Thousands are petitioning for Levar Burton to replace Alex Trebek

As for succeeding Trebek, it sounds like Burton’s up for the task — should the petition carry any weight with Sony.

“Even if nothing comes from it, I can’t tell how much how I appreciate all y’alls love and support!” he wrote on Thursday.

Petition · Make LeVar Burton the next host of Jeopardy! · — LeVar Burton (@levarburton) November 12, 2020

Where it goes from here remains to be seen.

I actually love this idea.

Mostly because I really like Levar Burton. He was a great addition to Star Trek: The Next Generation as Jordi LeForge.

It's hard to believe that he first burst on to the scene in the Roots Mini-Series. That's like a million miles away from what he's known for now.

I think this is a good idea. I know many millennial aged adults who have very good memories of Levar Burton from his time on Reading Rainbow.

Can the make it into Black Jeopardy then?

This is perfect all around.

[quote]A few names that have been tossed around online are George Stephanopoulos, Rosie Perez and Joe Rogan

Joe Rogan? WTF?? Does his fan base really overlap with Jeaopardy's?

I'm not fighting it but there are plenty of other candidates. My vote is for Aisha Tyler.

Why not just get Jeff Probst? He used to host Rock & Roll Jeopardy on VH1. He knows how to do the job.

[quote] Why not just get Jeff Probst?

Because Jeff Probst is a narcissistic, egotistical fame whore.

He would make the show all about HIM, just like he does on Survivor.

Probst would be the worst Jeopardy host EVER!!!!

Aisha Tyler slips too easily into smarm mixed with pretentiousness. Best in smaller doses, imo.

LOVE the Levar Burton idea.

What about Greg Kinnear? He controls his smarm pretty well.

They can play the Reading Rainbow theme song during final Jeopardy

when we had a replacement thread I think Levar and David Hyde Pierce were amongst the most mentioned.

Does Jeff Probst have an actual fanbase? Is he relevant to anyone under 50? Levar Burton has Star Trek fans and a generation of millennial fans from Reading Rainbow.

Jeopardy fans are nerds.

Nerds would like another nerd to host the show.

That's why Levar Burton is a great idea.

Jim Parsons is another nerd who would be a great host.

Sherri Shepard is also under consideration.

Jim Parsons does not need a steady paycheck from a game show gig.

Maybe he might just find satisfaction from the job, R16.

It's not always about money.

Alex Trebek and Pat Sajak both hosted their shows for over 30 years, and that's because it wasn't "work" to them.

Perfect for Colin Jost.

Levar is a perfect choice.

[quote] An early criticism of Jeopardy! was the lack of Black contestants on the program. It’s one Trebek took personally, admitting in a 1995 interview the screening test could be part of the problem.

Uh. what?

[quote] An early criticism of Jeopardy! was the lack of Black contestants on the program. It’s one Trebek took personally, admitting in a 1995 interview the screening test could be part of the problem.

[quote] Uh, what?

It was probably the same criticism aimed at the SAT's and other standardized tests.

They're all alleged to have an inherent cultural bias, that doesn't take ethnicity and other factors into consideration.

Well, maybe you can write Jim Parsons a fan letter and tell him all about it, R17.

Yes, and some of the decision makers were probably racist and used dog whistles like "she seems too angry" and "he comes across a little scary," r21. I've heard people talk like that about black people who are just as normal as anyone else.

Now that LeVar has been mentioned as a replacement, I can't think of anyone else better suited to replace Trebek.

Some people want Rosie Perez to host Jeporady? Are those poeple on crack?

I've met him. he was a self-important, inflated ego, arrogant douche. he ran our staff ragged. total asshole. just sayin'

Sherri Shepard thinks the earth is flat.

Just hire Rosie O'Donnell. As a fuck you to the Trumpsters.

[quote] I've met him. he was a self-important, inflated ego, arrogant douche. he ran our staff ragged. total asshole. just sayin'

Sounds like it could be anyone in anywhere USA.

Many of us have probably been described this way at one time.

R29, Ellen Degeneres lost her career over that.

How about experienced clue crew guy Jimmy?

Hi, Jimmy @ R31!

Levar Burton would be great.

[quote] I've met him. he was a self-important, inflated ego, arrogant douche. he ran our staff ragged. total asshole. just sayin'

I'm sure that sometimes even Alex Trebek could have been described that way.

Butterfly in the sky...

I can go twice as high!

Levar was so hot in Looking for Mr. Goodbar.

I still vote for Jane Lynch.

The problem with Burton is his history of condescension. There are a lot of print and video records of his being condescending to others, especially to other Black Americans.

I would like to see somebody like Ashley Judd, who is really smart and has been off screens for a while.

Huh. I didn’t think anyone could do it, but now that you’ve mentioned it, he’s a great pick. I’m for it!

Whoever it is, they're going to have to be able to pronounce the word GENRE, perfectly!

I think LeVar is a bit overwhelmed judging from his tweets. I think it must be a little awkward for him since Trebek just passed away but it's nice to see people championing someone who is kind and likable.

[quote] There are a lot of print and video records of his being condescending to others, especially to other Black Americans.

Again, Alex could be very condescending as well.

It'll take time, but I think that Levar could find a groove that people will get used to.

Agreed R42. Burton could temper it, as Trebek managed to do going into the 1990's.

Jeff Probst is busy with Survivor Season Number 102.

Baratunde Thurston would be an excellent choice. Brilliant and personable, he was a popular guest expert on "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" He also worked at The Onion and on "The Daily Show."

As for Black contestants, the "Jeopardy" written quiz was extremely difficult - nothing like the questions used during the show. After being shown the door, several of us rejects (Black and White) shared our Mensan credentials and a producer confided that few high IQ aspirants ever made it past the initial testing phase. The producer demurred when asked why - go figure. There may be a psychological component at play. Years later, I passed the "Millionaire" written test, but apparently didn't impress the young White woman producer during my brief interview and never got a call back.

There is no need for cultural correctness in either the SATs or in knowledge-based game shows.

Levar is definitely comforting for anyone who grew up watching Reading Rainbow. I never watched him when he wore that banana clip over his eyes on Star Trek, so I only know him as the RR guy

I’ve never seen a resolution reached as fast as this.

As my friend Tractor would say, “good work, men.”

I really hope the producers realize this is also a sign people don't want Ken as host.

Levar Burton was in a very good TV movie in 1979 called "Dummy". It's on YouTube. He plays a deaf man accused of murder and Paul Sorvino is his attorney. Based on a true story!

I love it when Paul Sorvino talks dirty!

Before "Reading Rainbow" and "Star Trek: TNG" there was "Roots." Mr. Burton's delivery of the line "My name is Kunte Kinte" made television history.

Can someone who starred in Dummy host Jeopardy?

How did this start? Seems like kind of a random, obscure choice to catch on so much.

Not that obscure. On the DL thread for who should host Jeopardy, Burton's name came up a lot.

He has fans from many groups - Star Trek, Reading Rainbow, Roots, etc.

Lemar would bring a wealth of experience to the job!

Jon Hodgman would be more interesting.

Hodgeman is good, too

The Trebecksters aren’t having it

Love it!

What about dear Glenn? Lord knows she has plenty of time.

Too old?

Let Samuel L. Jackson read the motherfucking answers.

[quote] The Trebecksters aren’t having it

Perhaps they would prefer if the producers propped up a stuffed Alex against the wall, and have him read the questions from there?

Idiots.

This is becoming another Biden vs. Trump!

Can't they just do a hologram of Trebek, and hire a soundalike?

I just watch Jeopardy with Alex. It's like coming home. This is so sad.

They have to go with a AA person who is extremely erudite. Levar a good pick. It is impossible to replace Alex.

I just watch Jeopardy with Alex. It's like coming home. This is so sad.

They have to go with a AA person who is extremely erudite. Levar a good pick. It is impossible to replace Alex.

I agree R65/R66. Alex is irreplaceable.

However, the fact that so many people are okay with Levar Burton, and rooting for him, says that people might actually be open to the idea of going on without Alex.

Levar Burton as Jeopardy host isn't really so far fetched, if you think about it.

He's articulate, he's well liked, and he's well known.

I watch Jeopary after I get home from work. It's something I've done for over 20 years and I find it comforting. I'm usually relieving stress from work... Jacking off to pornhub... While listening to Jeopardy in the background. There isn't a bigger dick wilter than Levar Burton. Please don't make it Levar Burton. Why not hot weatherman Rob from ABC? Young, muscular and pretty Rob.

I’m all for LeVar Burton being named Jeopardy host. He’s respected, has a pleasing voice, and unlike most actors, isn’t thirsty for attention and wouldn’t do cheap antics for cheap laughs.

R7 Jeff Probst sucks.

Jeff Probst is so 2002.

R71 But his penis is timeless.

Wow, Jeff Probst's dick is amazing.

LeVar Burton would be great.

So what do we know about Levar Burton?

[quote]So what do we know about Levar Burton?

I do know he’s pro-gay.

That looks like a laughable photoshop, R72.

r26: Could you give an example of his arrogance or how he expected more from your staff than what they signed up for? Are you basing his arrogance on the fact that he wouldn't give you the time of day?

I am not being a smart ass. I would truly like to know. He is not my first pick, but I can see where people feel like he is the right fit. I would hate to see them shove him through on that assumption and him being a big prick.

Ross Mathews.

No, wait--Fankie Grande (Areola Grande's half-brother.)

HAHAHAAAAA! JK. Can you fucking imagine?

I'm looking for a job!

Pigeon-headed whores need not apply

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

YES!!! How did I miss this? Not just a "good" choice of Trumpian others who want his Geordie LaForge credentials back.

The Trump cunt could simply not understand professional behavior from Latinos and thus went apeshit on the people who were there to help her

I'm pissed that Ken Jennings is going to be a temporary host.

He SUCKS.

Jeopardy should really listen to the fans. Let Levar Burton have a shot at it.

However, it sounds like the show is going to try out a number of different hosts.

Dane Cook is going to be a guest host. Are the producers out of their damn minds?!

[quote] Dane Cook is going to be a guest host. Are the producers out of their damn minds?!

Alex is turning over in his grave already.

I love old Levar.

Dane Cook needs to die.

I totally failed to foresee see the race angle in this. I should have seen it coming.

To what are you referring, R88?

"race angle?" good lord

The problem is finding someone with the right combination of qualities. Levar Burton combines relatability from Roots with the nerdiness of Star Trek plus a history of broad-based appeal from Reading Rainbow. It’s a good choice.

R88 translated: "This is a white man's job! I ain't watching no n***** on Jeopardy! Reverse racism! PC run amok!"

There is not a "fine line" between arrogance and confidence, in fact you can drive a truck through it. Confidence is quiet. He is an actor, and like Ellen can probably successfully play the part, but I think his arrogance and self-importance will come through and he will make contestants feel like shit and the audience will end up hating him.

LeVar is stepping up his campaign to be the host of Jeopardy.

Although many think Ken Jennings has the hosting gig in the bag, I wonder if this campaign will make the producers consider having LeVar on as a guest host.

LeVar Burton is a superb choice.

How can he even see without his visor?

I’d rather have the Executive Producer that hosted or Ken Jennings host. Not EVERYTHING needs to be woke.

If LeVar wants to be host, then he better at least guest host first so we can see if he sucks or not.

I have actually removed Jeopardy from my DVR schedule because I can't stand Ken Jennings as host.

ugghhh....no.....cant look at him 5 nites a week.

Thousands???? More like dozens.

LeVar is a great guy and is a gay ally.

[quote]Thousands are petitioning for Levar Burton to replace Alex Trebek

Burton must not be claustrophobic. I wouldn’t want to spend five minutes in that coffin.

alwys found him creepy

Alas, in these times it will go, to an ethnic

Nobody can replace Alex Trebek. He was truly special.

r101 wtf, bert and ernie came out?!

R105 Everyone is replaceable. It's show business and if your dead or no longer in a position to do your job, your agent doesn't give a shit about you anymore.

Just ask Gene Kelly's agent.

It's Hollywood baby, everyone is replaceable in this town.

This thread was started by the biggest racist on this site. He’s the chinks/orientals troll. OP, why do you say stuff like “orientals are lower than dogs” and “all chinks need to die”? How are you not banned from Datalounge?