Can We Talk About Aaron Rodgers on Jeopardy!?

No secret here: I love Jeopardy! I remember watching it at my great-aunt’s house (now my house) and in college, I saw a live taping in Madison. Since then, I tune in whenever I can. And, yes, I’ve seen every episode that’s on Netflix (that was a big day when I saw it added).

When Alex Trebek passed, I was convince there would be no satisfying version of Jeopardy! without him.

But I was wrong. I am loving Aaron Rodgers as guest host. (He is no Alex, but he is very good).

First Impressions

Since January, Jeopardy! has been run by a series of guest hosts included Katie Couric (she was fine) and Dr. Oz (please never again). Starting last week, Packers QB and former Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Aaron Rodgers has been hosting. And while Aaron is no Alex, he is somehow perfect.

Full disclosure: My sister and I had lots of jokes about his performance after his first show. He was wooden. He was low energy. His hair was parted weird.

At the same time though, all these things made him the perfect host. As does the man’s passion for the game; the game here being Jeopardy! not football.

A Real Jeopardy! Superfan

You see, before his gig started, the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel ran an article all about Aaron. (I cannot find this article online and I’m sorry; I actually read it in the real paper at my parents’ house.) According to the MJS, Aaaron grew up on the show and watches it every night when he’s in Green Bay. How cute! nd in preparation for his guest-hosting spot, he studied. He sat down and took notes on how Alex talked to contestants, how he handled commercial breaks and responded to answers. HE PUT IN THE WORK!

And that work is absolutely evident in how he performs on the show. He looks the part in nice but not ostentatious suits. He has the most Alex-like pacing of any of the hosts thus far. He knows how the game is played. That is a true master!

Letting the Real Stars Shine

And while I initially panned Aaron (OK panned him for like 15 seconds of the first episode) for his mellow delivery, I’m going to absolutely laud it now. See, Jeopardy! isn’t about a flashy host; it’s about someone that can deliver the answers and respond well to the players. It’s about a host that can keep the game moving and not outshine the guests.

He’s really serious about it; he’s taking it to heart. And I’d argue that’s why he’s so laid back here. He’s letting the contestants shine because he knows that’s what counts. He’s already famous; it’s the players’ moment in the sun.

Who Should Host Next? ….Or Forever???

This all being said, I know Aaron can’t host forever, so I nominate another Rodgers—err Rogers: Austin Rogers, the most delightful player of all time.