Take A Look! Make LeVar Burton The Next Permanent Host Of Jeopardy!!!
Even before the passing of the beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek there was talk of his replacement. Nearly a year later and there is still no permanent host, just a plethora of guest hosts. Among those vying for the spot include Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and actor and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, who now acts on a show called Call Me Kat. One man definitely up for the job is former host and executive producer of PBS's Reading Rainbow LeVar Burton. The lifelong children's literacy advocate also hosts his own podcast, "LeVar Burton Reads," narrating the best in short fiction.
LeVar Burton's upcoming guest stint is later this month, July 16th-30th and says the choice is simple- he's the best fit for the classic answer-and-question game show: “This is something that I really think is a good idea. I think it’s a good fit of what the show is, what the show requires and what I feel like I bring to the table. I feel as strongly about my rightness for this as I did about Kunta and Geordi. And I’m that invested in getting the job.”
LeVar Burton's fans are ready to see it happen. A Change.org petition was initiated to have LeVar Burton host the show and is currently garnering more than 300,000 signatures: "I feel like in some respects that I helped raise these younger generations that grew up watching Reading Rainbow. That means something to them, and it means something to me. We’re invested in each other’s success... I can’t tell how much I appreciate all y’alls love and support!" LeVar Burton grew up watching Jeopardy! and is so passionate about taking the position: "I feel like this is what I’m supposed to do. I have been watching “Jeopardy!” more or less every night of my life since Art Fleming was host. Jeopardy! is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant."
Someone asked a question how LeVar Burton would feel if he doesn’t become the show’s next host, and he could not tell a lie: “It will hurt. I’m not going to lie. But if that happens, I will get over it. I will be fine. Remember: Everything happens perfectly and for a reason. That is my default. It’s all going to be OK. Because it always is...Look, I have had a career for the ... ages. Roots, Star Trek, Reading Rainbow. Won a Grammy. Got a shelf full of Emmys. I’m a storyteller, and game shows are tremendous stories. The stakes are high. I love that."
Make this man the host!
*Correction: LeVar Burton's guest hosting stint will begin Monday, July 26th.
Sources:
https://blackamericaweb.com/2021/07/01/levar-burton-will-hurt-if-not-jeopardy-host/
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