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‘Jeopardy!’: Anderson Cooper Makes Guest Host Debut, Here’s What Fans Are Saying

Following Aaron Rodger’s successful stint as guest host on “Jeopardy!,” Anderson Cooper has now taken the reigns. On Monday, Copper made his “Jeopardy!” debut as a guest host, and fans of the classic quiz show are weighing in on his performance.

Like other former guest hosts, the CNN anchor opened the show by honoring longtime host Alex Trebek, who died in November following a battle with cancer. In the opening segment, he added that this wasn’t his first time on the famous stage. In the past, Cooper competed in the Celebrity Jeopardy Tournament four times— which he won twice.

“To be on this stage where Alex Trebek hosted ‘Jeopardy!’ with such grace and intelligence for so long is really amazing and is very humbling,” Cooper said. He also added that it was an “honor” to step into Trebek’s shoes. “But, getting to guest host these next two weeks, raise money for good causes and pay tribute to Alex, it’s really an honor. I miss him and I know that we all do.”

Fans Weigh In on Anderson Cooper’s ‘Jeopardy!’ Debut

Meanwhile, viewers sounded off on social media during and after his debut episode. “Anderson Cooper has the Alex Trebek calm tone to take over Jeopardy forever,” one user wrote, comparing Cooper to Trebek.

Another viewer also commented on his hosting style, writing via Twitter: “Anderson Cooper seems tailor made for hosting #Jeopardy. Good voice, welcoming presence, and strong charisma. A natural.”

Despite the overwhelming positive remarks, some viewers are still calling for LeVar Burton to get a shot at hosting. “Anderson Cooper is a great guest host. LeVar Burton should be the permanent host,” someone said rooting for the actor to win the spot.

While “Jeopardy!” producers have yet to name a permanent host, one thing is for sure: whoever they pick will have a tough act to follow. Starting in January, “Jeopardy!” all-stars and celebrities have taken a shot at hosting the iconic show. Former champion Ken Jennings, “Jeopardy!” executive producer Mike Richards, veteran journalist Katie Couric, TV personality Dr. Oz, and quarterback Aaron Rodgers have all run the “Jeopardy!” gamut.

“Whoever leads this show forward, there’s certainly big shoes to fill,” Cooper said in an interview before his debut. “And I know whoever becomes the host of this show, they’re going to carry on Alex’s legacy.”

In the interview, Cooper also honored Trebek as someone who was an “integral part of my entire youth and growing up,” something he got the chance to tell Trebek before he passed.

“I got a call from him probably about a month or two before he died,” Cooper said. “He was asking me about some other stuff, but I used it as an opportunity just to say to him how much I appreciated him, and what he had brought to my life and to the life of so many people. So I was really glad I got the chance to do that.”