigs after that.. So that leaves pretty much just Ken and Buzzy, and for sentimental reasons I think Jennings is the clear choice. I thought Ken's delivery was just fine, and also considering he was the first guest host after Trebek's death, I think he was intentionally a bit reserved. He clearly improved by the end of his gig, and like Drew Carey on The Price is Right, he'd get more comfortable and confident with time.
I thought Robin was terrific and she would be my choice except I don't know that she'd give up the GMA anchor desk and all of the special programming she is current producing. I tweeted her my compliments. Her response was along the lines of exactly what you pinpointed, Alex always said it's about the contestants. I loved Buzzy and would pick him, knowing that he could gain the polish he needs. I also thought Mike Richards was great. I thought Mayim was okay, just okay. Competent but didn't blow me away.
Ken Jennings has been my pick all along. I was surprised to find Mayim Bialik boring because I like her. Aaron Rogers did a good job but not better than Ken.
Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik are by far my favorites. I like them as people, and also think they have the intellect and personalities to do the job. Let them tag-team as hosts.
Mayim and Katie Couric are my choices. What got me about LeVar (and you could say this about some other candidates) is the 1.5 - 2 second delay in acknowledging the answer. Just don't remember Alex taking that long
@Victor Velasco, several of the hosts have had that delay issue. I believe it's because the hosts are using an earpiece to get work from the judges if the answer was right or wrong, especially when pronunciation or potentially acceptable alternate answers are given. But among all hosts who had that issue, I agree Burton was the worst at it.
As far as I've heard, only Aaron Rodgers and LeVar Burton had expressed interest in actually being the host. Again this could all be obfuscation, but both Ken Jennings and Mike Richards have denied wanting the job. And, of course, Jeopardy has denied that any of this is an audition. Assuming that neither Ken nor Mike are actually interested, my first choice would be Buzzy Cohen, although Austin Rogers would be my real pick from the former players' list.
First, I think Ken Jennings remains the best option of the candidates, though I presume Joe Buck will be very good. Robin Roberts, not surprising, was terrific.
Surprised me: I did not expect Mayim to be as geniunely engaging with the contestants as she was, and this is an important part of the job. Some of the other hosts just didn't know seem to do that part well - or seemed like they were acting at that part of the role. (Anderson - best host overall, but can he connect with 400 teachers and civil servant contestant each season?) Mayim was as good as any of the guest hosts - she simply might be too famous for the game's long-term benefit (not her fault).
Lastly, I've always thought that Trey Wingo would be great at this and an excellent choice, but we'll never know.
Mayim Bialik
@Darwin's Ghost
Jackie Mason appeared on The Simpsons ten times as Krusty's father, and he earned an Emmy for the role in 1992. It's no surprise that Al Jean would think fondly of him.
Jack Narz or Bob Barker. Maybe Bill Cullen
Would like to have seen Kelsey Grammer as a guest host. I think he could have projected the right tone, although I think his presence would have resulted in too many comparisons to his FRASIER persona.
I stopped watching months ago, for various reasons, but I'm pleased to see so many positive comments about Mayim Bialik. When her name was announced as a guest host, I hoped that she would do well enough to earn the gig full-time.
I suspect it will go to Ken Jennings because of his close association with the JEOPARDY! brand and because I can't imagine the others committing to the gig full-time, as other commenters here have noted.
with you on Bialik and R.Roberts...both good candidates. but I vote for "no one", thinking they should follow SNL model of 'no regular host' and feature a different guest host each week
I still have to say Ken Jennings. I also like Mayim. I did like Lavar as Jeopardy host, although I only got to see one episode of his because YoubTube TV did not record jeopardy because the Olympics are on its it's time slot.
I grew up watching READING RAINBOW and am a long-time Trekkie, but I will admit LeVar Burton is not the person who should be hosting JEOPARDY! going forward.
Mostly, I found him overly energetic to the point of distraction. The contestants need to bring the energy, but the host sets the tone. He tended to overwhelm the energy of the contestants.
Admittedly, he could improve over time, but why invest in a guy who needs marked improvement over someone else who could step into the role with ease? My picks would be Mayim Bialik or Ken Jennings.
If my life depended on knowing the score of today's game, and the only person who knew that score was Joe Buck, I'd go to the park and ask them to play the whole game again while I watched so that I'd know the score. That's how much I avoid Buck's smug, condescending attitude at all costs.
I really wanted LeVar to succeed, but I got a bad feeling after social media went out of its way to campaign for him and then he led the charge. Something told me it would backfire. I was not impressed at all for the reasons mentioned and can only hope social media doesn't try to make this some sort of race-related conspiracy if/when the producers go with someone else (I say this as a Black man). Nostalgia isn't a reason to make someone the host, and he just wasn't the right for for this job. That said, he had to deal with some bizarre scenarios that I think only Alex could maneuver.
My picks:
-Anderson
-Mayim
-Ken
Dunno if Anderson or Mayim will leave their respective jobs, but if I'm Mayim I take the job and try to juggle dual roles with that and Call Me Kat.
Those wanting Bill Cullen or Jack Narz.....gonna be a little hard reanimating their skeletons since they died years ago.
I like Mayim, and if her getting this gig keeps them from making more of that cat sitcom, it's a win-win for us all.
I agree with pretty much everything though I was unimpressed by Mike Richards compared to many commenters on here. I really was impressed by Robin Roberts but she's probably got too much on her plate. Buzzy really didn't have a real audition as he never had to deal with nervous first time contestants (he was perfect for the Tournament of Champions as he obviously conveyed empathy for everything everyone was going through).
Ken, the comments Jason Benetti made on your podcast about how not being at all like Hawk Harrelson really feel germane. I think the show needs to grow in a different direction to honor Alex without imitating him. I think Ken Jennings or Mayim Bialik could do that best.
I don't know about Mike Richards, but I would love to see Michael Richards get the gig. Any shot?
I'm pretty surprised by the acclaim for Robin Roberts, who I found kind of irritating on Jeopardy, although I usually like her. My main problems with her was that I felt she way overdid the personal asides (like "that's my home state!") and that she almost consistently sounded surprised when contestants got the right answer. She seemed to struggle with getting the pacing of the show right as well.
For the most part, I didn't really think the news personalities, with the exception of Cooper and Gupta, were a very good fit. Perhaps the jobs are too different. Considering how well Bialik did, perhaps they should have considered more actors.
@Anthony Adams
Have you ever heard of the concept of false modesty? Of course Ken wants the job!
POSSIBLE FRIDAY QUESTION: At the end of every episode of "Frasier," there is a credit that reads, "Based upon the character of Frasier Crane created by Glen & Les Charles." Do you know if the Charles brothers were ever invited to write an episode of "Frasier"? If not, do you know why? And, if so, do you know why they declined?
The person I liked the best was Mike Rodgers. Mayim Bialck was second. Ken Jennings did fine but he is also on the ABC game show The Chase with James Holhauzer and Brad Rutter.
LeVar Burton was horrible. Couldn't even finish watching his week. And, yes, I thought he really badly treated the guy who ended up thousands of dollars in the hole. Next worse was Dr. Oz. Then Katie Couric. She sounded like a teacher more than a game show host.
Time for a woman, and Mayim Bialik is perfect: sharp, friendly, comforting.
I'm a little disappointed that Alex Faust wasn't given a shot. Since Alex Trebek named Faust as a possible replacement, I was hoping to see if Trebek had an intuitive instinct about the young man.
As for the high-profile folks that have appeared thus far, Anderson Cooper was a natural. Mayim Bialik was also wonderful. And I really didn't know who she was until her Jeopardy appearances. (Yeah, I'm kinda out of it.)
100% Mayim Bialick. For me, no one else was even close. And I'm not really considering Richards, because he is the producer and I got the impression wasn't really auditioning. He just had to fill in due to scheduling/travel/COVID issues. I don't think he considers himself in the running. I wouldn't mind Robin Roberts, but Mayim just fit. And, while I'm a fan of hers in general, I didn't expect her to feel like the right choice before I saw her do it.
No on Levar, and no on Ken. Ken did a fine job for an amateur, but ultimately…he’s an amateur. Too stiff and unnatural. I liked Robin Roberts, Mike Richards, and George Stephanpoulos. Buzzy was surprisingly good, too. Robin and George would not necessarily have to leave GMA. Jeopardy is taped in large blocks, and they’d just need a bit of time off to do it. I understand that George is actively campaigning for the job, and is probably looking at his post-GMA options.
Cohen, Roberts, Gupta, Bialick, Richards,
Too many sounded so surprised when a contestant got a question correct. Burton was TOO enthusiastic, and I had been pulling for him beforehand as well.
My feelings on Burton are abou the same as yours. He pushed too much, didn't tell the contestants the nuance rules (e.g. when the guy was at -$1,000 and hit the daily double, Burton just said "What is your bid?" instead of telling the guy he could bet up to $2,000), and he talked to the contestants as if they were children. My favorite hands down is Ken Jennings.
Agree 100% on Burton. I'm a huge fan of his, but he just didn't have it. Was very impressed with David Faber tonight, especially the way he reads the clues. Overall my favorites have been Buzzy, Robin, and Dr. Gupta, though I also liked Ken, Mayim, Richards, and Rodgers. Very curious about Buck; I think he might surprise his detractors.
Hands-down I loved Mayim and she was just firing on all cylinders.
I think Aaron Rogers mentioned the fact that you only need 60 days to tape a year's worth of programming so Mayim's sitcom wouldn't be a problem.
For any of the others with "regular gigs" read: M-F or weekend commitments, that would be an issue as Jeopard/Wheel tape(d) during the week and I know WHEEL OF FORTUNE taped mornings/afternoons (they did when I went).
I had never seen or heard of Buzzy before but I loved him - he was cheerful and energetic. Mayim and Ken were very good too.
Couldn't agree with you more about Mr. Burton. Expected him to be great and it only took minutes to see he wasn't. Hoped that by show 3 he would settle in. It never happened. Perhaps it got worse. Interesting how many people picked Mayim, probably because she was really good. She's got my vote also. I liked Ken Jennings also but Blossom was better. And Mike Richards reminds me about all the job interviews I went on in my life, thinking I did pretty well on my interview only to be told, "we decided to give the job to someone internally, but thanks for coming in." Always felt like the interviews were only done for due diligence.
I'd be very surprised if they haven't already picked the new host. J! usually starts airing the new season the week after Labor Day and wants at least a month or so already taped by then. So they have to start taping in the next week or so...which is after they negotiate the contract with the new host. They're out of time (oh, and the new Covid surge may have then back to everyone being "originally from anywhere but Southern California where they live now" and otherwise affecting taping). So if they're not already in negotiations or have finished them, they're about to run out of time.
I liked both Mayim Bialik and Mike Richards, my son who loves the game wants Ken Jennings (although I don't care as much for him). My son says it is the game that counts the most. But as for me if I don't care for who they pick I may drop in on it from time to time but not every day like I did for Alex Trebek as the host.
Actually, Ken, my pick would be Siri.
I'm not kidding.
I thought Savanah Guthrie did the best job...she has been in TV long enough that it just came natural to her. But she has said she won't be doing it because of her other commitments.
I really liked Mayim Bialik and Buzzy Cohen and would be happy with either but I think they should go with Ken Jennings since he is such a part of the show's history, it provides a link to Alex.
Really showing your age. That's not the only thing Levar Burton is known for.
Have you forgotten Roots?
Better late than never - my vote is for Mayim Bialik! She was great. I guess my second choice would be Ken Jennings.
Invoking the Thumper rule for LeVar's performance . . .
Wish I had seen Buzzy. That was the only host I missed.
My top three, in no particular order, would be Aaron, David, and Mike, with Mayim a close fourth.
Faber is practically the only individual who makes CNBC watchable. Have no idea about his personal politics; he brings the same calm to Jeopardy that he does to Squawk Box.
I am in the minority on this, but thought Rodgers was great. So at ease and willing to share the spotlight.
Finally, Richards just seemed like a pro. A natural. Understandable because of his background and very welcome. Would be a smooth transition from Alex.
Whaddya,whaddya wanna pick a category or sumthin'?
I'd like to see it at least once. He does like contests involving money.
I really liked LeVar Burton. Never saw Reading Rainbow so that theory doesn't work in my case. Yes Burton's first day wasn't great but he said so in an interview. But I thought he was great on the other days. For me and my wife his voice in reading was pleasurable. Also liked Mayim Bialik. Thought she worked well indeed. I recently saw a 1983 episode of Jeopardy and if the young Alex Tribec was guest hosting he wouldn't even be in the running for permanent host. It took decades to get the Alex we knew and admired. However, there were times Alex could be rude to contestants and dismissive. Rarely... but did happen. I would really like LeVar to get it. But who ever gets it really needs personality in their voice.
I liked Mayim but my favorite is the guy hosting right now, David Farber. Apparently, he's a financial reporter for CNBC. Never saw him before but he is smooth, personable and disapears into the background.
"And my other pick is Mike Richards. I doubt they’ll go in that direction, but as the executive producer he handled the game and contestants beautifully. You know you’re in good hands."
According to Variety, he might be the guy after all.
https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/mike-richards-jeopardy-host-alex-trebek-1235034673/
Found Robin to be too effusive. LeVar was just wired. If it was up to me, Mayim, but she doesn't stand a chance. I think Mike Richards (personally wasn't feeling him) or Buzzy Cohen.
And Aaron Rodgers was AWFUL.
I liked Jennings, I liked Cooper, then Along Came Bialik.
I say bring back Art Fleming!
Give Johnny Gilbert a chance.
I wrote this before reading the other 90 comments - pleased that so many like my two picks.
Not only did Mayim Bialik have "the mechanics" down pat, but her occasional interjection that she knew the answer was a nice seamless call back to the masterful Trebek.
(she's every bit the nerd that he was though in different categories - and likely not as "well read")
(AND, couldn't she fit fewer than 16 JEOPARDY hours/month around her acting schedule?)
(60 days/year? Really?)
Jennings has these advantages in spades (though he's not nearly so cute) - and would be my 2nd pick - and quite tolerable.
(baggage??)
(and what the heck - why not switch up two of the best ones quarterly or semi-annually?)
I'm going to guess Reading Rainbow is a kid thing - a clear disqualifier in my book (along with Burton's role in Star Trek.)
Moving to the intolerable - I can't recall who the "daytime hostess" was - but PLEASE - DO NOT HIRE HER.
The last thing we need is a daytime vibe/noise at 6PM
- PLEASE!
PS - I second the motion - Ratzenberger as an occasional guest - at least one time.
PPS - I too, would like to see Ken as a guest host.
Mayim Bialik
James Holhauzer and Brad Rutter could have made interesting guest hosts.
One thing about Levar Burton that should help everyone with short memories, he isn't the only one to have something rare happen to him.
In Alex Trebek's second ever show, all three contestants finished Final Jeopardy with no score on a triple stumper that looked pretty easy in retrospective. In addition, it would be decades before all contestants again bet everything on Final Jeopardy and lost. In the incident, Alex even made a rookie mistake by forgetting to give the response to the clue. Thankfully the audience reminded him.
https://www.j-archive.com/media/1984-09-11_FJ.mp3
I like the idea of guest hosts. It may be more work for the producers, but it will save them a lot of money and it keeps things interesting.
Ken is the best for the job. Mayim was great,but her wardrobe was terrible. Michael Richards just is too arrogant for my taste. David Faber is very Alex like.
I'm glad someone else mentioned Tony Realli from ESPN's Around The Horn. I'm disappointed he didn't get a shot.
Miyam was sweet natured and quick. She'd be an unconventional choice, but a solid one. I also liked Aaron Rodgers who seemed like someone who would grow well into the role.
It seems Mike Richards has a good shot at it. But he's a solid producer and they'll need to replace him in that job. Stay there and guide the next person into the role. And when it comes time for a new announcer - Johnny Gilber who has that job is 97 years old. Swear. -- then have Richards take that slot and give the announcer more to do.
It's such a durable format it's hard to think of how they could screw it up too badly.
And it's... Mike Richards for the day to day show, and Mayim Bialik for the special stuff.
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