The Future of Jeopardy: Alex Trebek and his successor

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:24 pm

El Guapo wrote: ↑Thu Nov 12, 2020 5:03 pm Oddsmakers have included Trump as a long-shot bet to replace Trebek.

I'm sure that they're looking for suckers when they make that an option. BUT you know, if it'll get Trump to go peacefully...

Definitely a long-shot. But I like the idea of Levar Burton.

The Meal · Post by **The Meal** » Thu Nov 12, 2020 7:51 pm

So we're all just pretending that it's obviously not going to be Ken Jennings?

[edit: opened the link — okay, sanity restored]

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:11 pm

Can't believe John Razenberger isn't on that list.

Post by **ImLawBoy** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:40 pm

Jeff V wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:11 pm Can't believe John Razenberger isn't on that list.

Wouldn't that only work if the host was constantly giving the wrong answers?

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:48 pm

ImLawBoy wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 3:40 pm
Jeff V wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 2:11 pm Can't believe John Razenberger isn't on that list.
Wouldn't that only work if the host was constantly giving the wrong answers?

If you recall, Cliff gave an astounding number of correct answers, bet it all on Final Jeopardy, then lost because that was the one time he got the wrong answer. "Pulling a Cliff Clavin" became a colloquialism for losing Jeopardy by betting more than necessary to assure victory, especially if you had a lock.

Now, they do have 100:1 odds on Trump. They would have to rename it Alt-Jeopardy -- the contestant would get it right but then be told he was wrong, the correct answer being something batshit crazy or outright lies.

The name I like most on the list is Levar Burton (they mentioned him on the news this morning. I'd rather see Jennings continue appearing in those periodic special tournaments.

Sudy · Post by **Sudy** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:13 pm

LeVar Burton would be a wonderful host, but I think his talents would be wasted on a quiz show that tapes, what, 200+ episodes a year? But obviously, that's his decision to make. You'd think he certainly deserves such a cushy gig if he wants it.

Surprised Gilbert Gottfried's not higher on the list though....

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:44 pm

Close it down. Jeopardy is dead along with Alex.

Blackhawk · Post by **Blackhawk** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:19 am

LeVar Burton would be an excellent choice. The thing that made Trebek work so well is that he exuded friendly, non-intimidating intelligence. You felt like he knew all of the answers, or at least knew what he was talking about. I have no idea how intelligent he actually was, but he game across as brilliant.

Burton has that same effect, and he's certainly devoted himself to spreading a love of knowledge.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 3:43 pm

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:19 am LeVar Burton would be an excellent choice. The thing that made Trebek work so well is that he exuded friendly, non-intimidating intelligence. You felt like he knew all of the answers, or at least knew what he was talking about. I have no idea how intelligent he actually was, but he game across as brilliant.

Burton has that same effect, and he's certainly devoted himself to spreading a love of knowledge.

Agreed. From what I'd heard, Trebek was well-read. He loved reading and filling himself with knowledge, and I think LeVar Burton shares many of those qualities, including the charisma needed as host.

Ken Jennings, while he might make a good champion, I don't think would make for a particularly good host.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:33 pm

Blackhawk wrote: ↑Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:19 am Burton has that same effect, and he's certainly devoted himself to spreading a love of knowledge.

I had about a 30 second 1 on 1 with Burton when he was pimping a sci fi book he wrote. In that brief time he was totally engaged in our brief interaction. That's impressive at an event where he was having the same moment with hundreds, maybe a thousand, people (he was near the height of his ST:TNG popularity).

Another name on the list was Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Like him a lot, not for that though, he has a much different calling. A name I didn't see on the list who would also be excellent (but at 74 is probably too old) was Cheech Marin; he was excellent on Celebrity Jeopardy in the past and seems to have a good balance of congeniality and smarts.

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Sat Nov 14, 2020 5:42 pm

Daehawk wrote: ↑Fri Nov 13, 2020 10:44 pm Close it down. Jeopardy is dead along with Alex.

Alex wasn't the first host, there's no reason he should be the last. It's too excellent of a game show, and it's certainly stood the test of time. I never knew anyone who made it on the show, but one of the smartest guys I knew (deceased now) made it to verbal auditions but was tripped up on a literature category. As well read as I am (and he was even more so) those are often my downfall as the subject matter is just too vast...sometimes I get lucky and know the answer, but that's still my Achilles heel.

I did the online test once. The challenge there is typing the correct answer without mistakes in 30 seconds. If you instantly know the answer and your heart rate is under control, then you can. I'd probably would have succeeded if I had an accurate touch typist available, I recall knowing the answers but having a hard time getting them down in time.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Sat Jan 09, 2021 8:29 pm

Biyobi · Post by **Biyobi** » Sat Jan 09, 2021 9:20 pm

Will Ferrell? It'll be like Alex never left us.

I'd put my vote behind LeVar Burton as well.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Sun Jan 10, 2021 12:14 am

Eugene Levy would have to have a chance. Afterall, he preferred his version of him from SCTV rather than Will Ferrell's.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Sun Jan 10, 2021 1:14 am

Is she wearing dark skin makeup?

Man John Candy young..cool.

Id take away their buzzers if real

Loved seeing Doug..I MEAN DAVE

AWS260 · Post by **AWS260** » Sun Jan 10, 2021 1:27 am

That was delightful to watch.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Tue Jan 12, 2021 2:31 pm

Here's Trebek's acceptance speech with the Canadian Academy. Impassioned praise for his Canadian brethen and beaucoup de Français.

pr0ner · Post by **pr0ner** » Tue Jan 12, 2021 3:29 pm

Ken Jennings did just fine in his first turn as guest host of Jeopardy! last night.

Octavious · Post by **Octavious** » Wed Jan 13, 2021 8:15 am

We watched it and ya he actually wasn't bad. He certainly seems like after a little while he will grow into it. Thing is that no matter what anyone does they won't ever be able to fill Alex's shoes.

Moat_Man · Post by **Moat_Man** » Wed Apr 07, 2021 8:37 pm

Cross posted from from the NFL thread:

Hrothgar wrote: ↑Tue Apr 06, 2021 1:28 pm Thus far the general consensus has been:

1. Mike Richards (The Jeopardy producer that had to fill in for two weeks)
2. Ken Jennings
3. Katie Couric
4. Dr. Oz (Personally, he was about on par with Couric, but so many vocal people hate him online that he ends up on the bottom.)

Rodgers hasn't done enough yet. Assuming he gets better with reps, he'll easily pass the last two.

My personal list is:
1. Ken Jennings
2. Mike Richards
------------
3. Katie Couric
4. Dr. Oz
5. Aaron Rogers

Rogers has no shot to move up. Just too monotone and wooden. Above the line could be the regular host although I did like Katie but didn't think I'd like her in the role long term. I much preferred Jennings to Mike Richards and I got the feeling Mike didn't want to do the job anyway. He also executive produces Wheel of Fortune so it might be a lot for him.

Holman · Post by **Holman** » Wed Apr 07, 2021 8:50 pm

There's a newly robust grassroots effort to draft LeVar Burton for the role. I think he'd be great.

Someone online pointed out that this would make Burton famous in four completely separate realms and for four (mostly) separate audiences: Roots, Reading Rainbow, Star Trek, and then Jeopardy.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:54 am

I agree. Levar Burton, who I think I had already mentioned, would be great. His literary connection make him a natural, along with his warm and charismatic personality. Everything else at this point has been a disappointing mix that seem so random. I know Trebek dying caught them off-guard, but they must have realized the possibly of it happening at any time and prepared themselves for it, so I kind of wish they'd worked harder to find more appropriate guests hosts.

Sudy · Post by **Sudy** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 4:33 am

I tend to presume if they'd wanted him they'd probably have him by now.

Jaymann · Post by **Jaymann** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 10:21 am

Could we maybe change the thread title to something like Alex Trebek: Replacing a Legend?

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:24 am

The answer is absolutely LeVar Burton and I'm surprised it's even being debated - he'd be perfect.

El Guapo · Post by **El Guapo** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:31 am

I assume they're going to go with Ken Jennings.

Paingod · Post by **Paingod** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:35 am

I'm sorry, you didn't phrase that in the form of a question.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 11:49 am

Sudy wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 4:33 am I tend to presume if they'd wanted him they'd probably have him by now.

The guy is practically offering himself to them, but it feels like all they can do is fire blanks by having guests-hosts that are barely tangentially related to the job at hand.

Ralph-Wiggum · Post by **Ralph-Wiggum** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 12:39 pm

I only support Dr. Oz as the new host if there's at least one question a show that directly contradicts all the misinformation he puts out.

Sudy · Post by **Sudy** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 1:34 pm

Goodness, if it might be Dr. Oz on a permanent basis I'm going to have to assume Alex Jones and Jim Bakker contract talks already fell through.

Jaymann · Post by **Jaymann** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:01 pm

I approve of this thread title.

El Guapo · Post by **El Guapo** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:12 pm

I dunno, I think it's out of date. I think the title should be The Future of Jeopardy: Alex Trebek and his successor, as of 4/8/2021 at 2:12 pm eastern time.

Isgrimnur · Post by **Isgrimnur** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:51 pm

Jaymann wrote: ↑Thu Apr 08, 2021 2:01 pm I approve of this thread title.

Baroquen · Post by **Baroquen** » Thu Apr 08, 2021 4:41 pm

It seems like Burton is open to the gig, since he posted a link to the petition to ... Instagram I think? So it looks like that ball is in Jeopardy's court. I think he'd be much better than the hosts so far.

Daehawk · Post by **Daehawk** » Thu Apr 22, 2021 8:01 pm

Jeff V · Post by **Jeff V** » Thu Apr 22, 2021 9:10 pm

Daehawk wrote: ↑Thu Apr 22, 2021 8:01 pm

That's awesome. I can't imagine him not being a front-runner. I also own a signed book by him that might go up in value if he gets the gig.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Fri Apr 23, 2021 12:42 am

I think he'll knock it out of the park. IMHO, I feel the hosts are getting more interesting as the season draws to a close, from what they've announced. I think I'm looking forward to seeing LeVar and Miyam Biyalik the most.

Moat_Man · Post by **Moat_Man** » Mon Aug 02, 2021 9:22 pm

Levar was not great. Pretty bad actually. Bottom half of guest hosts so far. I kept thinking he'd get better as the week went by but he didn't.

Ralph-Wiggum · Post by **Ralph-Wiggum** » Tue Aug 03, 2021 8:39 am

Moat_Man wrote: ↑Mon Aug 02, 2021 9:22 pm Levar was not great. Pretty bad actually. Bottom half of guest hosts so far. I kept thinking he'd get better as the week went by but he didn't.

I only watched half of one show and haven't watched any other quest host so I can't compare, but he wasn't great in the bit I watched. He stumbled a few times and told someone they got the answer (er, question) wrong before correcting himself. All in all, he seemed nervous and a bit awkward.

Zaxxon · Post by **Zaxxon** » Wed Aug 04, 2021 9:33 pm