Anderson Cooper on JEOPARDY

Jon Miller is the superb announcer for the San Francisco Giants.   Calls a great game, and doesn’t just have a sense of humor.  He’s FUNNY.  Early in his career he was vying for a job with the Texas Rangers.  They narrowed it down to four or five finalists and the plan was for each to call a spring training game, after which they’d decide.  Jon drew the first game.  After his broadcast they called all the other candidates and told them the job was filled.  Jon was that great.  They didn’t need to hear any of the others.

That’s how I feel about Anderson Cooper hosting JEOPARDY.  From the minute he stepped out onto the stage his very first night it was so clear he is “the guy.”  Totally relaxed, in charge, set a good pace, read the questions well, has a very pleasant voice, bantered well with the contestants, had empathy for them, has a good sense of humor, and clearly put the game above himself.  Like Alex, he has a low-key tone.  And gravitas.

There's no substitute for talent and experience.  How many hours a week is Anderson Cooper live on television?  It makes a very noticeable difference.

Now I don’t personally know Anderson Cooper.  Never met him.  Liked him on CNN and 60 MINUTES but never a huge fan.  I like Jake Tapper more.  I always feel Anderson does himself and reputation a disservice by co-hosting that stupid New Years Eve show.  But hosting JEOPARDY is the role he was meant to play.  

I’ve been in many many casting sessions.  You see people who hit all the boxes but you say, “we still haven’t found him.”  It's frustrating as hell, believe me.  Then someone comes in the room who IS the character and you instantly know it.  And you're glad you held out.  That’s Anderson Cooper.  I would tell Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Gupta, and the others "thank you and go home. "

The Rangers were right about Jon.  I’m right about this one. 

from By Ken Levine