Fans Criticize ‘Jeopardy!’ As ‘Quack’ Dr. Oz Takes Guest Hosting Slot

Filling Alex Trebek’s shoes was never going to be easy, and the decision to utilize a rotation of guest hosts while Jeopardy! tries to decide how to proceed following the longtime host’s death back in November has largely worked out well for the time being.

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But fan opinion is turning after the announcement that Dr. Oz would be the latest guest host to sub in on the show.

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Jeopardy! has long held the reputation for attracting some of the best and brightest around the world. If you can retain enough information to do well on Jeopardy!, that says something pretty impressive about you. And Trebek always seemed to be a knowledgeable host, making watching the show feel like an enjoyable educational experience.

But Dr. Oz has become known for spreading questionable and inaccurate information ever since he rose to TV doctor fame.

“Throughout his nearly two decades on television he has used his authority as a doctor to push harmful ideas onto the American public in stark contrast with his oath to first do no harm,” read a denouncement of the guest hosting decision by “concerned former contestants.”

The letter lists “legitimizing gay conversation therapy…dangerous “cures” for autism, and, most recently, the use of hydroxychloroquine as a treatment for COVID-19” as examples of misinformation spread by the former Oprah collaborator.

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All the same, Dr. Oz took up the guest hosting mantle on Monday — and the backlash online was fierce.

Answer: Dr. Oz. Question: who’s the worst possible pick for “Jeopardy” guest host?

— Jeff Greenfield (@greenfield64) March 23, 2021

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On top of everything else, Dr Oz’s stint guest-hosting Jeopardy also benefits HIS OWN charity?!?!? I shall be complaining about this for two straight weeks. – J

— Heather & Jessica (@fuggirls) March 23, 2021

I’ve always loved @Jeopardy. I’m going to have to skip the next 2 weeks while it’s being hosted by Trump-validating television quack Dr. Oz. For the life of me, I can’t understand why he’s hosting and not @levarburton.

— Alan Robert Fleischman (@fleischman_alan) March 22, 2021

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I agree – I was shocked that they would let this man host. Science, truth, knowledge – all 100% important to @Jeopardy. It should not be hosted by someone who peddles pseudoscience on tv for money.

— LB at home washing hands (@ProfLBNielsen) March 22, 2021

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And the mockery was even worse.

Dr. Oz is guest hosting Jeopardy. Categories will include:
1) Doctors Without Ethics
2) TV Surgeons Who Might Be Unlicensed
3) Physicians Your Nana Thinks Are Sexy
4) Attention Addicts Who Would Endorse Placebos
5) Malpractice Suits Waiting To Happen
6) Creepier Than Dr. Phil

— Paul Rudnick (@PaulRudnickNY) March 22, 2021

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The year is 2021. Justice League movies are four hours long. Dr. Oz is the host of Jeopardy. Sculptures are now just digital images of sculptures. There’s a new Space Jam movie. Parties are illegal.

— Rachel Reid (@akaRachelReid) March 23, 2021

The good news for people opposing Dr. Oz’s stint on Jeopardy! is that there’s nothing to suggest the TV doc is even under consideration for the permanent hosting job. The less good news is he’ll probably continue hosting for the next two weeks despite public outcry. 

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*First Published: March 24, 2021, 6:44 am