Who Will Be The Next 'Jeopardy!' Permanent Host?

Instagram | andersoncooper

Ever since long-time host Alex Trebek passed away late last year after a long struggle with pancreatic cancer, fans have been eager to learn who the new "Jeopardy!" host will be. 

Although the show has been cycling through almost two dozen celebrity guest hosts on a two-week rotation, executive producer Mike Richards hinted that fans might receive a final decision very soon. 

Instagram | jeopardy

In a statement, Richards revealed that fans could expect a decision to be released in the upcoming months, either in late July or early August. 

However, he warned that it might not just come down to which guest host had the highest ratings.

“It’s going to come down to the heads of Sony to make that decision, ultimately, and it’ll come down to testing,” he explained. 

“They’ve been a part of it. They know what’s going on in the studio. They’re watching the feed, the tapings. It’s very extensive. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever been a part of, as far as testing in its size and scope.”

Instagram | jeopardy

That being said, "Jeopardy!" G.O.A.T. Ken Jennings is one of the most popular choices to take over the position. Additionally, he maintained high ratings over his six-week period, with an overall rating of 6.2.

Executive producer Mike Richards, who took over after Jennings, came in second place with a rating of 5.9. 

Green Bay Quarterback Aaron Rodgers came in third with a 5.6, followed by host Katie Couric with 5.3, and journalist Anderson Cooper with 5.1.

Dr. Mehmet Oz took last place with a 4.9 rating. 

Instagram | missmayim

Bill Whitaker just wrapped up his final week last Friday, which makes today, Monday, the start of the annual "Tournament of Champions" hosted by former "Jeopardy!" all-star Buzzy Cohen. 

Although producers seem to be close to making a decision, audiences have yet to see the performances of "Today" host Savannah Guthrie, "The Big Bang Theory" neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, CNN's Dr. Sanjay Gupta, NFL commentator Joe Buck, CNBC's David Faber, "Good Morning America" host George Stephanopoulos, newscaster Robin Roberts, or "Reading Rainbow" host LeVar Burton. 

Instagram | jeopardy

So far, both Jennings and Burton seem to be the top two choices to fill the coveted role. 

Fans have worked extremely hard to give Burton a shot at the role, even going as far as to create a petition that generated over a quarter of a million signatures. 

Burton has also been vocal about the opportunity to take over as new "Jeopardy!" host, calling the position his "dream job."

"In 2013, I tweeted for the first time how much I would love to have that job when Alex retired," he said.

"But more than anything, I am eager to put my skills up against those of anyone else in contention and then let the chips fall where they may. The important thing to me is that I have an opportunity to compete for the job. That’s all I ever really wanted."

Keep scrolling to get all of the details about the "Tournament of Champions," which will be running for the next two weeks!