LeVar Burton Hosts New Trivial Pursuit Game Show

Star Trek alum LeVar Burton had hoped to become the host of Jeopardy after Alex Trebek’s death. However, he didn’t win that gig.

But now Burton has almost finalized a deal to helm another game show, Trivial Pursuit. Get all the details below.

LeVar Burton Feels ‘Thrilled’ Over New Gig

When beloved Jeopardy host Alex Trebek died in November 2020, a revolving door of guest hosts did their best to replace him. And Star Trek alum LeVar Burton wanted to take on the hosting gig permanently.

However, despite a petition from fans, Sony execs didn’t feel Burton seemed right for Jeopardy, according to TV Insider.

But while LeVar didn’t get to helm Jeopardy, he has become involved in hosting a different game show. And that’s Trivial Pursuit, set to air on the CW.

Burton has become “close to locking in terms” to helm Trivial Pursuit, according to insiders. 

However, the Star Trek alum also would take on the role of executive producer as well as host. And the CW already approved an order of 12 episodes for the game show.

Sources revealed that Burton’s deal has become “almost finalized.”

LeVar Burton Close on Deal with CW for Trivial Pursuit Hosting Job https://t.co/7mSaC76CuY

— TMZ (@TMZ) August 31, 2023

Hasbro Wants LeVar Burton As Game Show Host

Although details only recently emerged, plans for Trivial Pursuit have been underway for several years.

And the execs at Hasbro, the game manufacturers behind Trivial Pursuit, viewed Burton as the ideal host from the beginning.

“Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known brands in the gaming universe,” shared LeVar. “I am thrilled to have partnered with Hasbro and eOne to bring this beloved game to market as a premium show for television.” eOne’s Geno McDermott and LeVar Burton Entertainment’s Sangita Patel will also serve as executive producers on the series.

The Trivial Pursuit board game dates back to 1981. To play, players respond to trivia and pop culture questions and move pieces around the board.

However, a player’s location on the board reveals the category of the question. For instance, sample category topics could include History, Sports & Leisure, and Science & Nature.

Trivial Pursuit Aired On Family Channel

But another network previously experimented with creating a television adaptation of the Trivial Pursuit board game.

And from 1993 to 1994, The Family Channel featured a Trivial Pursuit TV show. Wink Martindale hosted the show.

And it involved an interactive element as well as a Main Game, in which contestants worked on filling in all of the colored wedges on a large pie-shaped game board.

As for how Burton became the key contender for the new Trivial Pursuit TV show, TMZ reported that Hasbro execs chose him after Sony management snubbed the actor for the host of Jeopardy.

And while Sony reportedly never really considered Burton to host Jeopardy permanently, Hasbro thinks he’s the perfect choice for Trivial Pursuit’s host.

Discussions became serious when the CW became interested in turning Trivial Pursuit into a game show.

Tell us what you think. Would you like to see LeVar Burton hosting a Trivial Pursuit game show? And after you share your views, check back on our site for more television news.