This is Jeopardy!
Growing up in the ’70s, I watched a lot of game shows. As a kid, my favorites were Press Your Luck – No Whammy, no Whammy, no Whammy, STOP! – and Wheel of Fortune. Originally, Wheel had the round’s winning player go shopping from a well stocked display of goods. When the show went to cash awards, I didn’t enjoy it so much. And I have a longstanding fear that Vanna White’s freakishly large head will detach from her body and go on a rampage.
While I do remember the early once weekly incarnation of Jeopardy!, the current nightly version has been on my watch list since its debut in 1984. Alex Trebek was familiar to those of us on the game show circuit, he hosted plenty of programs before Jeopardy! gave him permanent work. A.T. is a cool cat, it’s doubtful that the show would have lasted nearly 30 years without him at the helm. But 30 years is a long time and Alex is showing signs of wear.
I haven’t been watching much lately and finally figured out why . It’s not the game itself that’s off putting, it’s Alex. Remember a few months ago when A.T. allegedly made a kid cry during Kid’s Week? I didn’t see that episode, but did watch the clip later. It was nothing out of the ordinary, just Alex being the new, crankier, Alex. It’s been building for years, that poor guy looks tired and always seems to be frantically searching for the exit as he grinds out clue after clue.
Trebek isn’t due to retire until 2016. It doesn’t seem like a long time, but have you ever been forced to stay at a job you can’t stand anymore because of obligations? Each day is a misery and each day feels like it lasts for a decade. I’m trying to free Alex Trebek, that thousand yard stare of his chills my blood and makes me wonder what soulless automatons are keeping Alex prisoner.
But Jeopardy! itself shouldn’t end with Alex’s departure. It’s time for some fresh blood, so I’ve done some quality thinking for the producers of Jeopardy! and came up with replacement suggestions.
JEFF PROBST
Survivor fans already know The Probst is a smart guy and a strong rudder that would keep the Jeopardy! machine on a steady course. Many Survivor fans don’t know that Jeff already has some experience under his belt. He hosted Rock and Roll Jeopardy on VH1 from 1998 – 2001 and did a fine job. Probst has finessed his people-managing skills during his Survivor tenure and he knows how to stay on topic despite wild distractions. He doesn’t even have to trade his iconic blue shirt and khakis permanently. There is no reason he can’t hop back and forth between suit/tie combo and his beloved baseball caps. Jeff Probst is my premier choice to take over Jeopardy! But I have a few back up choices, just in case.
KATHY GRIFFIN
I know, it might be difficult picturing her in the job at first glance. While Kathy did spend most of her career being easily dismissed because of obnoxiousness, she got over herself a few years back and became watchable. The host of Jeopardy! needs to be someone with sharp wits and enough high functioning brain cells to scam the viewer into believing he/she already knows all the answers. I believe Kathy Griffin can pull that off while bringing along a new demographic of younger, gayer viewers.
JOEL McHALE
The snarky, sarcastic host of The Soup is a perfect fit…
Ha-ha, gotcha! Joel McHale would suck at it. Plus Alex Trebek would commit felony murder before letting McHale anywhere near his kingdom.
JOE MORTON
Yes, I know this is a reach. has been an acclaimed actor since his debut in 1984′s Brother From Another Planet. He’s been in more movies than I can remember and might see Jeopardy! as a downward career move. However, he is a very appealing human with an approachable vibe and a lot of depth. An actor’s career is a tenuous thing, even if you are acclaimed, and a syndicated game show can certainly provide financial security in his golden years. Think about it, Joe.
Those who know me already know that I’ve been wanting Probst to step in for a while now. Jeopardy! is getting old and is desperate for some new blood. Let’s do the humane thing and FREE ALEX TREBEK!
Are you on the Twitter?
@CairnRodrigues – I’m not throwing my name in the Jeopardy! ring, but at least I’ll tweet back.
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