Jeopardy! fans have eagerly awaited the announcement of a worthy successor to the late Alex Trebek. While the show has seen the likes of Ken Jennings and Katie Couric as temporary hosts, fans were surprised to learn that Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of The Dr. Oz Show, would be stepping in for a few weeks. However, this decision has sparked criticism among loyal Jeopardy! viewers.
Fan reactions to the news of Dr. Oz’s guest hosting gig ranged from disappointment to anger. Many expressed their intention to boycott the show during his episodes, citing their dissatisfaction with his selection. Some even went as far as labeling him a “charlatan champion of pseudoscience,” claiming that he is unworthy of a show that is dedicated to facts.
Former Jeopardy! contestants also voiced their discontent with the choice of Dr. Oz. Lindsey Shultz, a four-game champion, questioned whether someone who has built their career on unproven remedies and questionable practices is a suitable fit for a show centered around knowledge and accuracy.
Numerous comments on a Jeopardy! subreddit further emphasized fans’ disappointment with the decision. They criticized Dr. Oz’s history of promoting pseudoscience and expressed their belief that he is an unfit choice for the show. Some even suggested that long-time contestant Ken Jennings, who was well-received as a guest host, would have been a better option.
However, fans have not limited their support to Jennings alone. Many have rallied behind “Reading Rainbow” star LeVar Burton, launching a petition with over 115,000 signatures urging Jeopardy! producers to consider hiring him as Trebek’s replacement. Burton’s extensive experience hosting an educational show and his expressed interest in the Jeopardy! role have endeared him to both nostalgic fans and those seeking a fresh face for the show.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the next phase of Jeopardy!, it remains to be seen whether the backlash against Dr. Oz will impact future host decisions. For now, fans who hold the show dear continue to voice their opinions and debate who should ultimately fill the iconic shoes left by Alex Trebek.
