“Jeopardy!” fans feeling the sting of LeVar Burton losing out on hosting the trivia game show may have a reason to renew their hope of seeing him on television again. Especially if successful filmmaker Ava DuVernay and her production company Array can forge a new path for the former “Reading Rainbow” host.
On Aug. 11, the same day “Jeopardy!” revealed its new hosts, DuVernay tweeted, “Me trying to create a show right in this moment for @levarburton to host and make an international hit.”
Burton not only retweeted DuVernay, but he also implored her to “Check your DM’s!”
For seven months fans watched the show rotate through guest hosts, each taking on duties for two weeks at a time, as executives searched for late host Alex Trebek’s successor. In the end, Sony Pictures opted to promote “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards and hire ”The Big Bang Theory” actress Mayim Bialik as the company announced two hosts.
Many viewers could not have been any more displeased with the final decision, seeing as throngs of Burton’s fans rallied online to show executives just how perfect a pick he would be.
Burton was beyond vocal in sharing his enthusiasm over landing the potential gig. Prior to his stint as host during the week of July 26-July 30, Burton said he had not a single doubt that he was the ideal candidate.
“I feel like this is what I’m supposed to do,” he told The New York Times. “I have been watching ‘Jeopardy!’ more or less every night of my life since Art Fleming was host. ‘Jeopardy!’ is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant.”
But in the days leading up to the big announcement rumors that Richards would be chosen had already begun circulating the web and social media. Burton let his deep following know that he already viewed himself as a winner, even if the odds were not in his favor.
“I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, I’ve won. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible! If love is the ultimate blessing and I believe that it is, I am truly blessed beyond measure.🙏🏾” he tweeted.
But if DuVernay’s desire to create a show just for Burton comes to pass, that love he has felt from fans will only grow that much deeper. Many of those in support of DuVernay and Burton teaming up to create television magic have already thrown their names in the hat to help out in any way possible, and others are already pitching show concepts.
