Actor LeVar Burton has reached his goal of hosting an episode of Jeopardy!
Following the passing of longtime host Alex Trebek, the NBC show searched high and low for a series of temporary hosts. Thus far, NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, Bill Whitaker and Savannah Guthrie have hosted episodes of the show. Hoping that Burton would join Rodgers, Whitaker and Guthrie, fans launched an online petition in his honor.
"This petition is to show Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and producers Mike Richards and Harry Friedman just how much love the public has for Burton, and how much we'd all love to see him as the next host of Jeopardy," the petition reads.
"Even if nothing comes from it, I can't tell how much how I appreciate all y'alls love and support," Burton replied.
Something did come from his fans' efforts. Burton is not the only person that will have the privilege of guest hosting the trivia show. Good Morning America Anchor Robin Roberts will also host an episode of the show. Joining Roberts and Burton, ABC's George Stephanopoulos, CNBC's David Faber and FOX's Joe Buck will also appear on the show.
“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,” Jeopardy! Executive Producer Mike Richards said.
“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.”
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