Who Will Replace Mike Richards as ‘Jeopardy!’ Host? 7 Most Likely Candidates
A: This legendary TV series is back to square one in its search for a host. Q: What is Jeopardy!?
Yes, the syndicated game show is once again in the market for a new emcee now that Mike Richards’ past podcast comments have come back to haunt him.
Richards stepped down from the job on Friday, August 20, after just one day of filming the first five episodes of Season 38, according to The New York Times. He’ll remain as executive producer, but Sony Pictures Entertainment is lining up a new rotation of guest hosts—which will include Season 37 fill-in Mayim Bialik—as it looks for another replacement for the late Alex Trebek.
So who’s next? Here are our picks for the familiar faces we think have a shot at the full-time spot, in ascending order of likelihood.
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Alex Faust
This Los Angeles Kings play-by-play announcer is one of two potential successors Alex Trebek proposed before his death. (“He’s young. He’s attractive. His first name is Alex,” the late host quipped.) After the Mike Richards debacle, Sony would be wise to honor Trebek’s wishes, but we’re not sure Faust has as much visibility as…
Laura Coates
This CNN legal analyst is the other potential heir Trebek mentioned—he called her “very bright” and “very personable”—and she likely gets more time on camera than Faust. Plus, her August 18 tweet about Trebek suggests she’s still interested in the position.
Mayim Bialik
Even though Sony hired this Big Bang Theory alum to host primetime Jeopardy! spinoffs and specials, she likely won’t be able to commit to regular Jeopardy! hosting duties while she’s still starring on the Fox sitcom Call Me Kat, as the Los Angeles Times points out. In fact, TMZ notes that Sony execs were “very interested” in having her host the main program, but her schedule ruled out the possibility.
Aaron Rodgers
He’s got a helluva day job as a Green Bay Packers quarterback taking up his time, but Rodgers is still interested in returning to the Jeopardy! lectern. In a recent Mad Dog Sports Radio interview, the NFL MVP said he “definitely would have” taken the full-time hosting gig “if they would have figured out a way to make it work with [his schedule].”
Katie Couric
This Today alum and former CBS Evening News anchor might be in the market for another full-time TV job, and according to TheWrap, she got the fourth-best ratings of the guest hosts, behind Rodgers, Richards, and Jennings (whom we’ll discuss in a bit).
LeVar Burton
Burton has the popular vote—including that of celebrities like Nicole Yvette Brown and Ryan Reynolds. The former Reading Rainbow host is the candidate we think should get the job full-time, especially given how long he has wanted it. He did get the worst ratings of the guest hosts so far, but he was also competing with the Olympics. But we also wouldn’t fault him if he turned down the gig, since Sony already passed him over.
Ken Jennings
The Jeopardy! champ was the first guest host, and we’d wager good money he’ll take the job full-time now. He did get the best ratings (perhaps swayed by post-Trebek viewer curiosity), he topped a TV Insider poll about Mike Richards replacements, and he wants to helm the show again. (“I did feel like at the end, I was almost starting to get comfortable.… I do hope I get another chance,” he told Deseret News in March.) One potential snag, however, is that Jennings has his own history of offensive comments.
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Levar Burton's getting the worst ratings has nothing to do with the Olympics. He was just plain awful. I will never watch Jeopardy again if he becomes the permanent host.
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That’s what I said ! He was creepy !!
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I totally agree. He was awful. I can assure you I won’t watch ever again if he becomes the host.
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If they pick him, I’ll be watching something else at 3:30 !!
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I think he was just nervous his first day.
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I agree. I won't watch if Levar Burton is selected. I like Ken Jennings.
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Buzzy!
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What a weirdo ......NO !!
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My favorite guest host was Buzzy CHOEN.
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Buzzy keeps the game moving, knows how to chat with the contestants and not demean them or use them as the “straight man”. Ken-no. Lavar- no. Aaron Rogers - yes. Myiam - and David F. -yes. The others I can’t remember most of them. Buzzy is my favorite though, the rhythm and host closest to Alex.
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I enjoyed David Faber. He was by far the best guest host.
Very personable, and well spoken. I took a instant liking to him, even though I had no idea who he was. His small talk with the contestants seemed effortless. I do know who Laura Coates is, and she is so well spoken, super smart, and personable also.
I would love to see her guest host. Alex Trebek would second that.
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David Faber was excellent! Wonderful timing and allowed the contestants to shine.
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Ken Jennings was a great player, but I don't like him as a host. He was not articulate in his speech. Why all the news/sports casters and movie stars. We've seen enough of them. If those are the only choices, I'd choose Aaron Rodgers. There were so many wonderful contestants. Buzzy gets my vote, and you don't even have him in the running. He has such a great personality, and he was articulate. It was also clear Alex enjoyed him.
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If the show allows mob rule to win out and picks Burton, with the lowest ratings and one of the worst hosting performances behind him, whatever "points" they think they're scoring will be more than outweighed by the respect they'll lose from regular viewers who simply want a competent host to carry on Trebek's legacy. Unless Burton improves greatly in a second hosting try, I know I'd much rather see him finally guest-starring on "Star Trek: Picard" in the future than taking over the regular Jeopardy duties.
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He’s too creepy
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I do not know why people want Lavar Burton he seemed the most uncomfortable hosting. Why not try Alex Faust a crack at hosting opportunity since Alex T. Suggested him. My pick right now is Ken Jennings.
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He gave me the creeps. If they pick him I’m fine with jeopardy !!
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I mean “done” with jeopardy !!
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I really don’t get why everyone wants LeVar. Honestly thought he was one of the worst performing hosts of all the people so far. My pick still remains either Ken Jennings or Mayim, if they could make it work with her other gig on her sitcom
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Agree.
LeVar was awful, and I was rooting for him.
HELL NO to Katie Couric. I hated her time.
(And her pronunciation of the word dallars. UGH!)
I have no problem at all with Ken J.
He got better each night, and will continue to improve I think.
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Mayim was my pick above all the rest, although I was pleasantly surprised with Joe buck’s performance. No to levar. Laura Coates never even guest hosted ! Couric already said she doesn’t want it. She’s too busy and has no plans to leave nyc ! She just did it for fun, although I’m not a fan of hers, I thought she did a good job ! Mayim or Jennings. Why do we have to be subjected to more guest hosts. Just pick someone whose already guest hosted. Sadly, They are making a joke out of jeopardy !
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I totally agree about Levar… one of the least natural/comfortable of the hosts, and the only one to make not one but two actual errors that affected game play. I think Sony, with all their money, should buy out Mayim’s “Kat” contract (and thus her time conflicts) and have her host.
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David Faber was the best guest host by far. Ken Jennings and Buzzy would also do well and keep the game consistent. Levar Burton gave it his all but the job just isn’t right for him as he was not real smooth on that stage.
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Buzzy Cohen or Aaron Rodgers....please No more KJ
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Please🙏🏻...not Levar Burton...may be a nice guy but was the worst of all the guest hosts, next to Dr Oz.
Ken Jennings, Aaron Rodgers or David Farber....would save the shows ratings. Do the right thing.
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I really like J Buck. He was quick on his feet, interacted with contestants with witty responses.
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LeVar was the worst host. Mayim was great.
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Lamar Burton didn’t do a good job as host. Seemed stiff and too many mistakes. Farber or Rodgers get my vote.
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We really liked Joe Buck. Very quick and enjoyable to watch with contestants
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Ummmm absolutely NO to levar !! He was NOT good at all. Don’t kno why so many people petitioned for him, there were others that were so much better. Laura Coates nvr did guest host, so NO to her ! Katie already said she didn’t want it. She lives on nyc and has no plans to leave, Thank god ! Don’t kno why they don’t just give it to mayim, they picked her for prime specials anyway ! Ken Jennings or mayim that’s it. Snd please don’t bring James holzhauer in the mix, yuck !!
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I believe Ken Jennings would make the best host for Jeopardy. He did a phenomenal job the two weeks he was guest host.
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Laura Coates and Ale Faust have not yet accepted co hosting Jeopardy. As it stands now I like David Faber or Joe Buck. perhaps Aaron Rodgers with a little practice
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I think Buzzy Cohen has done a fabulous job with the latest championship and deserves the job. The only other fave in my book is Rodgers who is better than Jennings. C'mon. We've watched this show forever. Buzzy brings a little zip to the show, great with ad lib with contestants, good voice pitch.. he's the guy!!!
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No Levar or Katie ! I will not watch ever again !!!! If you want a female ask Robin Roberts !
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Levar Burton is a definite turn-off, I would not watch Jeopardy if he was the host! However I do like Buzzy Cohen who was the fill in this week, he is so natural and personable on air and would do a great job!
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Buzzy is Best. (relevant experience, pleasant voice, energetic personality, polished dresser, commitment to the game)
Myiam, please No. (ego & self promotion heavily overshadows the game)
Katie Couric, Never. (a voice that's really painful to listen to, definitely won't watch)
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I thought David Faber did wonderfully and my vote is for him. If Lavar Burton gets it I'm finished watching, he ranked right down there with Dr Oz.
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I agree that I will not watch again if Levar is chosen. He was awful, screeching when a correct answer was given.
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Buzzy was my favorite. Levar was least favorite followed by Aaron, Katie, and Ken. I liked Mayim and Joe.
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Agree with the VAST MAJORITY who think Levar Burton was the worst of all. The petition has nothing to do with his talent.
Also agree David Farber was best. But I would be fine with Ken Jennings or Aaron Rodgers too.
I hope the producers will pull Jeopardy out of this tailspin before it crashes!
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PS
Levar Burton would wreck the show snd the demise would come sooner not later
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David Faber has my Vote...articulate, all around personable. An Alex shoe-in..
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Mayim Bialik or Aaron Rodgers have my vote.
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Laura Coates
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Ken Jennings would be the worst host. Didn’t like him when he was a big winner. Didn’t like him as a guest host.
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Mike Richards
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Ken Jennings is by far the logical replacement on Jeopardy. Alex thought highly of Ken and respected his intellect. Why would Sony make another mistake and select anyone but Ken.
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I think Brooke Burns would be a fantastic host. She was outstanding on the chase.
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Please not Levar and not Mayim! Make it BUZZY! He was fun to watch. Aaron would be good too. But if you choose to Mayim, hopefully she will dress better.
Why is it so hard and taking so long to pick the next Jeopardy host? Just do it!!!
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I would choose Ken Jennings, David Faber, Buzzy Cohen, or Aaron Rodgers. They were all great! An absolute no from me for LeVar Burton or Mayim Bialik.
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Alex Faust! Please!
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My favorite was the last host, Joe Buck.
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My favorite guest host was the last one, Joe Buck.
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LeVar Burton would be a great game show host for kids just not adults. I think the Jeopardy host should not be a big celebrity. Destin Sandlin, Hank Green, John Green, Keith Hughes, Emily Graslie, Jimmy McGuire, Sarah Whitcomb-Foss, Grant Sanderson (3Blue1Brown), Michael Reeves (Internet personality), Meghan Camarena, Michael Stevens (educator), Lilly Singh, Mark Rober, Brad Rutter, Julia Collins, Sal Khan, Simone Giertz, Vi Hart, Xyla Foxlin, Adrianna Prosser - History & Arts, Charles Barangan - Natural World, or Danielle Thorn - Psych/Socio/Anthro would be good hosts for Jeopardy.
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It was actually six weeks...
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I think either Ken Jennings or Aaron Rodgers should get the job. All other were too stiff
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Aaron Rodgers was really bad. He tried hard though. Voice too soft and boring. Should not get just because of who he is. Buzzy!!
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Three possibilities to me: Ken Jennings, Mayim Bialik or accept that viewers will never be happy with anyone other than Alex Trebek and end the show.
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Mayim Bailik is my choice. I think she should have got it to start with.
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Definitely Aaron Rodgers would be great!! NEVER ken Jennings or Lavar Burton.
I still think Mike Richards was and is the man for the job regardless of his past.
Everyone has one you know. Forgive & Forget.
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He’s pukey!!!!
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I agree that Levar was not good however, if Mike Richards was in his ear, is it possible Richards intentionally distracted Burton?
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My top picks: 1. Sarah and Jimmy of the Clue Crew--I think many viewers would be delighted to see them advance, as they are like old friends 2. Ken Jennings--He is highly credible and comes across as a nice guy. He shouldn't be discounted for one bad tweet (which he's apologized for). Despite getting lackluster focus group evaluations, I still think he is a safe choice, given he maintained high ratings throughout a tenure of several weeks. 3. Buzzy--He is also highly credible and has wisely toned down his personality in stepping into the host role. He should change his hair and glasses though. His current style makes him appear as though he's trying too hard to be an individual.
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Not Katie Couric, as she’s hard to understand. Not Ken Jenning as he’s too introverted for the job and not Mayim Bailik bec she’s hard to understand at times, as well. I watch every game. Any of the others will be good, but what about Matt after his run?
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Ken is the best candidate hands down!!!
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Savannah Guthrie was excellent. Nobody seems to care. If they make Burton the host, they need to train him on how to relate to adults.
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Savannah was terrible ! Isn’t she on tv way too much already ? Plus she said she has no plans to leave today show so that’s good !!
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Jeopardy is officially dead in the water, will never watch again the woke crowd has killed it,
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I don't even know who Nicole Yvette Brown and Ryan Reynolds are, so why should I even care what they think?!
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Jeopardy James!
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Time for a woman to host a game show.I cant think of a single one that has had such a job.
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I would very much like to have Levar Burton!!! He was by far the best!!!!!!
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