My buddy Paul Harris thinks that TV shows that used to be done in front of a live audience and haven't been for a while should think twice before going back to the old way. He is, of course, right. I do think The Price is Right doesn't work well without that and probably most game shows need it but John Oliver has been fine and I think I prefer Stephen Colbert talking to his guests without playing to a front row.
Like Paul and many people I know, I'm giving Jeopardy! a pass during the weeks Dr. Oz is hosting it. Dr. Oz is a doctor the way Harold Hill was a Music Professor, only Oz would have taken the life savings of everyone in River City and skipped town. But since I only watch Jeopardy! occasionally, mine is not a crippling, bring-them-to-their-knees boycott.
If I didn't mention it before, I think Alton Brown would be a terrific host for that show, though he may be too committed to other projects…and they probably have all the auditioners they need. When the thought first occurred to me, I figured they'd want a younger man in the job…but Brown is two years younger than Dr. Oz and six years younger than Katie Couric.