Former Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards revealed that Aaron Rodgers was the most prepared guest host during the show's search for a replacement for the late Alex Trebek. Richards mentioned that the plan was to have guest hosts temporarily until Trebek could return from his battle with pancreatic cancer. Despite auditioning various hosts like Katie Couric, Joe Buck, and Ken Jennings, Rodgers stood out for his exceptional preparation.
Richards was impressed by Rodgers' dedication, stating that the NFL quarterback watched hours of episodes to understand the show from Trebek's perspective. Rodgers meticulously took notes on how Trebek interacted with contestants and managed the flow of the show. His commitment to the role left a lasting impression on Richards.
While Rodgers' performance was commendable, Richards also praised other guest hosts like Joe Buck and Robin Roberts. He expressed regret over not choosing Couric, considering it a missed opportunity to revitalize the show.
Richards himself briefly served as the host of Jeopardy! before stepping down amid controversy surrounding past lawsuits and derogatory comments. Ken Jennings eventually became the permanent host of the show, now in its 40th season.
