I posted this information on another thread. Here is an interesting take on all the guest hosts so far, from USA Today, April 6, 2021, written by Kelly Lawler.
Future guest hosts include CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, neurosurgeon and CNN medical adviser Dr. Sanjay Gupta, "60 Minutes" correspondent Bill Whitaker, and actress Mayim Bialik, who stars in the Fox sitcom "Call Me Kat."
5. Dr. Mehmet Oz
The controversial TV doctor, who has come under fire for his medical advice on his own show and appearances on cable news, was an odd choice for a guest-hosting gig that rankled many fans. And while much of the criticism of Oz rolled in before his episodes even began airing, his appearance didn't do much to prove his critics wrong. Fundamentally, Oz lacks the quick wit and timing required for this job, and his early episodes dragged (it did not help that on his first two outings, the contestants were rather lackluster). His lazy, nasally clue reading was irksome and interrupted the flow of the game play. He also struggled with the occasional fun facts that "Jeopardy!" hosts add to the clue, stopping the momentum.
4. Katie Couric
The former "Today" host and "CBS Evening News" anchor made history as the first woman to host Jeopardy! and did an admirable job during her two week-stint. Couric perhaps brought more of her bright, enthusiastic personality to the job than viewers were used to with the reserved (but witty) Trebek. Sometimes she distracted from the game, or spent too much time getting chummy with contestants during the host chat segment, but overall she was an amiable host.
3. Aaron Rodgers
If you ever wondered what it might be like for a very chill, very friendly bro to host the game show, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is here for you. The former Super Bowl champion – and perhaps more importantly, onetime "Celebrity Jeopardy!" champion – brought an extremely relaxed and genial presence to the series in his guest-hosting debut, happily noting when he had never heard of an answer and easily cracking jokes in the middle of reading clues. Occasionally, his approach was a little too casual, and at least one football-fan contestant was certainly very chummy with him, but overall he was a soothing presence.
2. Ken Jennings
The "Greatest of All Time" winner and longtime champ was the first to take up the guest host mantle after Trebek's death, and he was a comforting, familiar presence who got the job done. His ability to connect with contestants was key to his charm, considering he intimately knows what it's like to be in their shoes. Jennings only lacks the svelte, debonair affect that made Trebek so appealing to viewers, and he sometimes wobbled or struggled to get through an awkward transition. He was possibly the only guest host who could have immediately followed Trebek, and he deserves immense credit for keeping the show going and helping viewers mourn the late host.
1. Mike Richards
"Jeopardy!" executive producer Richards took a turn at the podium between Jennings and Couric and quickly won ardent supporters. And it's easy to see why: From his cool and sleek delivery of clues to his clever banter, Richards was both comforting and uncontroversial, taking his cues from Trebek's work but never directly copying him. His ease in the job was apparent, as was his familiarity with the clues and gameplay (as executive producer, he should be familiar with the show). Although Richards has hosted game shows before, including "Beauty and the Geek" and "Pyramid," he was an unknown to many "Jeopardy!" viewers, and thus brought no baggage. Ending each episode with Trebek's call to be kind to one another, Richards feels like a genuine candidate for the job.
Blogs & Forums
