LeVar Burton Open to Becoming the Next Host of 'Jeopardy!,' Is 'Flattered' by Petition

Some fans started a petition to name actor LeVar Burton the new host of the game show, and it has garnered over 65,000 signatures as of Friday night.

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levar burton

As Jeopardy! fans around the world mourn the loss of longtime host Alex Trebek, some have already begun to wonder who could possibly replace him.

Some fans started a petition to name actor LeVar Burton the new host of the game show, and it has garnered over 65,000 signatures as of Friday night. "This petition is to show Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. and producer Mike Richards 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 Change.org petition states.

Burton seemed to welcome the idea of becoming the next host of Jeopardy!, tweeting the petition out himself.

"Even if nothing comes from it, I can’t tell how much how I appreciate all y’alls love and support," Burton tweeted.

Even if nothing comes from it, I can’t tell how much how I appreciate all y’alls love and support! 🙏🏾♥️

Petition · Make LeVar Burton the next host of Jeopardy! · https://t.co/60lC1WCD61 https://t.co/QFxedpuWpU

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) November 12, 2020

"Of course while I’m very flattered by the petition, my thoughts are definitely with Alex Trebeck’s family and his millions of fans and the devastating loss of this irreplaceable legend," he continued in a separate tweet.

Of course while I’m very flattered by the petition, my thoughts are definitely with Alex Trebeck’s family and his millions of fans and the devastating loss of this irreplaceable legend. #LongLiveAlex

— LeVar Burton (@levarburton) November 12, 2020

Different generations know Burton for different roles. He hosted the legendary children's series Reading Rainbow for years. But older people may remember him as Kunta Kinte in the 1977 television miniseries Roots.

Some names that have been floating around the internet as potential hosts are Anderson Cooper, Tom Bergeron, Ken Jennings, and more.

Some Jeopardy! fans welcome the idea of Burton as the next host.

I know it’s way too soon for this to be decided, but when it is time @levarburton is the one my heart says should host host @Jeopardy after the tragic loss of #AlexTrebek.

That’s it. That’s the tweet.

— yvette nicole brown (@YNB) November 11, 2020

Jeopardy! doesn't need a hardcore trivia expert or champ to be its host. Do we think the host writes the questions or something? All I know is that LeVar Burton seems like someone you wouldn't mind seeing five days a week. Such an obvious pick I think.

— James Pethokoukis (@JimPethokoukis) November 12, 2020

I too said @levarburton should be the new host of @Jeopardy!!!!! https://t.co/qRkJ17Ze2a

— ?st (@questlove) November 8, 2020

Of all the names I've heard suggested to replace Alex Trebek on @Jeopardy, the one I'd like to see most as the new host would be @levarburton.

— Spike Cohen (@RealSpikeCohen) November 12, 2020

LeVar Burton for Jeopardy 2021

— ⬛🏴Harriet Thugman⬛🏴 (@elsajustelsa) November 9, 2020

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