‘Jeopardy!’: Who Is Most Likely to Become Permanent Host?
Jeopardy! continues to chug along following longtime host Alex Trebek‘s death with familiar faces stepping in to temporarily take up the gig, but who will be replacing the legendary host full-time? It’s a question fans have been asking for a while as guests continue to appear throughout Season 37.
Several others have still to have their stint — including George Stephanopoulos (who started his week-long run Monday, July 12), Robin Roberts, fan-favorite LeVar Burton, David Faber, and Joe Buck. We’re taking a look at how likely it is that each guest who has appeared so far, will serve as permanent host. Below, we’re rounding up the guest hosts so far, and revealing from least to most likely, who could serve as Jeopardy!‘s next official host.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz
Following a poll regarding fan-favorite hosts so far, Dr. Mehmet Oz ranked the lowest among viewers, and considering his other ventures including the long-running Dr. Oz Show, medical commitments, and more, this guest host is the least likely long-term candidate for Jeopardy!‘s lead gig.
Anderson Cooper
Based out of New York City and hosting his own show on CNN makes Anderson Cooper an unlikely candidate for Jeopardy!‘s prime role. As a contributor to CBS’s long-running newsmagazine 60 Minutes, we can’t imagine Cooper being spread any thinner work-wise.
Savannah Guthrie
Not unlike the previously mentioned guest hosts, Savannah Guthrie’s role on Today in New York City makes it unlikely that she’d take up a more permanent role at Jeopardy!.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta
While Dr. Gupta did provide a promising peek into what hosting would look like for him, his commitments as a correspondent on CNN and other television networks and programs makes it unlikely he’d make such a drastic career switch.
Katie Couric
Despite not being an obvious favorite among Jeopardy!‘s wide array of viewers, Couric‘s schedule isn’t as hectic as it once was when she previously helmed her own talk show and also helped lead Today on NBC. So, while this makes her odds of becoming a permanent host higher, she still remains a not-so-likely option.
Bill Whitaker
Favored above Couric and some of the other previously-mentioned guest hosts, Bill Whitaker could be an unforeseen option. The only obvious drawback that would pull Whitaker away from the gig is his role at 60 Minutes which has been substantial over the years.
Mike Richards
Already a fixture at the show, Jeopardy!‘s executive producer Mike Richards is a possible frontrunner to take over for permanent host. He was an early favorite among viewers after he stepped in to follow up first guest host Ken Jennings. At the time of his appearance, Richards did make it clear he was serving as guest host temporarily, suggesting he’d prefer to work behind the camera.
Mayim Bialik
Based on an early TV Insider poll, The Big Bang Theory‘s Mayim Bialik ranked as the most-favored guest host. Taking this into consideration with her own background as a neuroscientist and it would seem that Bialik’s future as a permanent guest host is bright, but there’s a cloud in the sky for those who would like to see her there. The actress’s show Call Me Kat was renewed for Season 2 at Fox, making it unclear if she’d have the right amount of time to keep up with both productions. Ultimately, Call Me Kat makes her an unlikely option to fill the role.
Aaron Rodgers
Currently serving as a quarterback to the Green Bay Packers, Aaron Rodgers would be giving up a lot to take up a permanent gig as Jeopardy!‘s host. As a former celebrity champ and fan of the series though, could it be enough to sway him if offered the gig? Considering his fan base, it’s a stronger possibility than others who have guested so far.
Buzzy Cohen
This former winner stepped in for the Tournament of Champions this spring and held his own in the position. Considering Buzzy‘s connection to the show and lack of bigger outside commitments, the possibility of this brainy guest taking over full-time is stronger than most and wouldn’t take away from the show’s roots.
Ken Jennings
The GOAT continues to remain a frontrunner for Jeopardy!‘s coveted hosting job and it’s hard to deny that you can’t look at Ken Jennings without thinking of the game show. While he is committed to ABC’s The Chase, it is difficult to imagine he’d pass on Jeopardy!‘s permanent hosting gig if given the option. With a name that’s become synonymous with Jeopardy!, Ken Jennings remains the most likely guest host to take over.
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