Fans Outraged After LeVar Burton Snubbed as Jeopardy’s Next Game Show Host

Hopes and dreams were dashed when word spread like wildfire on social media that Jeopardy was in advanced talks to secure another host, who was not our collective uncle and favorite children’s show host, LeVar Burton.

Fans were delighted to see the seasoned actor and Reading Rainbow host take center stage as a temporary host for the quiz show Jeopardy! Following the November 2020 death of Alex Trebeck, who hosted the show for 36 years, Sony filled the spot with guest hosts to feel out who would possibly secure the coveted hosting spot.

Now the station’s executives are reportedly talking about who’s going to take the permanent spot. According to Variety, the show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, is said to be a front-runner.

Richards has a long game and reality TV show history. He’s hosted the WB network’s High School Reunion, the CW’s Beauty and the Geek, Sony’s Divided, and ‘The Pyramid. He co-produced The Price Is Right and produced Let’s Make a Deal.

While it’s unclear if Burton was addressing the situation directly, he tweeted Thursday that however the deal ends up, he’s OK with it.

“I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I’ve won. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible! If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure.”

I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I’ve won. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible! If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure. 🙏🏾

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) August 5, 2021

One thing’s for sure, Burton has had his eye on this spot for some time now. In 2018, he tweeted about the opportunity.

“There is only one show I’ve ever wanted to host… This Is Jeopardy!” he wrote.

Sorry, brother! There is only one game show I’ve ever wanted to host… This Is Jeopardy!

Sorry everyone! It was called Reading Rainbow, not Spelling Rainbow…#bydhttmwfi

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) July 31, 2018

But dedicated Burton fans called Sony out, saying they knew all along they would hire the “inside guy.”

If SONY is going to play this game and hire the inside guy they knew they were going to hire to host Jeopardy after acting like they were going to entertain a diverse candidate, then I’m going to need SOMEBODY’S network to give @levarburton his own educational quiz/game show.

— Dr. Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) August 5, 2021

jeopardy: we’re searching for a new host

everyone: ok we want @levarburton

j: we want to see who the audience responds to best

e: we ❤ levar

j: if only we had some idea who to choose

e: le👏 var👏 bur👏 ton👏

j: congrats to mike richards

e: that’s not how you spell levar

— Fretty Boop (Varys Is Still Underrated) (@i_miss_the_days) August 4, 2021

But that’s not all Burton has going on. Take a look in a book!

He’s still gifting us with his great reading voice on his podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads.” On the show, he narrates short fiction tales by a number of authors, including Octavia Butler and Ray Bradbury. He also recently launched a book club.

Whether Burton makes it as the next host for Jeopardy! or not, he’s still around doing great work. And like he said, either way, he’s won.