‘Jeopardy!’ Guest Hosts: How Do Their Ratings Stack Up?
Jeopardy! has welcomed several new guest hosts over the past six months beginning in January and continuing throughout the rest of the summer as Season 37 reaches its conclusion.
While no one can fill the shoes of Alex Trebek, there have been some more successful guest hosts than others. Kicking off with G.O.A.T. champ Ken Jennings, the guest hosts have included reporters, athletes, actors, and more. But how do they stack up?
We’re taking a look at the ratings for all of the guest hosts so far and revealing how they compare to one another in the roundup below. See how they rank from least successful to most successful based on the ratings. (*Note: Ratings are based on live plus same day national household ratings from Nielsen per nexttv.com.)
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Savannah Guthrie (June 14 - June 25)
During the Today anchor’s appearances in the guest hosting role, she pulled in some of the show’s lowest numbers with a 4.7 rating her first week. Guthrie’s second week pulled in slightly bigger ratings with a 4.9 but not enough to make her a big hit with the Jeopardy! crowd it would seem.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta (June 28 - July 9)
Currently, Dr. Sanjay Gupta’s ratings are only reflected with the first week’s numbers, but a 4.9 puts him towards the bottom in terms of other guest hosts that have come before him. Perhaps his second week ratings could boost his average though?
Anderson Cooper (April 19 - April 30)
Following Aaron Rodgers’ success, the numbers took another dip when Anderson Cooper stepped up to the plate. During his turn in the guest-hosting gig, Cooper delivered the show’s lowest ratings with a 4.8 in his second week. His first week boasted a 5.1 rating.
Mayim Bialik (May 31 - June 11)
The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik brought her onscreen charm and brains to the game show for an exciting run. Sadly it wasn’t enough to excite too many viewers as she began her session on the lower end of ratings with 4.9 in her first week. She raised that a little by Week 2 with a 5.1 rating.
Dr. Mehmet Oz (March 22 - April 2)
Among some of the season’s lowest ratings were Dr. Oz’s episodes which pulled in weekly ratings of 5.2 and 4.9. Considering some of the online fan chatter about his role, this drop isn’t altogether shocking.
Buzzy Cohen (May 17 - May 28)
Taking over during the Tournament of Champions, former winner Buzzy Cohen charmed viewers with his new role as guest host. He maintained a 5.1 rating over the two weeks he appeared on the show.
Bill Whitaker (May 3 - May 14)
Slightly improved over Anderson Cooper’s dip, 60 Minutes‘ anchor Bill Whitaker picked up the ratings a bit with his time served. During his two weeks with the program he delivered a solid 5.2 rating.
Katie Couric (March 8 - March 19)
Katie Couric’s run on the show marked a continued decline in ratings as her two weeks with the series brought in 5.6 and 5.3.
Aaron Rodgers (April 5 - April 16)
Green Bay Packer Aaron Rodgers stepped off the playing field and into the guest-hosting spot much to his fans’ delight. Their support for the footballer was reflected in the ratings which rose slightly over Dr. Oz, delivering a 5.6 and 5.5 rating in the two weeks he served in the position.
Mike Richards (February 22 - March 5)
Jeopardy!‘s executive producer Mike Richards maintained a somewhat stronghold over the ratings following Ken Jennings’ run. He earned a 5.9 rating in the two weeks he was in front of the camera.
Ken Jennings (January 4 - February 19)
The longtime champ was the first to step up to the plate bringing in strong ratings over his several weeks in the position. Jennings began with a 6.1 rating and pretty much maintained that throughout his episodes on the program. Among his lowest ratings was a 5.8 one week, but he departed his guest-hosting stint with 6.1.
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Conversation55 Comments
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B
I like Aaron Rodgers the best. He has an easy going personality. Very pleasant. He reminded of Alex. He's got all the qualities needed. And has a great smile!
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O
i like Aaron best (he is friendly with a sense of humor)
then the producer... knows the show and is personable and Mayim Bialik.... I never watched her show, but thought she did really good at comments, and would be great long term.
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O
he mumbled and could not understand what he was saying Mispronounced several words as well
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G
I agree with the numbers. Mayim Bialik was great.
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G
Yes!
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O
Of those so far, I think Buzzy Cohen was the best. He had a very upbeat personality and made the show more interesting.
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C
Buzzy kept the pace up on the show. He made it fun like Alex did. I think he was the best.
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M
Overall, the numbers don't really surprise me, but I do think that the longer it takes for a full time host to be announced, the more those numbers will continue to drop.
And I don't doubt that whoever gets the job will have an uphill battle to win over long time fans, either.
Oddly, I never got the impression that any of the temporary hosts (even Ken Jennings and Buzzy Cohen) were up for the full time job. I like both of these guys and Mayim but am really looking forward to watching LeVar Burton. All bring something interesting to the table and all have a passion for knowledge.
In any event, Jeopardy is still my appointment TV for each weekday and I'm looking forward to seeing what comes next.
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D
early on in all this it was stated that many were hosting as a charity event not as an audition for the host job and a number of these people have jobs already that adding this one too would be really tough
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M
Actually, all of them are hosting as a charity event, and I know one or two have stated that they are not actually hoping for a permanent gig. As the show tapes 5 shows/games per day in blocks of a week or two at a time, the host could actually hold another job. Alex did, if I recall, Classic Concentration at the same time as Jeopardy for a period of time. It all comes down to scheduling and timing.
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O
My favorite was Aaron Rodgers. He was easy going and easy on the eyes. Ken Jennings did OK not great but OK. Alex Trebeck is gone. There is no one that can replace him. The new host will bring their own style which is why I think Alan Rodgers is the best choice. He can be funny and quick witted as well
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P
Ken Jennings has always been my first choice. Buzzy is my second, and Mayim and Bill Whitaker are tied for 3rd
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B
Found Mayim, Buzzy and the Producer had the most clear voices and read with such authority so that the contestants as well as viewers could understand the questions. They also seemed quite at ease and comfortable with reading and guest relations. Please pick someone that speaks clearly and loudly for those of us at home. Not all sound equipment is equal plus closed caption isn't fast enough to keep up. 😁 It's been enjoyable with all the guest hosts with the exception of a few.
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A
Savanah Guthrie isn't doing too bad but part of me misses Mayim Bialok!
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R
I think it's weird that anyone would not watch Jeopardy based on who was hosting. If the person was really bad, and none of the guest hosts have been bad, I could see losing a few viewers, but I think most of us watch Jeopardy for the competition, not the host. My personal favorites so far: Aaron Rodgers and Mayim Bialik. When I first saw her name as a future guest host I thought "You can't be serious.", but I thought she was great.
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C
Jennings was the best.
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C
Mike Richards is the best by far. He is a veteran as a host of game shows. Speaks plainly and does not try to be the star. Savannah Guthrie and Katie korrick was awful. The guy was 60 Minutes whispered the clues, absolutely no personality. Ken Jennings is hard to understand. The rest were just annoying. Looks like they want a CNN person so until the end of August I will be taking a vacation from Jeopardy. So sad to see a great show being destroyed.
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O
Aaron Rodgers…#1. Pleasant, quick wit, and makes you feel comfortable.
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G
Totally Agree, Just the perfect Aura this show needs.
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O
Aaron Rodgers. Definitely don't like Ken Jennings!
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G
I liked Ken Jennings best. I liked Mayim the least. She offered her opinions way too often.
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G
PLEASE do NOT choose Aaron Rodgers! Arrogant jerk.
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B
I loved Mayim Bialik!
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B
Buzzy Cohen is my choice!
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O
Buzzy Cohen is the best. Great persona, professional, very capable
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C
I like Aaron
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B
Mike Richards is my pick!
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R
Ken Jennings was my favorite from the start. If M. Bailik gets it.. I won't be watching any more. Her motions are so "jerky". They are irritating !.
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G
Mike is the only plausible person to host. The others want to be celebrities which isn't the essence of the show. Katie and Mayim weren't terrible but they both looked like they dressed from a Walmart final sale
.awful...awful....
The show is the questions and answers. Not who's the 'best' wanna be. Let this contest rest. Get back to the one professional or shut it down.
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B
I think I as a diehard Jeopardy fan , at 76 years old, I will NEVER watch if Ken Jennings is chosen to be the host. I enjoyed Mayim Bialik (spelling?)
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P
Mayim Bialik made me feel at ease; after the first few minutes I found myself watching the show instead of evaluating the host. Just like before, with Alex!
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G
Ken Jennings is the only #1 choice.
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P
Savannah Guthrie was the best but, sadly, I hear she's not interested in the job. I think a woman should be the final choice. She wouldn't be so likely to be compared to Alex and leave his place at the top intact. All the men would be compared to Alex, even the excellent Ken Jennings.
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O
Buzzy Cohen is my favorite!
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P
Buzzy Cohen by far the best!!!
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R
Ken Jennings by a mile!
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G
Ken Jennings should be permanent host.
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C
I’d like to see Buzzy Cohen as the new Jeopardy host. He’s intelligent, kind and one very sharp classy guy.
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P
Totally disagree!
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O
Please, select anyone OTHER THAN Mike Edwards as the permanent host. He’s PLASTIC. No genuine humanity.
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R
Saw David Faber last night and was impressed with his performance. Personable, smart and easy on the eyes! He's right up there in my small group of favorites.....Buzzy Cohen, Aaron Rogers and Ken Jennings.
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P
Ken is still the best host this far. Regarding the newest contestant. He is special for sure Enjoy his responses and his wonderful ability in most all subjects. Sure hope he keeps winning.
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B
Ken Jennings or Mike Richards were the two best guest hosts. No matter who gets this job, we will always think of it as Alex's show. I really think that LeVar Burton is just not up to it no matter how much I like him. Robin was good but NOT George! Oh, my and Katie was terrible! Mike Richards sounded more like Alex and I think he was the best!! It has been fun watching the guests hosts like Aaron but now it is time to name the new host!!!!And all I can say is lots of luck!!!!!
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O
Mayim Was the best
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G
Time to end the wake…Jeopardy should be retired. There is NO WAY to continue show after Alex’s brilliance! Rest In Peace, Alex. We enjoyed the run. 😉
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P
Think Ken Jennings Aaron Rodgers
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R
Bill Whitaker was AWFUL… he was putting me to sleep. And while I don’t like Dr Oz, I didn’t think he did a bad hosting job, simply going by that alone. Personally, still on the Ken Jennings bandwagon. Didn’t care for Buzzy Cohen and aside from Mayim, I don’t think any of the others are really interested in the full time gig. Will see how LeVar Burton does
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O
I would think that Guthrie and Gupta suffer from it being summer. I’d be interested to know historical ratings for summer - if there is a normal drop.
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C
Mike Richards by far the best! Most like Alex, yet himself.
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O
Ken Jennings and Mike Richards weren’t favs. Also thought Dr. Gupta did good job. Not impressed with others.
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O
It interested in watching if it’s anyone but Ken Jennings! He was great!
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R
I liked Jennings the best . Rogers a strong second. The rest were just fill ins
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O
Buzz Cohen and Mike Richards are my favorites.
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O
Buzzy was my favorite
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G
The only reasonable answer is LeVar Burton.
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