The search for the next Jeopardy! has come to a solemn end. After cycles of celebrity tryouts for the coveted position, current executive producer Mike Richards and actor Mayim Bialik were officially announced as the permanent co-hosts of the beloved trivia show on Wednesday. For most of internet, which hailed LeVar Burton as the frontrunner to succeed Alex Trebek’s enduring legacy, the news comes as a shock.
Before Burton was selected to host an episode of the show this summer, fans started their own petition, which has amassed over 260,000 signatures to date, to elect the 64-year-old to the role — citing how how the 64-year-old’s impact “shaped the minds of several generations of trivia-loving nerds.” With the anticipation that rallied around his episodic tryout and his obvious fan-favorite stature, fans took to social media to lament the announcement. Among the dismayed fans who voiced their disbelief, filmmaker Ava DuVernay jokingly (or seriously) tweeted that she would now be “trying to create a show right in this moment for @levarburton to host and make an international hit.”
Moreover, the newly-selected hosts have both also been called into question for their pasts. Richards’ selection as the syndicated host comes as an odd surprise as he already helms the show, which raises brows towards the seeming favoritism, but his allegations of discrimination are also alarming for avid watchers. During his time as an EP for The Price Is Right, Richards was engulfed into a lawsuit where models alleged that he discriminated against them for being pregnant. In recent memo obtained by Deadline, Richards wrote to the Jeopardy! staff, ” I want you all to know that the way in which my comments and actions have been characterized in these complaints does not reflect the reality of who I am or how we worked together on The Price is Right.”
Bialik is facing the criticism from her New York Times op-ed where she discussed how her feminism navigates the transformative era of #MeToo. In what many saw as a vile example of victim-blaming, the 45-year-old wrote, “I still make choices every day as a 41-year-old actress that I think of as self-protecting and wise. I have decided that my sexual self is best reserved for private situations with those I am most intimate with. I dress modestly. I don’t act flirtatiously with men as a policy.” Although she followed the statement by noting that women should be liberated to act in a manner of their own choice, many saw the comments as ascribing to the notions that victims of sexually predatory behavior are naive.
Responding to the pushback, and also rejoicing in the moment, Bialik (who will host the primetime and spinoff episodes) said to Instagram, “And if you don’t like me as the new host of Jeopardy!. I’m sorry. I love LeVar Burton.” Bialik and Burton previously worked together on Big Bang Theory. Bialik continued, “I really have great respect for everybody who guest hosted. And I really think it’s amazing that it’s a woman hosting Jeopardy!. It’s really exciting. It’s a very big deal.”
Despite it all, Burton — whose unequivocal multigenerational presence has graced the screens of “Roots,” “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” and “Reading Rainbow” — won’t see the moment as a loss. In a previous message to his supporters, he wrote, “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!” He continued, “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
In a previous interview regarding his pursuit to clinch the role, Burton told New York Times he hoped to create his own legacy with the show. “It’s difficult to explain, but there’s something inside me that says this makes sense. I feel like this is what I’m supposed to do,” Burton said in a recent interview said. He continued, “Jeopardy!” is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant.” When asked about this possibility that he wouldn’t be selected, Burton admitted, “It will hurt. I’m not going to lie. But if that happens, I will get over it. I will be fine. Remember: Everything happens perfectly and for a reason.”
