‘Jeopardy!’: How Did Aaron Rodgers Do on His First Night as Guest Host? (POLL)
Jeopardy! welcomed its latest guest host during its Monday, April 5 broadcast as footballer and celebrity champ Aaron Rodgers stepped into the sought-after game show role.
Following the passing of legendary host Alex Trebek in November 2020, Rodgers is the fifth guest host to take over, following Ken Jennings, Mike Richards, Katie Couric, and Dr. Mehmet Oz. While that’s a tall order to fill in regards to public opinion, Rodgers put his best foot forward during his first night.
Just as the show did with Couric and Oz, Rodgers’ two-week stint will see funds raised for a charity of his choosing, with the total earnings of each episode’s winner being matched and donated to the cause. Rodgers is working to support the North Valley Community Foundation, which serves to maximize the impact of non-profit organizations.
In the episode’s Final Jeopardy round, contestant Scott decided to get silly with his answer, writing, “who wanted to kick that field goal?” alluding to Rodgers’ Green Bay Packer roots. The moment definitely took Rodgers by surprise as he let a chuckle slip. Watch the fun prank below:
While we await the arrival of future guest hosts Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Bill Whitaker, and Mayim Bialik, we’re rounding up some of the early reactions fans had to Rodgers’ first episode.
A couple viewers liked Rodgers so much that they hope he’ll become a full-time host.
Aaron Rodgers should host Jeopardy full time one day pic.twitter.com/mapBIGqbgM
— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) April 5, 2021
I really want Aaron Rodgers to be the next Jeopardy host full-time. He could do that and play football simultaneously
— Sir Yacht🛥️ (@SirYacht) April 6, 2021
More fans echoed the sentiment, praising the sportsman for his skills on the game show stage.
Did Aaron Rodgers kill it on Jeopardy or is it just me that thinks that?
Enjoyed it.
— GBP Daily (@GBPdaily) April 5, 2021
Aaron Rodgers absolutely killed his Jeopardy appearance
— James Despo (@jdespo08) April 6, 2021
Aaron Rodgers is pretty good hosting Jeopardy. The best so far.
— Dean Lopata 🤨 (@DLoIndustries) April 6, 2021
Rodgers had the full support of his fiancée and Big Little Lies actress Shailene Woodley who hyped him up in a sweet video via her Instagram stories, which made the rounds on Twitter:
🎥 | Shailene Woodley and Aaron Rodgers want you to watch Jeopardy tonight! (via Instagram Stories) pic.twitter.com/kpewjrdLET
— Shailene Woodley Updates (@PlanetShailene) April 5, 2021
That said, some viewers have noted Rodgers’ quiet approach, suggesting there’s room for improvement, but nothing so wrong that he couldn’t easily fix.
Aaron Rodgers: pretty solid as Jeopardy host! A little soporific at times and producers may want him to tone down the Central Valley twang. But he has the blend of authority and easygoing charm the role demands. All that Alex film-watching paid off.
— Steven Zeitchik (@zeitchikWaPo) April 6, 2021
aaron Rodgers was not a bad jeopardy host tonight… I think he needs a little speech and diction coach and he’ll be perfect
— mia 🌸 that skincare friend (@MIYOKOMIA) April 6, 2021
After tonight’s Jeopardy episode, it feels like NFL great superstar Aaron Rodgers needs to speak a little louder. But the question in the Final Jeopardy was certainly a troll moment.
— PurpleGaga27 (@PurpleGaga27) April 6, 2021
Another viewer couldn’t help but feel disappointed by Rodgers’ appearance, blaming a lack of energy.
Just watched Aaron Rodgers’ debut as Jeopardy guest host. Surprisingly disappointing given how hard he prepped. Too cool. Blase. Low energy. Never seemed excited. Show lost momentum. But nailed all the in’s and out’s. So maybe he’ll get comfortable and show more personality.
— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) April 6, 2021
While these fans have some strong opinions, we’d like to hear from you. Let us know what you thought about Rodgers’ first night on the job in the poll below. Feel free to elaborate on your thoughts in the comments section, and stay tuned as Rodgers continues guest hosting this week on the beloved game show.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
Having never heard of him before I was not sure what to expect. He was BORING !!!
23 2
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G
He was boring & unconnected to the players. Ken Jennings & Mike Richards were the best. Katie Couric & Dr. Oz were much better. Can’t wait to see Anderson Cooper & Dr. Sanjay Gupta......
19 4
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P
Aaron Rodgers is the WORST guest host my friends and I have ever seen! His personality is practically non-existent! he has no sense of humor, is completely monotone, and very slow witted. He looks and sounds completely out of place in this quit witted game. If he is chosen we unfortunately have to return to reruns as he puts Alex Trebek's memory to great shame! Extremely disappointed that the jeopardy staff would allow someone of this nature on the show. Send him back to where he belongs, actually does he really belong on screen. No!
The top 3 for us so far are: Ken, Dr. Oz and Katie.
20 12
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O
He should stick to football, he does not have very good diction and is very monotonous when speaking. Bring back Richards.
7
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W
He was bad. Really, really, REALLY bad. Worse than Katie, even. He may have undermined himself for consideration for a NFL broadcast job with this performance it was so bad.
10 3
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P
He needs to speak a little louder and not run his words together so much...he sounds like Eeyore if he were to leave 100 acre wood and become jeopardy host...too flat, too boring, too sad. He needs to bring a bit of energy to his hosting.
6
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O
He is so boring & speaks in such a monotone, that I can't even stand to listen to him. Only the 2nd night of his guest-hosting, & I had to watch it on "Mute". It's going to be a loooooong 2 weeks, but hopefully that'll be all that we have to listen to of him. He should stick to football.
8 2
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G
He needs to be a bit more chipper. Kind of dull.
7 1
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G
He was soooo boring and BLAH! His voice is so monotone, without any inflections. Zero personality. 😴
Give him 10 cups of espresso before he goes on.Can't wait until his stint is over.
Next!
8 3
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G
Bring back Ken or the producer
8 3
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R
Even Scott couldn’t save him. Borng!
7 2
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B
What's much better than I anticipated. Much better than dr oz & Katie, but not as good as Ken jennings.
8 3
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P
He did a great job and his sense of humor came through. He was a little too low-key, but since this was his first day and being a little out of his comfort zone it is understandable. Low-key or not, it was a fun show to watch and he related well to the contestants.
12 7
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O
First day jitters. Everyone gets them. He'll loosen within these 2 weeks.
5 3
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R
I was disappointed in Aaron Rodgers with his poor diction, sometimes mumbling. There wasn't much connection to the contestants whose responses to the questions were abruptly dismissed or accepted as correct. This is a position for one whose personae is that of an interesting professor with a broad range of knowledge who has been to many countries, adds meaningful reflections and insights to contestant answers in a pleasant, mentoring way.
6 2
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R
So far, Aaron Rogers is the worst. He's much too cool and comes off as if he thinks he's the star. Alex Trebek made the contestants the stars, and we all loved him for it.
4 1
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B
I found Aaron Rodgers' performance as the host on Jeopardy! to be honest, sincere and a refreshing choice from the know-it-all appearances by other guest hosts (with the exception of Ken Jennings). Contestants appeared to be more comfortable with Aaron Rodgers than with other guest hosts. The clues presented were spoken clearly and acknowledgements were always positive and upbeat. Aaron Rodgers has my vote!
Thank you.
2
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R
Ken Jennings
2
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P
He did very well for being new to this type of work. I think he is getting higher ratings for his performance than if he were someone unknown. Most people--myself included--like him already so we are willing to give him a break. He is a little too serious, and sometimes the words and syllables he emphasizes are strange, but no major problems at all. All of the guest stars have been competent, although I don't think Dr. Oz belongs on Jeopardy, which deals with facts, not get-rich-quick schemes. I would like to see Brad Rutter and LeVar Burton as guest hosts. Brad has a great voice and manner for tv, he's a brilliant guy, and he certainly loves the show.
3 1
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G
Have watched several times and just don't like him as host.
2 1
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R
I only checked this box to have my say. Rogers actually appears very comfortable, almost natural in his role as guest host. As I am a football fan and his fan when he’s not playing my team I do find him a distraction for that reason. I cannot separate him from his captains cap. If Jeopardy can’t lock in Mike Richards then look further for some unknown to establish the new Jeopardy image.
2 1
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O
Not good
1
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G
Aaron did a good job. I agree that he didn't show much excitement on the first two shows. Maybe he was trying to place it safe??? But he is starting to settle in. I was very surprised when he was on the Celebrity Tournament just how smart the guy is. The truth is he is a young guy and still has alot of football left in him. He would definitely make a great sports analyst one day.
Personally I think Ken should be the new host. And Aaron available to pinch hit if Ken needs a vacation. Please no more undeserving hosts like Katie and Oz and Anderson and Savannah -- who are so full of themselves.
And I still want to know why not Neil Tyson Degrasse having a turn?
1
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G
Boring and monotone, no personality. He is putting me to sleep!! And Katie Couric is so phony, one can see right through her goody-two-shoes personality.
1
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R
I've now seen his first 2 shows and I'm enjoying him certainly more than Dr. Oz or even Katie. I mean for someone whose only broadcasting experience is State Farm ads, he is entertaining to watch. I realize he needs to work on diction and other things and I would have loved to have seen the unedited conversation between him and the snarky ex-champion on Monday's show, but I think from what we saw, he handled it well. With a little polish, I could see him as a game show host when he retires. I still am more in favor of Ken or Mike taking the Jeopardy job, although I think Mike would be an even better fit at Wheel of Fortune since it seems we are reaching the end of Pat's time there since there seems to be criticism
3 2
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G
Sorry, not a fan of Aaron. Ho Hum. I could fall asleep and I am a long time Jeopardy fan.
1
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R
His first performance was... meh. I'm not sure if it's just me because many people seemed to like him. But to me he just sounded a little too monotonous. Scott Shewfeld pretty much saved the episode. He added some much-needed humor at the end. But it was Aaron's first performance, so maybe in two weeks' time he'd have improved.
1
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W
It wasn't meh, it was bad.
8 1
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O
Aaron Rodgers did an amazingly & surprising job as emcee. At first I thought no way is he going to do well & he'll slow the game down. But ... Voila! He came out with flying colors. His voice was very mellow & well, ... his first day was an A+. It's going to be a tough choice as to who will get the permanent job.
7 6
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G
I LOVED his low-key, down to earth approach. He has a high likeability factor.
He is smart, athletic and, has a charming sense of humor. Best host so far...
and not so Full of him self, like Anderson Cooper. I think he would connect
with a wide spectrum of Jeopardy viewers, as did Alex.
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G
He is such a regular guy
He is getting more comfortable hosting and I think he could be the permanent new host
1 1
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G
I posted this on a thread from an earlier poll (pre Aaron Rodgers). Reposting here since this seems to be the latest conversation thread.
I believe the move behind the guest hosts was to fill a void until Ken was free of his other obligations. And to allow Jeopardy and their sponsors to donate to charities based on the winnings of the nightly contestants. Ken will become more comfortable in his skin as time wears on. I also noted that Ken was able to pronounce the foreign phrases. And many of them were removed for the other hosts. Aaron Rodgers has been able to pronounce the foreign phrases and guests with the exotic names, too without a problem. Kudos to him!
Mike Richards was good also, but I think more suited to step in to another game show where it is more "fun and games" (like Wheel of Fortune or Match Game) compared to the "encyclopedic knowledge needed game" of Jeopardy.
Mike is also the executive producer for Wheel of Fortune. I thought the weeks of Thursday night celebrity contestants on Wheel was a disaster. It was especially painful to watch the episode with Paul Reubens (aka Peewee Herman). Outside of Tony Hawk on the first airing, and the 3 guys that were on the same episode (Robert Herjavec, Alfonso Rebeiro and Chris Harrison), the other celebrities were annoying and a few of them seemed mentally off.
Like others here, I am ready for the guest hosting to be done and for us to have a dedicated host like Ken Jennings.
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C
I find it amusing that the horrible Skip Clueless.. who hates Aaron Rodgers on every level, had the audacity to comment on this. If there was ever a hack that was in over his head.. and almost universally mocked for his lack of sports intelligence.. it's Skip Clueless. Hey Skip.. Remember that time when Mark Cuban destroyed you on ESPN because you didn't know what a zone defense was on a basketball court??
1 1
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G
GREAT 💕💕💕💕
4 4
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P
I think Carson Daily would be best at it. No football player.
4