In the hours since Jeopardy! has released its next list of guest hosts, the show is being roundly criticized on all forms of social media for announcing Dr. Oz. as one of its four additional guest hosts today. Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, and Dr. Sanjay Gupta have also been announced.
On Twitter, the replies are overwhelmingly negative, with many fans referring to Oz as “a snake oil salesman”.
Five-time champion Kristin Sausville said, “Jeopardy! celebrates knowledge and facts and Dr. Oz has largely broken from that in his medical advice.” Nine-time champion Dan Pawson weighed in with “Not on board with Dr. Oz and STRONGLY call for this not to go forward. He stands for misinformation: exactly the opposite of what Jeopardy’s supposed to be. Please reconsider.” Season 35 champion Adam Francois Watkins’ remarks were simple: “Dr. Oz is the opposite of Alex Trebek”.
Here at The Jeopardy! Fan, I personally think that this is another in an increasingly lengthening line of missteps this season by new executive producer Mike Richards. Dr. Oz, in my opinion, lacks credibility amongst the show’s fanbase, and this very much risks tarnishing Alex Trebek’s legacy. That being said: Cooper, Guthrie, and Gupta are all excellent choices and I look forward to watching them host. It also does not help Sony’s case that The Dr. Oz Show is also a Sony property; the nepotistic undertones are also concerning. The only potential positive out of this is that this may have taken the heat off some of the other potential guest hosts; all of the negativity seems to be flowing through Dr. Oz right now. Fortunately as well, this looks to just be one week, and more guest hosts will be announced soon. Hopefully, the third crop will be better received.
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None of these people are acceptable. They are going to kill Jeopardy’s ratings as its audience rejects them resoundingly. I’m glad its basketball season, as that’s what I’ll be watching when I otherwise would of watched Jeopardy.
I suppose we will all muddle through the list of guest hosts. They seem to be younger and trendier. Hope they don’t ask any Kreepy Kooky Cardashians or “dr pheel” or judge judy. Others have suggested Brad Rutter and I think he should have a chance if he wants it.
Like the article says, I also consider him a snake oil salesman and a “know it all”. We watch every evening. We will switch stations if he is the host.
Let’s please remember folks, who the real stars of J! are, the contestants, something Alex himself had said more than a few times and we all should know. Also while I know nothing about Oz or his show, let’s also remember that he and all other guest hosts starting in March will be donating duplicate of contestants winnings to charity, which shouldn’t be a bad thing either. So again as Aaron Rodgers once said; ‘R-E-L-A-X’. Thanks again to Andy for the forum.
As much as I like trivia and especially Jeopardy, if OZ is there I will not watch it. You can bet the host has a lot to with the popularity of a game show. Right now I watch it 5 days a week. Have for many many years. I think Ken is making a great host, and of course know stuffs, I’d like to see him in that spot, assuming he would take it.
Ken Jennings has been doing a pretty good job as the guest host. Although no one can replace Alex, Ken keeps the game at a quicker pace (more cleared boards) and his hearing is better as expected than Alex’s. There are less repeated answers. He uses some humour such as the Lincoln’s ghost remark.
As an avid viewer, I think Ken Jennings has been doing a great job…not an easy task stepping into Alex Trebek’s shoes. Personally, I do not like any of the celebrity hosts
being considered. Whether they or others are chosen,the integrity of the show will be compromised, as contestants must remain the focus.
I hope KJ would like to continue…if so, PLEASE KEEP HIM!!!
It will be interesting to see how the viewership will change during Dr. Oz’s tenure as guest host. A lot of negativity with him hosting from Jeopardy fans. How many will not watch and how many viewers will watch who don’t normally? Some will probably watch to see if a train wreck occurs.
If Jennings wants the job, he should get it. End of story.
It is a major mistake to not give the job to Ken Jennings outright. He is best suited for the job. In fact, he has proven to be better than expected. At this point, Cooper, Couric, Gupta, and others should just be part of a celebrity jeopardy week as contestants. Ken is the best host they will ever find.
Buzzy Cohen
Ken Jennings has done a fantastic job hosting Jeopardy! Besides being extremely bright and professional, he’s a very sincere person and displays that sincerity perfectly on Jeopardy. I really enjoy watching him interact with the contestants. Alex and Ken were close friends. Like millions of Jeopardy fans, I miss Alex Trebek but Ken Jennings has brought the show back with genuine quality and appreciation. Keep him. He belongs there.