The Game Show Forum
The Game Show Forum => The Big Board => Topic started by: DjohnsonCB on November 09, 2020, 04:41:27 PM
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https://www.thewrap.com/george-stephanopoulos-pushing-next-host-jeopardy-alex-trebek-abc-news/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=breaking_news_5550960
Sorry if this is too early, but I happened to see this just now. Alex and Art were still the best.
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You’re right. Too early.
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There will be plenty of time to speculate, but I understand the human nature in instantly wondering about the future of the show. I know I've thought about it. That said, I probably wouldn't have posted just yet on what's currently being reported by tabloid rags (that are sometimes correct and certainly juicy).
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You’re right. Too early.
Nope. It's timely. It's OK here.
I'm sure Mikey Richards would love to have the gig.
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Nope. It's timely. It's OK here.
I'm sure Mikey Richards would love to have the gig.
This actually is something I thought about. If they don't want the show to take another months-long hiatus so soon after the last one, an easy solution would be Mike filling for at least the remainder of the season.
I know a lot of people have speculated about Ken being groomed to take over, and it's possible, but I think he would need a bit more time to practice reading the clues and controlling the game. Mike already has the relevant TV experience, although admittedly he's never hosted a straight quizzer before.
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First thought that came to my mind: Mark L. Walberg.
If Roger Dobkowitz considered him the best of the lot to host The Price Is Right, then I am going to guess he has the competence to handle a show such a Jeopardy!.
I would not want to see Mike Richards or Ken Jennings in the gig.
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First thought that came to my mind: Mark L. Walberg.
I like that choice. Another person I thought of was Tom Bergeron. He's looking for work now. They could also call Bob Barker - just kidding. :)
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Another person I thought of was Tom Bergeron.
Also a good pick. He's also got the public profile Walberg doesn't.
Hm, really, who would be a better choice?
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I don't think Jennings has the gravitas for the job, though he might settle in over time.
My vote goes to Jeff Probst, if they could work around his Survivor travel whenever that comes back.
I also think the show's opening theme montage should keep Alex Trebek in it and also add Art Fleming as a
nice nod to the show's history.
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Nope. It's timely. It's OK here.
I'm sure Mikey Richards would love to have the gig.
This actually is something I thought about. If they don't want the show to take another months-long hiatus so soon after the last one, an easy solution would be Mike filling for at least the remainder of the season.
I know a lot of people have speculated about Ken being groomed to take over, and it's possible, but I think he would need a bit more time to practice reading the clues and controlling the game. Mike already has the relevant TV experience, although admittedly he's never hosted a straight quizzer before.
I would presume that if Ken was their contingency plan like most of us speculated, he’s already been getting trained for this- he wouldn’t be going in green. I’m thinking of the mini soundstage they built for Watson training games to be resurrected for this purpose.
I don’t think Mike would turn down the job if they offered it him- I view him (maybe unfairly) as a guy who’s in production because it pays the bills, but he REALLY wants to be on camera.
Honestly, I think they’ll avoid most news people (the political climate ruins this as an option), and I think they’ll select a woman or a person of color. I vote for me.
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Even prior to Alex's diagnosis, my wife and I were discussing this a few years ago; namely, who could, and who should, replace Alex? She wants Anderson Cooper, and that was one I had thought of as well as he has hosting experience with The Mole and would be well-read like Alex was (though, as someone already mentioned, politics might keep him out of the role). My initial vote went, actually, to George Stephanopoulos or to Dan Harris, both for the same reason: well-read, similar demeanor to Alex, would not dominate the proceedings. I'd prefer Harris, mainly because I thought he did a great job on 500 Questions, and I don't know if Stephanopoulos would give up either GMA or This Week. I love Tom Bergeron, but I personally don't see him as a J! host except maybe for a celebrity edition.
My money at this point: KenJen comes in as interim to finish up the season, and then he is considered along with other candidates for the permanent position over the summer break when they have more time to vet. I don't see Richards doing anything other than substitute hosting, as he just started as producer this year. If they don't want to do half a season with a new host, then they can just do a "Best of Alex" set of episodes to fill out the season.
All pure speculation at this point, of course, and I'm sure we'll have more answers in the coming weeks. For right now, I'll enjoy watching the master at work. :)
Anthony
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I’ll just add: LeVar Burton.
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The idea that George is "pushing" (through his reps) to be the next Jeopardy host reminds me of how Goodson and Todman were faced with replacing Dorothy Kilgallen and how they had to handle pushy requests from agents and celebrities. Nothing wrong with putting one's name out there, but if the producers feel you're not the right fit for the show, there's a lot of facial egg wiping coming for those who insist in the press that they're the "perfect" choice. Does anyone have information as to whether anyone from Jeopardy has had any serious talks with him?
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As it turned out, G-T did not replace Dorothy with anyone on WML. They left the seat open to guest panelists. Another time G-T was faced with getting someone new was when Larry Blyden died in a car crash right before he was set to host "Showoffs." I think they had less than a month to get someone. Bobby Van got the job, and his wife Elaine Joyce appeared a few times on the show.
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My money at this point: KenJen comes in as interim to finish up the season, and then he is considered along with other candidates for the permanent position over the summer break when they have more time to vet.
I *can* see Ken being called in as an interim, but I honestly think he'd turn down the permanent role out of respect for Alex.
I don't see Richards doing anything other than substitute hosting, as he just started as producer this year.
Same; it did hit me after a little while that he had hosting experience....but I can only see him filling in on an interim basis.
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My money at this point: KenJen comes in as interim to finish up the season, and then he is considered along with other candidates for the permanent position over the summer break when they have more time to vet.
I *can* see Ken being called in as an interim, but I honestly think he'd turn down the permanent role out of respect for Alex.
Mostly agree. Ken will do fine in a pinch but he's not the guy.
And Mike Richards DEFINITELY ain't the guy.
Make Ken the interim and spend the first half of 2021 finding the right guy.
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Pat Kiernan says hi.
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Has Jeff Probst ever said he'd be interested in doing regular Jeopardy if the opportunity arose?
I know it's been almost 20 years since his last hosting of R&RJ! , but he seemed to helm that version pretty well. And one wonders how much more gas is left in the Survivor tank?
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And one wonders how much more gas is left in the Survivor tank?
Potentially none, since I recall reading (can't recall the source) that if Jeff gets done hosting Survivor, they'll pull the plug on the show entirely, he's considered that irreplaceable.
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First thought that came to my mind: Mark L. Walberg.
I also thought that, a year ago this time, when I saw "The Price is Right Live" in Detroit with Walberg hosting.
The fact that he hosted the "Star Challenge," high school quiz bowl type game on cable years ago made me think how good he could do as Alex's successor (I prefer that over "replacement"). Of course, there will be different thoughts by different people, so let's hope we can adjust and accept whomever the final pick is, whenever, and continue to enjoy the show for many more years!
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My guess is Chris Harrison. Has some name recognition from The Bachelor franchise.
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I'm pulling for team LeVar.
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Potentially none, since I recall reading (can't recall the source) that if Jeff gets done hosting Survivor, they'll pull the plug on the show entirely, he's considered that irreplaceable.
Don't believe that for a second.
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I wish to nominate WAIT WAIT DON'T TELL ME panelist and frequent CBS SUNDAY MORNING contributor Faith Salie. Woman's a Rhodes Scholar; she's got the goods.
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A lot of the candidates being floated here are well into their 50s-60s. If they're gonna choose anybody, it has to be someone in their 30s-40s that they know will want to stick around as long as Alex did.
In reality, I could totally see them filling the rest of the season with guest hosts -- Jennings, the Clue Crew, hell get Pat Sajak for a week if you want -- and then having a definitive choice before next season starts. Either through whoever guest hosted, or pull a Price and get someone out-of-left-field but has name recognition. Maybe this is Neil Patrick Harris' time to shine?
Regardless, I wouldn't mind seeing Stephanopolous give it a try, but I'd also see some of what y'all suggested as well like Bergeron, Walberg or Kiernan.
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A lot of the candidates being floated here are well into their 50s-60s. If they're gonna choose anybody, it has to be someone in their 30s-40s that they know will want to stick around as long as Alex did.
In reality, I could totally see them filling the rest of the season with guest hosts -- Jennings, the Clue Crew, hell get Pat Sajak for a week if you want -- and then having a definitive choice before next season starts. Either through whoever guest hosted, or pull a Price and get someone out-of-left-field but has name recognition. Maybe this is Neil Patrick Harris' time to shine?
Regardless, I wouldn't mind seeing Stephanopolous give it a try, but I'd also see some of what y'all suggested as well like Bergeron, Walberg or Kiernan.
Remember, Sajak hosted the 1997 April Fool's Day episode, and on another AFD episode (don't remember which year), Neil Patrick Harris appeared in short segments, (saying "correct," or "sorry that is wrong!" I also think Chris Harrison, with his WWTBAM track record could do good!
Of the ones who hosted J! spinoffs, (Bob Bergen, Jeff Probst and Dan Patrick), I don't care for any of them.
How about Sajak do J! and brink back Chuck Woolery on WOF? (Probably not!)
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I think Laura Coates would make a great host for Jeopardy! Alex has vouched for her publicly. I know he has said (with sarcasm) Betty White should replace. Laura has vast knowledge, she's very classy and honestly good to look at.
As featured in from two years ago on TMZ: https://www.tmz.com/2018/07/30/alex-trebek-jeopardy-replacement-alex-faust-kings-hockey/
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While I don't doubt that Mark Walberg would do a fantastic job, the problem is they would have a lot of non-regular viewers tuning in to his first show out of curiosity...and then immediately tuning out once they realize it isn't that Mark Wahlberg...
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I'd just like someone who can host the show at least half as long as Alex did and not end up at the same age as he was.
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I have a hard time seeing any of the New York-based newspeople mentioned here taking the gig because, although Jeopardy isn't really a full-time job, it would require spending a lot of time on the west coast. I know that CBS made it work when Julie Chen was simultaneously anchoring The Early Show and Big Brother, but it feels like a different era these days from a budget perspective.
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A lot of the candidates being floated here are well into their 50s-60s. If they're gonna choose anybody, it has to be someone in their 30s-40s that they know will want to stick around as long as Alex did.
I'd just like someone who can host the show at least half as long as Alex did and not end up at the same age as he was.
I made similar comments back in 2007 when people suggested Bob Barker be replaced by Wink Martindale. However 50-60 is not that old. If that person continues until age 80 like Alex did, that's 20-30 years. Nothing wrong with that.
Furthermore, today we are more cognizant of the issue of ageism. Frankly, we should not be considering a person's age when deciding if someone would be a good host, particularly of a mellow format like Jeopardy.
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What qualifies Ken Jennings to replace Alex?
Playing a game is not the same as emceeing it.
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and bring back Chuck Woolery on WOF? (Probably not!)
He left?
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What qualifies Ken Jennings to replace Alex?
Playing a game is not the same as emceeing it.
I totally agree with you...I learned that the hard way at GSCs...my lifelong dream was to be a game show host until I faced hosting tournament games with hardcore game show fans at GSC4 and GSC6 and discovered I sucked at hosting...
Ken Jennings is a very personable guy...a friendly, guy next door type...that's not what JEOPARDY! needs...the role requires a commanding presence, one that Ken simply doesn't have...
JakeT
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Frankly, we should not be considering a person's age when deciding if someone would be a good host, particularly of a mellow format like Jeopardy.
"a mellow format"? I could have described J! many ways over the many decades and "mellow" would never have one of the adjectives used...
JakeT
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You can't really make a judgement until you audition someone, and even that isn't foolproof; Dick Martin fooled us on Mindreaders.
I know how George Stephanopoulos comes across reading news copy or doing an interview, but not emceeing Jeopardy!.
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Playing a game is not the same as emceeing it.
You would think the people at Jeopardy would know better, considering what happened with Mike Reilly.
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A lot of the candidates being floated here are well into their 50s-60s. If they're gonna choose anybody, it has to be someone in their 30s-40s that they know will want to stick around as long as Alex did.
I'd just like someone who can host the show at least half as long as Alex did and not end up at the same age as he was.
I made similar comments back in 2007 when people suggested Bob Barker be replaced by Wink Martindale. However 50-60 is not that old. If that person continues until age 80 like Alex did, that's 20-30 years. Nothing wrong with that.
Furthermore, today we are more cognizant of the issue of ageism. Frankly, we should not be considering a person's age when deciding if someone would be a good host, particularly of a mellow format like Jeopardy.
But I feel like one of the factors that made Alex so loved and an institution is because of how long he was at the post. We can't imagine our evenings without him because, for some, he started before they were born or, for even more folks, before they turned 10 years old. My issue isn't with their performance. Plenty of people of advanced age can perform just as good as those younger. My issue is consistency. While I wouldn't expect someone to stay as long as Alex did, I don't think it'd be good for a show if they started shuffling through hosts every few years. I had my cap at that someone being 25 years younger than Alex. So, I'd agree at 50-60 being a fine age.
I know folks are living longer and working longer, but I equally don't want to have to worry about the host after they cross 75.
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Frankly, we should not be considering a person's age when deciding if someone would be a good host, particularly of a mellow format like Jeopardy.
"a mellow format"? I could have described J! many ways over the many decades and "mellow" would never have one of the adjectives used...
I think it depends on how you look at it. It's got a lot of material per day but it's not nearly as frantic with the Q&A as something like Whew, and doesn't have the same energy or volume level as Price or LMAD.
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"a mellow format"? I could have described J! many ways over the many decades and "mellow" would never have one of the adjectives used...
I think it depends on how you look at it. It's got a lot of material per day but it's not nearly as frantic with the Q&A as something like Whew, and doesn't have the same energy or volume level as Price or LMAD.
That's what I was going for.
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A choice that came to me a couple nights ago: Aisha Tyler.
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Furthermore, today we are more cognizant of the issue of ageism. Frankly, we should not be considering a person's age when deciding if someone would be a good host, particularly of a mellow format like Jeopardy.
Early returns from the survey I posted to the forum yesterday indicate that this isn't a problem at all, at least not among survey takers.
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Have said this before and am sticking with it. Alex was called "the host" and not "the star", because the real stars of Jeopardy are the players and the question material. Alex was the navigator who kept everything on track, and did it with charm and warmth. As long as whoever comes along does not put themselves in the mindset of being "the star" and making the show all about themselves, that's 50% of the battle right there. Respect the format.
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Have said this before and am sticking with it. Alex was called "the host" and not "the star", because the real stars of Jeopardy are the players and the question material. Alex was the navigator who kept everything on track, and did it with charm and warmth. As long as whoever comes along does not put themselves in the mindset of being "the star" and making the show all about themselves, that's 50% of the battle right there. Respect the format.
Co-sign, which is why anyone who immediately started lobbying for the hosting gig (such as the man mentioned in the headline) should automatically be left off the short list.
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I don't think it's fair to assume that GS's people started pushing for this job upon Alex's death - they may have had feelers in even before he announced he was sick. I would imagine a lot of people have been quietly positioning themselves for the job for a long time.
This is what agents do for their clients, isn't it? If you don't try, you're not going to get a look - especially for something with the accelerated taping schedule of a hugely popular weekday syndicated game show.
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A lot of the candidates being floated here are well into their 50s-60s. If they're gonna choose anybody, it has to be someone in their 30s-40s that they know will want to stick around as long as Alex did.
Two things: As covetous at the hosting gig of Jeopardy! is, there's no guarantee someone would want to stay with it. Maybe he's an aspiring comic trying to get into late-night TV and actually succeeds, thereby not holding onto hosting a game show for the rest of his days.
The other thing is who knows how much life is left in the show? It's an enduring format and doesn't risk being cancelled, even if it has a lousy host for a season, at this point in the run; but the television landscape isn't what it used to be. At some point, the change in people's entertainment patterns will catch up with even one of the most enduring prime access syndicated shows (even if that means is just moves online).
get Pat Sajak for a week if you want
If Johnny Gilbert in the context of his audience warmup is any authoritative source, when he recounted the story of that April Fool's show in 1997 at one of the tapings I attended, he indicated Pat made it very clear by the end of it that's the last time he would ever host the show.
While I don't doubt that Mark Walberg would do a fantastic job, the problem is they would have a lot of non-regular viewers tuning in to his first show out of curiosity...and then immediately tuning out once they realize it isn't that Mark Wahlberg...
It really makes me wonder why he didn't take a stage name. He's earned more recognition for who he isn't, and at the same time, is passed off because he isn't who people think he is.
I have a hard time seeing any of the New York-based newspeople mentioned here taking the gig because, although Jeopardy isn't really a full-time job, it would require spending a lot of time on the west coast. I know that CBS made it work when Julie Chen was simultaneously anchoring The Early Show and Big Brother, but it feels like a different era these days from a budget perspective.
Considering it's a two-day-a-week taping schedule twenty-odd weeks of the year, I'm sure anyone who wants the gig enough to be offered it, no matter where he currently lives, will make it work.
You can't really make a judgement until you audition someone, and even that isn't foolproof; Dick Martin fooled us on Mindreaders.
Perhaps he was the best mindreader of you all. Evidently knew what to do to get the gig.
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I think Chris Harrison would be a good choice to host Jeopardy. I also like George Stephanopoulos as a choice.
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Saw this puffy space filler...is the writer an infant and never saw or bothered to find out if he had done a game show before? https://heavy.com/entertainment/dancing-with-the-stars/tom-bergeron-jeopardy-host/?fbclid=IwAR3uSBYnFKibC4F_CvgQgxz589P0hvk2L82DPhlnH2LELltvPkI_IqNbhmY
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Saw this puffy space filler...is the writer an infant and never saw or bothered to find out if he had done a game show before? https://heavy.com/entertainment/dancing-with-the-stars/tom-bergeron-jeopardy-host/?fbclid=IwAR3uSBYnFKibC4F_CvgQgxz589P0hvk2L82DPhlnH2LELltvPkI_IqNbhmY
I’m actually semi-impressed that they mentioned Breakfast Time, since I seem to be one of the few who remembers him from that show. But yeah, seems a little odd that they didn’t mention his Squares run in an article about him potentially hosting another game show.