I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
We're very loyal Jeopardy! watchers in the Hemingway household, so I very nearly had a heart attack upon reading this New York Post story:
The answer to the “Jeopardy” clue “Alex Trebrek’s replacement” has a new and surprising question:
“Who is Matt Lauer?”
The beleaguered host of the “Today” show is at the top of the list to take over the brainy game show when Trebek steps down, as expected, in 2016, knowledgeable sources tell The Post.
It's terrifying enough that I have to contemplate the venerable Trebek stepping down, but Matt Lauer?
He seems like a nice guy and he's clearly an able broadcaster, but NO, a thousand times no. Trebek is beloved because his avuncular good nature is balanced out by his off-kilter Canadian wit. I don't think Lauer's earnest, plays-well-in-Peoria persona is a good match for Jeopardy's intellectual vibe.
When I griped about Lauer's name being floated, James Poulos made an intriguing suggestion for who should replace Trebek: Kurt Loder, who happens to be one of my favorite libertarians. The kids who grew up on MTV in the 80s are now firmly in the Jeopardy! demographic. His wry sensibility would mesh well -- he's hip without being hipster. He also had an impressive career as a print journalist so he's genuinely intelligent, and not just another guy reading a teleprompter.
Perhaps a more obvious suggestion is Ken Jennings, whose books and public appearances since the show suggest he might possibly be the wittiest man alive. Certainly, he would have goodwill among the show's devoted fan base.
And the better half makes another excellent suggestion: Alton Brown, who might be my favorite TV personality of the last decade. He's the total package -- nerd credentials, wit, and broadcasting chops.
Anyway, who do you think should be the next Jeopardy! host? Make your case below. And Sajak, if you're lurking, tell Trebek he's done a lot to make our lives a little brighter all these years. His retirement may be a few years off, but even the thought of him leaving means a lot of people miss him already.
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May '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Alton Brown would be perfect.
Here he is on Craig Ferguson, hilarious.
Edited on March 16, 2013 at 12:18amRe: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Butters: Alton Brown would be perfect.
Here he is on Craig Ferguson, hilarious. · 1 minute ago
Edited 0 minutes ago
See? I'm right. Also, I love Craig Ferguson. Not for Jeopardy! But I love his show and humor.
May '10
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Betty White. God knows she's everywhere else and plans on outliving all of us.
Jan '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
What a great catch in Alton Brown! I never would have placed him on Jeopardy, but as soon as you said it, I liked it.
When a contestant goes for a true daily double, I can hear him now: "Just walk away. Walk away!"
Dec '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Trebek is beloved because his avuncular good nature is balanced out by his off-kilter Canadian wit.
I nominate Pseudo.
Mar '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
The host of Jeopardy should be an arrogant, pretentious twerp who can project erudition despite having the answers written down for him in advance right in front of him.
Hmm. I don't suppose Mr. Trebek can be persuaded to hang on until January 21st 2017, can he?
Jun '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Jeff Probst would be a good choice. Years ago he hosted Rock & Roll Jeopardy! and his successful run with Survivor has matured him. He wears well with the audience and the Jeopardy! production people already know him well.
My wild card pick would be Dan Patrick as long as Pat Sajak doesn't want to double down and add it to his schedule.
Jul '10
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Trebek is the biggest, most annoying ass on television.
He could be replaced easily with Billy Bass and not be missed.
Apr '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Our local station runs Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune back-to-back... I think they should just combine the two shows and the Jeopardy intro can show Pat running to the second stage!
Failing that, anybody but Matt Lauer!
Feb '12
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Mollie Hemingway, Ed.
Butters: Alton Brown would be perfect.
Here he is on Craig Ferguson, hilarious. · 1 minute ago
Edited 0 minutes ago
See? I'm right. Also, I love Craig Ferguson. Not for Jeopardy! But I love his show and humor. · 1 hour ago
I love one of the bits in Craig's auto-biography ... (from memory)
"A Scottish wedding tradition is to wear a kilt with nothing underneath it. A Jewish wedding tradition is to seat the bride and groom on chairs and hoist them above the crowd. These two traditions do not mesh very well."
Mar '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Art Fleming (resurrected)...original host, 1964-1975. Actually, I haven't seen an episode since I was in grade school.
Jul '12
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Alton would be excellent. Another fine Food network host, one that is Trebekian in other respects, who would make a great host is Ted Allen (host of Chopped). He's also good pals with Alton Brown, as it happens, which makes me think the qualities in common that make them friends also make them both candidates for hosting Jeopardy!: Erudition, calm demeanor, sense of humor, seeming smartiness, and ability to look comfortable in a suit.
Of course, I'm still pining for the late great Art Fleming.
Apr '12
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Percival: The host of Jeopardy should be an arrogant, pretentious twerp who can project erudition despite having the answers written down for him in advance right in front of him.
Hmm. I don't suppose Mr. Trebek can be persuaded to hang on until January 21st 2017, can he? · 1 hour ago
"I'll take 'Universal Truths' for $20,000, Barack."
"Okay, this category will be truths everybody knows are correct:
"As competition among these increases, there is a growing concentration of capital."
"CAPITALISTS!"
"I'm sorry, Mary, you must phrase your answer as a question."
"Who are capitalists?"
"Very good."
"Barack, could I have 'Enemies of the Proletariat for $50,000?'"
"Alright...
"He started two wars under a false pretext, killed over 100,000 oppressed workers in the Middle East and raised the US national debt more than any president before him."
"Who is Barack Obama?"
"No, sorry."
[audience laughs]
"Who is George W. Bush?"
"Correct!"
Oct '10
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Ha!
Sep '12
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
I like the idea of Ken Jennings myself. I can't even begin to picture Lauer. Talking heads haven't made much of an impression on that show-Wolf Blitzer anyone?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DVC28oemocA
Apr '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
I think Ken Jennings is a brilliant idea. What could be more apropos than the winningest contestant ever carry the torch? As a devoted Jeopardy! fan I say, Yes!
He's certainly a better candidate than Lauer, no?
Apr '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Say, what do you think the likelyhood is of getting Ken Jennings into politics? Assuming he's on our side, that is. I figure, a good mormon... but what do I know?
Apr '11
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
I remember Kurt Loder from his MTV News days. He always struck me as an insufferably smug left-wing douche.
Jul '12
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Am I really the first to suggest Will Ferrell?
Re: I'll Take 'Who Should Be the Next Jeopardy! Host' for $1,000, Alex
Hate to break it to you, but Jennings is a self-described "lefty." He's not terribly obnoxious about it, though.