How Is Bill Whitaker Doing as ‘Jeopardy!’ Guest Host? (POLL)

Meaghan Darwish
37 Comments
Jeopardy Bill Whitaker
Jeopardy!, Inc.

Another new guest host in Jeopardy!‘s long line of possible Alex Trebek replacements made their debut on May 3 as 60 Minutes reporter Bill Whitaker stepped out onto the famed game show’s stage.

Whitaker follows an already impressive lineup of previous guest hosts including Ken Jennings, Mike Richards, Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Aaron Rodgers, and Anderson Cooper, holding his own in his debut night. The reporter’s recognizable voice seemed to be a quality that united Jeopardy! fans in praising his first outing, while some others weren’t so won over.

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The game carried on without issue or interruption as each transition between guest hosts grows smoother every two weeks. In Whitaker’s case, the reporter is participating on behalf of the organization Media Fellowship House which focuses on fair housing, education, and racial justice advocacy work.

Like the guest hosts before him, each competitor’s winnings throughout Whitaker’s two weeks on the job will be matched and donated to the charity. As he continues to settle in at the show, we’re taking a look at how viewers are responding to Whitaker’s take on the position long-filled by Trebek.

The reactions vary, with many complimenting his calming voice, likening it to Trebek’s own demeanor.

Meanwhile, some liked Whitaker but noted a few issues with his first episode.

A long lineup of guest hosts still remains in Jeopardy!‘s Season 37 future as Mayim Bialik, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Buzzy Cohen, George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, LeVar Burton, David Faber, and Joe Buck prepare to step in down the line. For now, we’re wondering where Whitaker ranks in terms of an overall host.

Cast your vote in our poll below, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section.

Jeopardy!, Season 37, Weeknights, Check your local listings

60 MinutesJeopardy!Bill Whitaker



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  1. O

    OrangeTag

    He is putting me to sleep. I watch Jeopardy to stimulate my brain, not to doze off. His segues on guest interviews are non-existent.

    23

  2. G

    GreenBulb

    His voice is a little too low and monotone. Was putting me to sleep

    29 6

  3. O

    OlivePaw

    He talks like he has marbles in his mouth! Bring back Mike Richards!! Best yet and I loved watching Alex!

    24 7

  4. P

    PurpleWheel

    Whitaker puts me to sleep. Richards is the best so far!

    14 1

  5. G

    GoldPizza

    Bill is ok, but his voice is too soft to be emcee. I was totally surprised how well Aaron Rodgers did. Ken Jennings should also be a leading contender. Mayim Bialik has yet to make her appearance, but not only is she very intelligent, she also has personality, so she should be highly considered at this time (but let's wait to see how she does). 🙂

    12 1

  6. P

    PurpleCocktail

    Whittaker is too hard to understand, especially for those with hearing aids like my mom and many elder people who are a huge part of the audience, but he's hard to understand even for me with great hearing. He does not enunciate enough.

    12 1

  7. G

    GoldMustache

    Don't know and still do not know who he is and he's boring, just saying!

    6

    1. C

      CyanTree

      60 Minutes

  8. C

    CyanBottle

    Mike Richards is number one in my opinion!

    13 7

  9. B

    BlueBeer

    Bill Whittaker's soothing voice makes me want to sleep! Need more energy and enthusiasm for the Jeopardy host!

    6 1

  10. G

    Guitar Billy

    As many have mentioned, Bill is likeable and has a smooth, calming voice. Unfortunately- as others have mentioned-his professional delivery and by the book approach might be too polished for Jeopardy. Bill’s newscasting background is on full display: it often sounds as if he’s reading (nearly) everything, not just the clues. He’s a pro, never bobbles a word or seems challenged by the job & sounds just like he does narrating a segment on 60 Minutes. This is compliment for him on that news program and unfortunately a ‘should not be the permanent host’ vote for him on Jeopardy. The same could be said of Anderson Cooper, though Anderson did go off script a little more with comments and interaction. Bill is talented, intelligent, enjoyable and fine as a fill-in host....with the audience understanding that it’s only a limited run.

    4

  11. G

    GoldDucky

    Very dull and mechanical. He doesn't put even the slightest hint of excitement or emotion into his speaking.

    2

  12. G

    GoldBug

    Great on 60 Minutes. Boring on Jeopardy.

    2

  13. G

    GoldHammer

    Bill Whitaker's voice is too soft.....not a good J. host.

    2

  14. P

    PurpleBottleOpener

    Not getting my attention falling asleep stopped watching for now. Enjoyed Aaron, Mike and Anderson. They all were excellent easy to understand.

    1

  15. C

    CyanPin

    Ken Jennings is who Alex wanted so why all the other guest hosts?

    2 1

    1. G

      GoldAnchor

      Link to the evidence, please.

  16. P

    PurpleLeaf

    Bill Whitaker might be ok for 60 minutes, but not for Jeopardy. We could not stand anymore after the first one or two. We record every one and watch later. We have just been watching only the interviews and final Jeopardy. I really liked Katie Couric. Mike Richards was ok. Aaron Rodgers was pretty good. Dr. Oz REALLY BOMBED OUT, he STUNK! I am just not a fan of Ken Jennings. I would take Savannah Guthrie or LeVar Burton sight unseen! I have watched them both for years. I almost forgot Anderson Cooper, that is how uninteresting he was. Jeopardy execs please do something FAST! You are losing me!

  17. C

    CyanTree

    I'm sure it is difficult to be the guest host of such a prominent show. That being said, I did not enjoy Bill Whitaker as a guest host. I was, to tell the truth, bored out of my mind during his shows. He showed little, if any, emotion and it almost felt as if a lethargic robot was hosting. No one can fully replace Alex Trebek, but I certainly hope that Bill Whitaker is not even on the short list. My short list, with two of them being sight unseen as guest hosts, would be the following: LeVar Burton, Katie Couric, and Savannah Guthrie.

  18. G

    GoldAnchor

    He definitely doesn't embellish too much.

  19. B

    BlueSnow

    I think he is doing a great job! Has the demeanor and voice similar to Trebek! Perfect Choice!

  20. G

    GoldCorn

    I fee the Most exciting, Ken Jennings…..

  21. P

    PurpleButterfly

    I like Mike Richards the best.

    He has great energy, and

    could make the show his

    own in a good way. I like

    the rapport he has with

    the contestants and his

    compassion for Alex and

    the Trebek family.

    1 1

  22. R

    RedBulb

    I think Anderson Cooper, Mike Richards, Ken Jennings, and Aaron Rodgers are the four bests so far. I like the way they conduct themselves on the show with confidence, humor, and respect.

    5 5

  23. R

    RedBulb

    Mike Richards IS Jeopardy! Even Alex thinks so!! 😶‍🌫️🌤🌞 First time I’ve EVER been BORED with Jeopardy was with Dr. Oz. First time I’ve EVER gone to sleep during Jeopardy was Monday night with Bill Whitaker. I turned off my set recording during these two weeks. Watching paint dry was more exciting. “And HERE is the host of Jeopardy…MIKE RICHARDS!!!!!!!”😁🥰☀️♥️👏😍⭐️♥️😆☀️😘💫♥️

    2 2

  24. O

    OrangeGuitar

    Great voice and did a good job for first night

    7 7

  25. R

    RedRocket

    I think Whitaker is the best so far, then Mike Richards, and then, but for the slight hesitation when confirming answers, Anderson Cooper. No one else really qualifies.

    10 12

  26. G

    GoldCocktail

    I personally think Bill Whitaker should be the new Jeopardy host. He is doing an outstanding job. His voice is soothing as Alex's was, and he is a smart man. By the way I am a 78 year old white woman who didn't even know who he was. God bless him.

    3

  27. P

    PurpleTrumpet

    He was the best so far!!! It’s between him and Ken Jennings for me.

    3

  28. O

    OrangeController

    Wonderful Job Easy to Listen to like Dr Ben Carson Great Job Congratulations

    3

  29. R

    RedBee

    I’m really enjoying Bill as host. He has a soothing voice and presence. He’s the best I’ve seen so far.

    4 9

  30. B

    BlueBoomerang

    Anderson Cooper was the best guest host by far. His personality was wonderful with the contestants.

    14 19

  31. G

    GreenTurtle

    I choose Bill Whitaker for the Jeopardy host 🤩🤩🤩

    1 7

  32. G

    GoldWheel

    Mr. Whitaker brings the energy and excitement of a dead fish. I thought Aaron Rogers was bad. Thought Dr. Oz did the best so far.

    7 14

  33. G

    GreenApple

    He sounds exactly like Mike Richards -- word for word, inflection for inflection! (Of course, Mike is the producer of the show.)

    1 8

  34. W

    wolverine1070

    I'm frankly sort of shocked anyone could be as bad as Couric or Rodgers but here we are.

    10 18

  35. G

    GreenApple

    I think Dr Oz and Katie Couric have done the best jobs so far with everyone else either having too low a voice or just was going through the motions.

    26