LeVar Burton is Getting His Shot at Hosting 'Jeopardy!'
Burton is one of five upcoming guest hosts of the game show.
Despite a pretty terrible record, the internet petition apears to have finally delivered real world results. Former Reading Rainbow star and current subject of one of the most broadly circulated signature solicitations in recent memory, is going to get his shot at hosting Jeopardy!.
Likely in response to the nearly 250,000 names on a Change.org petition requesting Burton be named as the next frontman of the long-running game show, Jeopardy! has announced the actor will be one of the five guest hosts slated to appear on upcoming episodes. "Our passionate fans are telling us what they like, and we are listening," said executive producer, Mike Richards, in a statement. Burton is joined by sportscaster Joe Buck, Good Morning America's Robin Roberts and George Stephanopoulos, and Squak on the Street's David Faber, in the latest round of guest hosts. In a recent interview with USA Today, the actor threw his support behind the fan-driven campaign that launched in the wake of the late Alex Trebek's death. "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," Burton said. "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," Burton added, assuring fans he would honor Trebek's legacy.
The hunt for a permanent successor to Trebek has been ongoing since the former host's death in November of last year. But the show doesn't seem to have settled on anone in particular just yet. Nor has it announced the air dates for the episode lead by Burton or any of his fellow incoming guest hosts.
You can read LeVar Burton's response the announcement from Jeopardy! below. Hold tight for updates on his appearance in the days ahead.