Although he was the fan favorite, LeVar Burton was never seriously considered for the job of the permanent host on Jeopardy!, TMZ reported.
Unnamed sources that work in production on the game show claim that although Sony executives liked Burton, they never felt he was the right fit to replace the late Alex Trebek.
This news adds to the vexation that many fans of Jeopardy! and Burton felt when it was announced that Mike Richards, who already worked behind the scenes on the show, would be the permanent replacement.
Actress Mayim Bialik of Blossom and The Big Bang Theory fame was announced as an intermittent stand-in.
As usual, when Black talent is locked out, the mediocre white talent that was chosen ends up being a huge disappointment. Richards stepped down within a week after racist and misogynist statements he made on a podcast were brought to light.
Richards and Bialik were apparently the only guest hosts that ever had conversations about the permanent position. Sony actually wanted Bialik more, but her schedule is so busy that they decided to work her in between Richards.
Although Burton remains the favorite, adding insult to injury, Sony still has its mind set on Bialik being the sole host.
Detractors broached the fact that Burton’s ratings were the lowest of all of the guest hosts. However, Burton was suspiciously scheduled during the Tokyo Olympics and towards the end of the guest hosting period. In other words, he had to contend with a wildly popular television event and waning audience interest.
Sources close to the Reading Rainbow icon say that he has no hard feelings. In fact, he has begun communicating with directors and producers about other projects.
Check your DM’s!
— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) August 11, 2021
Interestingly, a 2018 interview with Trebek revealed that he mentioned CNN legal expert Laura Coates as his replacement. Coates is a Black woman.
Unfortunately, Sony had one job, and they fumbled the ball. We look forward to seeing Burton in his next role.
