The fans have spoken and LeVar Burton will get a chance at the podium as guest host of Jeopardy!
The Reading Rainbow, Roots and Star Trek star will serve as a guest host along with George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, CNBC’s David Faber and Joe Buck of Fox Sports, on the final episodes of season 37.
“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,” executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement Wednesday to The Wrap. “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.”
As previously reported, loyal fans petitioned back in November to have Burton fill Alex Trebek’s shoes. Trebek, who was beloved by fans, passed away last year from pancreatic cancer and had been the show’s host since 1984.
Related Story: LeVar Burton Fans Petition for Actor to Become New ‘Jeopardy!’ Host
Each guest host will be at the podium for one week and receive donations to a charity they choose, equal to the cumulative winnings of the contestants who compete during their week of hosting.
Other guest hosts this season have included: Ken Jennings, Mike Richards, Katie Couric, Dr. Mehmet Oz and Aaron Rodgers. Anderson Cooper is currently taking on hosting duties for the popular syndicated series.
Jeopardy! fans will also be able to see Bill Whitaker, Buzzy Cohen, Mayim Bialik, Savannah Guthrie and Dr. Sanjay Gupta taking turns hosting the trivia show.
