Fox News Flash top entertainment headlines November 16
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"Jeopardy!" fans who were hoping to see LeVar Burton take on hosting duties are getting a nice consolation prize by way of a new game show.
The "Star Trek The Next Generation" and "Reading Rainbow" actor was a favorite among many in the still ongoing search for a new permanent host of "Jeopardy!" that kicked off following the death of Alex Trebek in November of 2020.
Unfortunately for those fans, it has been confirmed that Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings will be trading hosting duties for the foreseeable future, essentially putting an end to Burton’s chances of being the new Trebek. However, it seems fans of the actor don’t need "Jeopardy!" to see him host a game show. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that he will be the host of a planned "Trivial Pursuit" TV game show.
The board game’s maker, Hasbro, partnered with Entertainment One and are currently shopping the show around to networks with Burton’s star power poised to give the series a big leg up in the market.
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Levar Burton was offered a guest-hosting spot on "Jeopardy!" in July. (Sony Entertainment)
Meanwhile, the new host scored himself an executive producer credit through his LeVar Burton Entertainment banner.
"LeVar Burton has been an iconic member of American pop culture for decades from ‘Roots’ to ‘Reading Rainbow’ to ‘Star Trek’ and beyond. His love for intellectual curiosity paired with his ability to connect with audiences worldwide make him the perfect partner to bring Hasbro’s beloved trivia game to households in a new and exciting way," Tara Long, president of global unscripted television at eOne said in a statement to the outlet.
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Burton himself added: "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."
LeVar Burton will host a "Trivial Pursuit" game show for TV. (Ian Tuttle/Getty Images for Breakthrough Prize )
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Burton first sparked rumors that he’d take over hosting duties for Trebek after a fan petition went viral shortly after the original host’s death calling on him to be the replacement. To date, it has been signed by more than 296,700 people. Fans got a little taste of Burton behind the "Jeopardy!" podium when he was offered a weeklong stint as guest host from July 26 to July 30.
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LeVar Burton will host a game show that is not ‘Jeopardy!' (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Unfortunately, "Jeopardy!" almost immediately moved on from Burton's guest-hosting duties to announce Mike Richards as the new permanent host. However, that didn't stick after a slew of controversy led him to quickly step down after just a handful of episodes. Now, the former "Big Bang Theory" actress and "Jeopardy!" reigning champion are trading off duties as a new search for stability behind the podium continues.
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