Who Do ‘Jeopardy’ Fans Think Will Claim Pop Culture Host Duties?

Since announcing the Jeopardy! spinoff Pop Culture Jeopardy!, fans are buzzing about who could take the reins of the new show. While both Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik have experience, they don’t seem to be the likely candidates for the new streaming series. While fans may not be able to decide the outcome, they have some very good insight on who the next possible host may be for the modern take on the show.

Jeopardy! Fans Don’t Think Ken Jennings Or Mayim Bialik Will Be The Choice

Since the topic of the new spinoff series Pop Culture Jeopardy!, fans have shown interest in who the newest host will be. While the streaming series targets a different demographic, it is still very inclusive to everyone who wants to challenge their knowledge. However, the categories will shift focus to more modern subject matter such as music, movies, TV, and more. Seemingly, the network isn’t leaning toward Ken Jennings or Mayim Bialik to take on the host duties, but instead is searching elsewhere. Since Mayim stated in 2023, she was “told I am no longer hosting Jeopardy!” fans don’t think she will be returning.

Who Do Jeopardy! Fans Think Will Claim Pop Culture Host Duties?

One popular name that is being thrown around by Jeopardy! fans for the hosting job is return contestant, Sam Buttrey. He is an associate professor of operations research at Monterey’s Naval Postgraduate School. Undeniably, the 63-year-old fan-favorite contestant famously encouraged the notion to, “Bring it!” As both a finalist in the 2022 Tournament of Champions and the 2023 Masters spinoff, Sam is familiar with the stage. While many fans favor the idea of Sam shuffling the Pop Culture whizzes around, they believe he may have a hesitation to taking on the role. Several Redditors discuss he could have a possible conflict of interest with hosting.

• “When Ken accepted the hosting job, he had to agree that he could never compete again as a contestant to avoid any possible conflicts of interest.”
• “Assuming the host of Pop Culture Jeopardy would have to make the same agreement, then I would guess Sam may be hesitant to accept those terms simply because he seems to be still in the ‘mix’ for possible tournaments.”
• “Good point. I forgot that Sam couldn’t compete again if he took the job. I wonder what he would prefer? If it were me, I would take the hosting job over possibly appearing a few more times.”
• “I would imagine hosting Jeopardy pays a bit more than playing Jeopardy, so that’s an easy choice.”

Is Sam A Good Choice If He Shows Interest?

Jeopardy! fans make some very valid points about Sam Buttrey having a conflict of interest with his possible future tournaments. However, others wonder if he is the right choice even if he does show interest in hosting. While looking at him, many are judging the book by its cover and questioning if he is the best face of “Pop Culture.”

• “Sam Buttrey is an aging academic. I don’t see that as a fit for the pop culture demographic.”
• “Maybe, if he could pull off the ‘cool grandpa’ vibe, but I’d expect them to go with someone a lot younger.”

What Is Jeopardy! Looking For In A Host?

Undoubtedly, Jeopardy! fans believe the new take on the show is also warranting a fresh host. Undeniably, it is a different take on the original series to draw in a broader audience. Some fear it is dumbing it down, but the right host will certainly help build its reputation. Alternately, the wrong choice could stunt it before it takes off. Fans are already on edge with the technical difficulties the series is experiencing right out of the gate. Some think that the role will go to one of the series’ contestants. In addition to considering Sam Buttrey, fans think Katie Nolan is in the running. Additionally, several other names are circulating.

Fans Throw A Few Names In The Hat

Specifically noting, Katie Nolan, 37, was the runner-up in Celebrity Jeopardy! last year, fans think she could fit in. Furthremore, she has experience as a former ESPN host. When she retweeted the Pop Culture annoucement, fans wondered if that was a subtle hint she would be the new host.

Likewise, fans also question if a younger host is being sought, perhaps Buzzy Cohen, 38, will fit the bill. The former champion was a subsitution for hosting new episodes during the 2024 tournament season after Mayim Bialik‘s dismissal. Notably, he was the first host outside of Ken Jennings and Mayim to take the role. Furthermore, fans think LeVar Burton should be revisited for the hosting opportunity. Although he isn’t a “spring chicken” at age 67, he’s a beloved host for many watching him on Reading Rainbow. However, since gaining the Trivial Pursuit host role, he may not be available for the extra work.

Who do you think Jeopardy! will chose for the Pop Culture series host? Are you interested in the new show? Drop your comments below.

Bonnie Kaiser-Gambill is a graduate from Oklahoma State University. Her freelance writing primarily focuses on streaming series, reality TV, and celebrity news. During her free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, baking, and traveling as often as possible.

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