After years of being vocal about wanting to host Jeopardy!, LeVar Burton is finally getting a chance to do it.
Burton will be appearing as a guest host for this season and, his appearance has been one of the most anticipated.
The “Reading Rainbow” star has talked about his dream of becoming a permanent host for years. In 2013 he tweeted, “My dream job…? The new Host of #Jeapordy.”
My dream job…? The new Host of #Jeapordy
#bydhttmwfi #notevenkidding— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) March 27, 2013
In 2018 he also tweeted, “There is only one game show I’ve ever wanted to host… This Is Jeopardy!” and in 2020 he tweeted, “Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires.”
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
Not gonna lie, I feel like I’ve been preparing my whole life to occupy the @Jeopardy host podium when Alex retires. #Jeopardy https://t.co/N1HrMTCaYI
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) September 22, 2020
Burton’s appearance as guest host has been highly anticipated by many fans, and it is expected to bring in high ratings for the show.
A recent petition in support of Burton becoming the permanent host of Jeopardy! has been made and currently has over 250,000 signatures.
Burton is beloved by many for his role on “Reading Rainbow,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Roots.” He has many loyal fans rooting for him to be the next host.
As far as guest hosts go, no other has shown as much interest in becoming a permanent host as much as Burton has.
The executive producer of Jeopardy! Mike Richards said Burton was “the first person to reach out to me after Alex passed away,” showing interest in taking over the show.
“I don’t believe there is anyone out there who is better suited for this job than me,” Burton said this spring.
Sony announced that Jeopardy! would have a permanent host “by the end of July or early August,” and if Burton doesn’t get the position he said, “It will hurt. I’m not going to lie.”
It is said that viewer response will be one of the main factors to picking the new permanent host, so fans of Burton and Burton himself are hoping it will be him who is chosen.
Photo Credit: Getty Images
