‘Jeopardy!’: Who Should Replace Mike Richards as Host? (POLL)
Jeopardy! is once again hostless following Mike Richards’ exit from the sought-after position. Guest hosts will resume their rotation when filming for season 38 commences, but there’s still a permanent spot to be filled. Who should it be?
It’s a big question and one that’s been highly debated among Jeopardy! fans in the last year. Season 37 saw several guest hosts including Richards, GOAT champion Ken Jennings, Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz, NFL star Aaron Rodgers, Anderson Cooper, Bill Whitaker, former champion Buzzy Cohen, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, LeVar Burton, David Faber, and Joe Buck.
(Credit: Jeopardy!, Inc.)
Whether these former guest hosts will be asked back remains to be seen, but they were certainly all considered for the big gig at one point or another. The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik, who also guest-hosted in Season 37, has already signed on to helm Jeopardy!‘s primetime specials and tournaments, but could she get the syndicated full-time gig as well?
Then there are other options that have yet to be explored such as Alex Trebek’s own picks, CNN legal analyst Laura Coates and L.A. Kings hockey announcer Alex Faust. The late host had floated the possibility of Coates and Faust replacing him in 2018 when he was asked about retiring prior to his pancreatic cancer diagnosis.
The possibilities for who could replace Richards seems endless, but we’re asking readers to let us know who they think should take over the permanent gig. Cast your vote in the poll and sound off in the comments section.
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David Faber was by far the best & most like Alex.
Not Ken Jennings.
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Ken Jennings, for sure. He’s smart, very intelligent, witty. Professional, good stage presence.
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I agree with al of that. He would be very good. But you forgot one thing: he had his own social-media scandal after he guest-hosted? Remember? So I'd be really surprised if they offered him the job now.
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I think Coates and Faust should each be given a shot as a guest host. No way we can give an educated opinion on whether either one of them would make a good host without seeing what they would bring to the table. Alex liked them, so they should at least get guest host auditions.
My sentimental favorite was Levar Burton, but his guest hosting gig didn't impress me. He might grow into it, but I'm not sure he's the right fit.
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I agree, he couldn’t seem to say the right things Or follow the quick timing needed.
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I really like Ken Jennings. He's very personable, intelligent, keeps things lite and is the perfect person to take over Jeopardy. He just seems to know the right things to say to the contestants.
The majority of the other guest hosts were good but Ken should be the host.
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My choice is Ken Jennings. Aside from being the GOAT, he's personable, funny, quick, and comfortable as a host. That said, there's no reason to vote for people who are too old for the job (like Levar Burton) or those who have other careers that make them unavailable. BTW, Aaron Rodgers signed for the 2021 season with Green Bay, so he's out as a possibility.
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LeVar Burton is "too old for the job"? At 64?🤣
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Yes. Sony is looking for a long haul host such as Alex and Pat Sajak have been. Also, someone Mr. Burton's age is unlikely to appeal to incoming younger viewers.
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No on Jennings, no on Burton!
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I liked David Faber. Like me, I’m guessing few knew who he was which was a good thing, so no prior “personality awareness.” He did a great job hosting, kept the spotlight on the game and the contestants and had an easy and thoughtful rapport with them. Same for Sanjay Gupta!
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I still think Buzzy was the best of all the guest hosts. My second choice would be between Ken and Mayim. I was surprised I liked Joe Buck as much as I did. While I loved the idea of Levar hosting, he just didn't seem comfortable.
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Lavar Burton was the worst of the guest hosts. He was terrible!!
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couldn't stand the performance of LeVar Burton..........sure hope they don't go with him........yuck. Ken, Buzzy and David are my choices.
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He stunk in my opinion
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There was no energy with Burton hosting, as with a few other candidates. He has a great voice for children...calming and soft. But for this hosting job, another style is better.
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I prefer Ken and Mayim. LeVar was lackluster. I liked LeVar in other roles but as Jeopardy host, No.
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Levar Burton is awful and should be ashamed of his self-promoting!
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AMEN!
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No offense to Lavar Burton but I think he was in the category of the worst he seemed so UNCOMFORTABLE. SORRY LAVAR.
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Anybody but Levar Burton. Thought he was awful. Laura Coates is who Alex wanted to replace him.
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He also mentioned Alex Faust as being worthy of consideration.
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Before he guest-hosted, I liked the prospect of LeVar Burton taking over. But if I'm being totally honest, his hosting skills that week were average, at best. I'm a fan of his, but watching him hosting Jeopardy was quite uncomfortable at times. Ken Jennings, on the other hand, really surprised me. He was very comfortable when he guest-hosted and there was a very pleasant flow and feeling to the show the entire week. The only problem with Jennings, though, is that, like Richards, he also had a scandal about unsavory social-media postings he made years ago. It would be totally fine with me if Burton got the job, but I sure hope everyone has vetted his past social media activity before Sony makes the decision.
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I thought Mike Richards was too slick. Never liked him. Glad he's gone. Mayim gets on my nerves; I won't be watching her tournaments. I loved the empathy that showed with Ken and Buzzy, having been contestants themselves. It makes for an added human element beyond just being another game show. Long-time Jeopardy! fans want that extra special sauce. For me, an important criterion was how the host dealt with wrong answers--moving on quickly while still showing respect for the contestants, who are all super-smart people even if they occasionally come up with a wrong answer. This is NOT Ellen's Game of Games.
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What makes the difference what we think?? Some person will come along and find something that they did wrong when they were a teenager!!! I am getting sick of the whole thing.
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Lavar had a dry personality. He wouldn’t be a good host. He’s older, Jeopardy needs a younger person for the long run.
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Well, obviously NOT "Dr. Quack" (aka, Dr. Oz)! Why he was chosen to be a guest host in the first place is beyond me. My first choice was Ken Jennings, but he's said he doesn't want the job, so I'm going with the other big "Jeopardy!" winner, Buzzy Cohen, although Mayim Bialik and LeVar Burton were good, too, as was -- surprise! Robin Roberts. I do think Alex's picks should be given a shot, though, even though I'm not familiar with either of them.
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Brian Williams
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His name isn't, and has never been, on the radar. However, I must commend you because I think your suggestion is excellent.👏 I think he would be an outstanding host. Sadly, though, I'm going to stop thinking about it immediately because there's no chance it will happen.😄
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Buzzy Cohen is definitely the best. Well prepared, professional, great rapport with and respect for guests!
Seeing him on the rerun of Tournament of Champions really made the difference.
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Ken
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Simply put BLM is not a campaign for equality, it's a machine bent on supremacy. How else can one explain why a black Santa is acceptable but a white man with an afro is accused of cultural appropriation. Open your eyes to the propaganda you're being fed.
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Ken Jennings would be great. I also liked Aaron Rogers but he won’t be available. Ken is so good. I watch him on the Chase also.
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Definitely NOT LeVar Burton!!!!!! He was awful! His ratings were horrid. Mike Richards and Aaron Rodgers both did better. I had put Jeopardy back on my DVR when I “thought” Burton did not get the gig. It’s off again. As soon as he said he would be better than Alex I was done.
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Please, Sony, not ANOTHER months-long audition of guest hosts!🙏
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I liked Mike Richards the best and ken Jennings second. I think the demise of Jeopardy would happen if Mayin Baylik was the host. I also liked Joe Buck.
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Mayim wasn't my first choice, but WHY do you think her being host would be the show's demise?? She's brilliant (a neuroscientist), a natural in front of the camera, and very likable. And her guest-hosting gig went very well.
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She continually brags about her science credentials but, what I see and hear is someone who took a university spot away from someone who actually planned to pursue that as a career and may have made a difference in the world. Color me unimpressed with MB.
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She may be smart but she came off as a giggle girl.
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I don't understand why anyone would choose Burton. He was awful.
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Faber. Not L.Burton please. He spoke as though we were all 2nd graders!
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I think regardless of some thing that happened a while ago it makes no difference Mike is definitely the best replacement you could have. I am sorry that the world is so small minded and yet they let the youth watch the bachelorette ,love island and all that other garbage. Yet can condemn one person for something that was said along time ago. He definitely needs to be the host. I am quite certain that you ever objected to Mike is someone that must be very very perfect I never said anything bad in their life.
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Ken Jennings
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arta in Rockville, MDI would like to see Ken Jennings as permanent host of Jeopardy. But, if you could send him a word? I like the Ken Jennings from before his appearance in The Chase, where he has learned to make snide comments from his " friends". He was much better off as a self -effacing person, emulating Alex Trebbek. He is gifted with an amazing memory and intelligence. He doesn't need to put others down, and this new persona is not ingratiating.
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If Levar Burton is the selected as the permanent host, I will stop watching after over 35 years. He clearly is over the top with some of his responses and slow to respond with others.
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Jennings, Faber and Bialik were all great. Burton is fine actor but NOT for Jeopardy host. Others better.
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No question… Ken Jennings belongs behind the podium. No other candidate has the credentials to don even a sock of Alex’s, let alone fill his shoes.
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Mayim!
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Thanks, but I didn't sneeze.😂
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I'd go with Buzzy Cohen, but if they start a new round of guest hosts I'd like to see Seamus Dever, Brooke Burns or Cameron Mathison get a shot.
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Definitively Mayim "AMY FOULER-FAWCETT" Bialik!!! But, whoever it is - they need to hold ALL contestants to the proper question format - NOT a person by "WHAT" as MATT (don't you think there's an eery resemblance to James Holzhauer) constantly got away with last year, and the current/recent 'just say the word' guy...
Used to be there's be a 'sorry incorrect from ALEX on these guiser's...
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Mayim Bayilak is the best host for the show. As long as Ken Jennings stays we will not watch it. He does not have the personality for a host. Couldn't wait for him to get off the show when he was a contestant. He is arrogant and pompous ! Mayim's host personally is more like Alex Trebek's. Although no one can ever replace Alex. God Rest his soul !!
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Agree
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Agree with you 100%
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Agree. Levar Burton was less than good at hosting.
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I will never watch jeopardy again if they have a woman host. A woman can not replace alex
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I vote for Mayim and Aaron. Lavar and Ken not so much. Neither one had the stage presence or even voice to be host.
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Brooke Burke…… would be a great host. She does a great job on the other game shows.
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Ken James
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Rodgers, Jennings, or Lamar. Not Mayim
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I have some hearing loss... But not deaf! Ken Jennings is very hard for me to understand when he reads the question. Should be someone that speaks crisp and clear. Buzzy was better... But certainly please give Alex's picks a chance!
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Not Ken Jennings. ,!!
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So you’re not going to honor Alex Trebek’s selection?🥺
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I am a Buzzy Fan!! However here is how I would rank those listed.
Buzzy Cohen
Ken Jennings
Mayim Bialik
Joe Buck
Aaron Rodgers
Those listed below would make me quit watching Jeopardy.
Katie Couric
Mehmet Oz
Anderson Cooper
Bill Whitaker
Savannah Guthrie
Sanjay Gupta
George Stephanopoulos
Robin Roberts
LeVar Burton
David Faber
Laura Coates
Alex Faust
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ken jennings should be at the bottom of the list! Zero charisma!
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We will no longer watch if Ken Jennings is host. He is very intelligent but boring.
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For almost every contender, there is a group of people who promise they will never watch the show again if that person gets the job. smh
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I agree that Coates and Faust should be given a shot at showing us what Alex thought would make them a good host.
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Leave Burton treated the contestants like they were children. I was waiting for him to say "that'll right, you get a gold star."
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Yes if you small minded people need to replace Mike, I would love to see Brooke Burns or john Mickeal Higgins. They really make a person enjoy the show because they are so personable and pleasant.
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I voted for Aron Rogers but also loved Mayim. Lavar Burton and Ken Jennngs not so much
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I have to disagree about Aaron Rodgers because he threw 0 touchdowns the entire week.😂
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I liked Mike Richards style from the start. Moving forward David Faber or Buzzy Cohen would be my choice. I personally don't like Jennings as host. He comes off a bit phony to me plus he's an EP on the show now, doesn't need to host too. happy Mayim will be hosting the tournaments. Certainly not the quack doctor. And I didn't like LeVar. His style and loud outbursts we're annoying to me.
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Mike Richards was the top candidate and best fit for the job. He shouldn’t have given in to the pressure and resigned. Jeopardy! is following the Wheel. So, for the upcoming season I am turning to Grit channel after the Wheel for a good ol’ Western movie. I’m thru with all this political nonsense.
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There were a lot of polls taken before any hosts were chosen and Richards did poorly in almost all of them. So I must ask these questions: "The top candidate" based on what? "Best fit" for whom? You do know that Richards himself headed the search for Alex Trebek's replacement, right? As far as Richards' departure... publicly, yes, he "resigned." But we all know that in reality, Sony forced him to resign, which means he was fired. As of now, he remains as executive producer (he was going to be both host and EP), but it remains to be seen if he'll "resign" that job, also.
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I remember being pleasantly surprised when I watched Richards as host. Found him to be very good and I was not alone in that assessment either. Also enjoyed Ken Jennings and Aaron Rogers (whom I was prepared to dislike). I didn’t like Burton at all.
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