LeVar Burton was one of many public figures in the running to become the next host of Jeopardy! following the 2020 passing of Alex Trebek. Despite apparent positive reception online, Burton did not get the position, though he will be hosting a different game show, Trivial Pursuit on the CW.
This will be far from Burton’s first time in front of the camera in a hosting position. He has served as host of PBS’s Reading Rainbow for over two decades, a position that earned him 12 Daytime Emmy Awards and a Peabody Award. But the chance to host a game show was particularly exciting for Burton. So, what can fans expect from Trivial Pursuit, now that it’s going beyond the board game format?
LeVar Burton will be hosting ‘Trivial Pursuit’ on the CW
Heather Olander, unscripted chief for the CW, suggested that the CW was looking for a game show that would come with some brand recognition. That’s partly because launching a fresh, previously nonexistent game show becomes expensive quickly, so having a familiar name helps immensely.
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The original Trivial Pursuit, by Hasbro, is still enjoyed today as a board game whose victory depends upon players answering questions about pop culture and fields of study like history, science, and so on. Trivial Pursuit hosted by Burton is part of a broader list of unscripted shows the CW is looking to bring onto the network. Other networks are embracing unscripted programs too because of the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which have paused production for many scripted shows.
While Trivial Pursuit fulfills a monetary goal of the CW, it also helps Burton achieve a personal wish of his own.
Burton is excited to host a game show
The mantle of Jeopardy! host changed hands a few times even after a slew of celebrity guest hosts finished with it, first and most briefly to the show’s producer Mike Richards, and now the responsibility resides with Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik – although the latter has stepped away in solidarity with the WGA writers.
But Burton admitted to feeling a sense of “humiliation” when he missed out on the job. He had always sought the perfect chance to host a game show and, at the time, it seemed that one single, best opportunity slipped away.
The CW does note that as of Monday, the deal is not yet fully solidified. But many of the pieces are in place, with Burton set to also serve as executive producer, through his LeVar Burton Entertainment banner.
Will you be watching Trivial Pursuit hosted by LeVar Burton?
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