He was championed by the internet who replace the lateAlex Trebekas host of this long-running TV game show, but is now being hired to host a TV version of the board gameTrivial Pursuit.Answer: Who isLeVar Burton?
It was announced today that Burton will in fact host a game show version of the classic trivia game, which is in development over at Entertainment One (eOne). In a statement released by the formerStar Trek: The Next Generationalum, Burton expressed his excitement about his new job, saying:
“Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe. I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.”
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Burton’s hosting duties are part of a deal between eOne, which is a subsidiary of Hasbro, and Burton’s own production company LeVar Burton Entertainment (LBE) to developTrivial Pursuitin a traditional game show format. Burton will executive produce the series along with his LBE partnersSangita PatelandTara LongandGeno McDermottfrom eOne.
Collider had reported earlier this yearthat Burton was a fan-favorite to take over hosting duties forJeopardy!after Trebek’s tragic passing. The internet rallied behind theReading Rainbowlegend to the point of even collecting 300,000 signatures on a Change.org petition. Burton was one of many names that stood behind the podium as the game show searched for a new host. That search hadits own controversy as the initial pick, executive producerMike Richards, was selected, but then quickly withdrew his name from contention and resigned as EP forJeopardy!and other classic game showWheel of Fortune.
Amid the search Burton let the hosting gig go, ashe explained toTrevor NoahonThe Daily Show:
“The crazy thing is that when you set your sights on something, you know, they say be careful of what you wish for, because what I found out is that it wasn’t the thing that I wanted after all. What I wanted was to compete. I mean, I wanted the job, right, but then, when I didn’t get it, it was, like, well, okay, what’s next?”
Now we have the answer to that question of what is next. While it would have been a nostalgic wish fulfillment for fans to see Burton host the popular game show, it seems that his time onJeopardy!was an audition for something else entirely. At the moment, no network is set to air theTrivial Pursuitgame show, but one thing can be certain: fans are eagerly awaiting Burton’s return to their televisions.
