In recent months, Mr. Richards had been testing out how audiences responded to different guest hosts, including Mr. Burton, the CNN journalist Anderson Cooper and the veteran TV journalist Katie Couric.
Some fans were clearly hoping this would be a moment to add more diversity to the world of TV quiz shows.
One of those fans was Mr. Burton. On Thursday, he thanked his supporters on Twitter.
I have said many times over these past weeks that no matter the outcome, Ive won, he said. The outpouring of love and support from family, friends, and fans alike has been incredible!
In an interview with The New York Times Magazine this year, he said he wanted the job badly and had watched the show more or less every night for decades.
I feel like this is what Im supposed to do, he said. Jeopardy! is a cultural touchstone, and for a Black man to occupy that podium is significant.
Julia Jacobs contributed reporting.read more
‘Jeopardy!’ Fans React to Latest Twist: ‘Who Is Mike Richards?’
