The people have spoken!
LeVar Burton has been chosen as the next guest host of “Jeopardy!” after months of people petitioning online for him to be a permanent host. The “Reading Rainbow” star will round out the show’s 37th season following the death of beloved “Jeopardy!” host Alex Trebek last November. Burton shared his excitement on Twitter Wednesday night.
“THANK YOU… to all y’all for your passionate support,” He wrote. “I am overjoyed, excited, and eager to be guest-hosting Jeopardy!, and will do my utmost best to live up to your faith you in me.”
THANK YOU… to all y’all for your passionate support! I am overjoyed, excited, and eager to be guest-hosting Jeopardy!, and will do my utmost best to live up to your faith you in me. YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE! Go ahead and take my word for it, this time. https://t.co/C7mZWMok2X
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 21, 2021
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The people believe Burton is the best choice to step into Trebek’s role as a permanent host. A petition has accumulated over 246,000 signatures. His roles as host and executive producer of PBS’ “Reading Rainbow,” Lt. Commander Geordi LaForge on “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and Kunta Kinte in “Roots,” have garnered Burton 13 Emmys, a George Foster Peabody, and a Grammy. He also currently hosts his podcast, “LeVar Burton Reads.”
“Our goal has been to present a wide variety of guest hosts with different skill sets and backgrounds on our path to finding a permanent host,” said “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards. “Our passionate fans are telling us what they like, and we are listening. All of the guest hosts have brought individualism, energy, and an authentic love of our show to each of their episodes. We look forward to sharing the rest of the season with our viewers.”
The internet can’t contain their excitement for his “Jeopardy!” debut.
@levarburton, no contest! Make him the permanent host!
advertisement— Emelyne Museaux (@plsleaveamsg) April 21, 2021
This is step 1.
advertisementStep 2 is @levarburton becomes permanent host.
Step 3 – which is guaranteed, @Jeopardy – is that interest in Jeopardy surges, new and diverse viewers tune in, and the show takes a bow for making the wisest possible move it could ever make. Mark my words!
— Joshua DuBois (@joshuadubois) April 21, 2021
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I KNOW THAT’S RIGHT IT’S LEVAR BURTON AND LEVAR BURTON ONLY @levarburton!!!!!
— Raven the Science Maven (@ravenscimaven) April 21, 2021
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YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS! Naming, claiming and collecting!!!! https://t.co/3lYhmB33UG
— ℝ (@Rashona) April 21, 2021
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We’re not crying, you are!!!!! https://t.co/msgi0FmjFr
— Black Girls Create (@blkgirlscreate) April 21, 2021
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Dreams do come true. But the work ain’t over. NOW we gotta make sure @levarburton‘s episodes are the highest rated of the bunch. #MakeItSo https://t.co/lJld01TaD2
— Tolkien Negro (@marcbernardin) April 21, 2021
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Puuuuuuurrrrrrrr Levar!
— SAMANTHA SADE (@SAMiiAM) April 21, 2021
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Very excited for you! I might start watching Jeopardy! regularly again if you end up getting the gig.
Hope the powers that be make the right choice.
advertisement— dr. georgeaumoithe ryt-200 (ジョージ) (@GeorgeAumoithe) April 21, 2021
The Jeopardy producers finally relenting to our public pressure to add LeVar Burton as a Jeopardy host: pic.twitter.com/7cynXYxUXm
advertisement— Qondi (@QondiNtini) April 21, 2021
Finally!!!!!
advertisement— Mari Copeny (@LittleMissFlint) April 21, 2021
Git it!!!!
advertisement— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) April 21, 2021
I cannot believe this is even a contest when everybody wants you.
advertisement— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) April 21, 2021
this is awesome! but for real, it’s on sight for the person who kept trying to keep you from behind that jeopardy podium…
advertisement— L’Heureux Lewis-McCoy (@DumiLM) April 21, 2021
I need the exact episode he’s gonna be guest hosting on. I will be TUNED IN!
advertisement— A Wallflower With A Camera (@aspencphoto) April 21, 2021
Amazing!!! Congrats! You’ll KILL this gig!
advertisement— Tananarive Due (@TananariveDue) April 21, 2021
Special shout-out to Joshua Sanders who started the petition!#Jeopardy
advertisement— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) April 21, 2021
The other guest hosts are “Good Morning America” and “This Week With George Stephanopoulos” anchor George Stephanopoulos, “GMA” anchor Robin Roberts, CNBC “Squawk on the Street” co-anchor and former “Celebrity Jeopardy!” champ David Faber, and three-time National Sportscaster of the Year award winner sportscaster Joe Buck. Each guest host will have a charity of their choice receive a donation.
We’re rooting for you, LeVar!
Photo Credit: TrekMovie.com