I read at Wikipedia that Bryant Gumbel and James Earl Jones were rumored to be possible hosts of Unsolved Mysteries when HBO distributes the show. It would be interesting to see how Bryant will host the show.

James Earl Jones would be a superb host in my eyes. However, if Bryant Gumbel gets the job I won't even watch. That guy is horrible.

I think the rumor of Bryant Gumbel being considered for the show is just that - a rumor. By the way, Dislimb, you're not likely to be the only person who would switch off if UM hired Gumbel as the new host. Chances are, many people aren't going to overlook his past controversies, including the time in 2000 when a CBS camera caught Gumbel uttering an obscenity in reference to a man he had just interviewed. Besides, Gumbel is too geeky for UM anyway. :lol:

As for James Earl Jones, he sounds like a more plausible choice. Like the late Robert Stack, Jones has had his share of authoritative roles (both vocal and physical).

What a bad choice it would be hire Gumbel as the new host-
J.E. Jones would be pretty interesting however. His voice has an unmistakable
presence.

James Earl Jones would be awsome as a host!!!!!

Bryant lacks the ominous, spooky sounding voice posessed by Robert Stack. I get the sense he is bored when he speaks. And JE Jones...he doesnt work for me either. His voice is so deep, it sounds like an affectation.

I would prefer someone like David Carradine. He looks and sounds like a tough guy. (Okay, I will probably get kicked by everyone for choosing the Kung Fu star but I really think he would make a good host)

Chris

JEJ would be a total coup for UM. Darth Vader? Star Wars geeks...uh, I mean fans:) ...would tune in for him alone!

If they went with Bryant Gumbel, the show would probably go down in flames. The guy hasn't done worth mentioning since 1992.

I think Avery Brooks would be a fantastic choice, having just listened to him narrate the "ROOTS" audio book. If you are unfamiliar with him, he is a fine actor who played "Hawk" on Spencer For Hire. I have probably alienated anyone on this board born after 1983 now. His voice has that same deep authority, but i syounger and richer and capable of spooky inflect. He also might come cheaper than JE Jones.

I for one don't think BGumbel would be a horrible choice. He's definitely professionally capable of the job. I know he isn't an immediately obvious choice because of his high pitched lackadaisacal style but I often think of the late Paul Winfield and his excellent job on City Confidential. I would have NEVER EVER thought he would be a good joice before actually hearing him do it. Now, I can't stand to hear any one else even try.

What's the consensus on a variety of hosts? I usually think that's abad idea because it doesn't give the audience one host solely to identify with the show and can split the audience.
What's the consensus on a British host?

Wouldn't Leonard Nimoy be ideal as a new host?

Wouldn't Leonard Nimoy be ideal as a new host?

yes

Wouldn't Leonard Nimoy be ideal as a new host?

Yuck, no way.

I think American crime stories would best be narrated by an American.

I think American crime stories would best be narrated by an American.

I hope it's not misconstrued as prejudice on my part or yours, Chris, but I happen to agree with you.

I hope it's not misconstrued as prejudice my part or yours, Chris, but I happen to agree with you.

Yeah, Im not suggesting American actors are better, just more suitable IMO for this type of show.

I think American crime stories would best be narrated by an American.
Well, just keep in mind that nobody ever seemed to mind that Ted Koppel is Dutch and Peter Jennings was Canadian.

Well, just keep in mind that nobody ever seemed to mind that Ted Koppel is Dutch and Peter Jennings was Canadian.

I could be wrong, but I think Chris's opinion is based (at least in part) on the accent of a person. Maybe a Canadian-born person could host an American true-crime show, but sometimes it might be a matter of what type of accent would fit or not fit into a certain show. What works for one TV series may not sound right in another.

In my opinion, in no way, shape, nor form does Bryant capture that dark and creepy essence.

Well, just keep in mind that nobody ever seemed to mind that Ted Koppel is Dutch and Peter Jennings was Canadian.

Keep in mind that both of those gentlemen would make terrible UM hosts! :lol:

Keep in mind that both of those gentlemen would make terrible UM hosts! :lol:

I actually agree. But we don't have to worry about Peter Jennings hosting the show, because he's dead as a doornail. As for Ted Koppel, which one: the real Ted Koppel or the Darrell Hammond version? :lol:

But we don't have to worry about Peter Jennings hosting the show, because he's dead as a doornail.

Now that's definitely something to consider. That sounds quite harsh though. :eek:

Now that's definitely something to consider. That sounds quite harsh though. :eek:

Admittedly, it does. But I also have to admit that I have mixed feelings about most TV journalists. I find many of them to be opportunists who care so much about ratings that they won't hesitate to jam certain stories down our throats. As a result, they cover up other stories that could matter a lot to the general public. In other words, directly or indirectly, they basically tell us what stories we want or don't want to hear about.

Admittedly, it does. But I also have to admit that I have mixed feelings about most TV journalists. I find many of them to be opportunists who care so much about ratings that they won't hesitate to jam certain stories down our throats. As a result, they cover up other stories that could matter a lot to the general public. In other words, directly or indirectly, they basically tell us what stories we want or don't want to hear about.

Kane,

All due respect to you, and I don't want to start an argument, but based on your post I do have a serious question for you.

I agree that not all journalists are in it for the true news, how can you seperate Michael Savage from others in the media? Does he not have an agenda? ;)

As long as it's not Ryan Seacrest. It seems that he is everywhere!

Kane,

All due respect to you, and I don't want to start an argument, but based on your post I do have a serious question for you.

I agree that not all journalists are in it for the true news, how can you seperate Michael Savage from others in the media? Does he not have an agenda? ;)

Yes, he has an agenda: serving as the voice for the silent majority. That's also one way I separate him from many other media folks. I could name more, but since the topic has nothing to do with Unsolved Mysteries, I might as well end that discussion here.

Yes, he has an agenda: serving as the voice for the silent majority. That's also one way I separate him from many other media folks. I could name more, but since the topic has nothing to do with Unsolved Mysteries, I might as well end that discussion here.

Kane -

I agree that most media types are very shallow people. Like you said, though, enough of that.

As for Bryant Gumbel, I would hate for him to be the host. He is so pompous.

I'd just as soon it was a non-media type. After all, we wouldn't want people to accidentally think the new UM show is "a news broadcast, or a news documentary." :lol:

As long as it's not Ryan Seacrest. It seems that he is everywhere!

What?! Ryan? Oh heck no.

dave chapelle

dave chapelle

I could just see him now doing a missing persons segment:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/pics/chappelle1.jpg

We can't find this b*tch nowhere! If you seen her, call us, motha***ka!

I could be wrong, but I think Chris's opinion is based (at least in part) on the accent of a person. Maybe a Canadian-born person could host an American true-crime show, but sometimes it might be a matter of what type of accent would fit or not fit into a certain show. What works for one TV series may not sound right in another.

The accent does have alot to do with it. The British accent is charming, sophisticated, intelligent and funny eg. Hugh Grant. The American dialect suggests a certain strength, toughness.

Of course, these are both generalizations and there are many people who feel differently than myself. But unfortunately Ive fallen for the Hollywood sterotypes and have a tough time seeing past them. Maybe someone can change my mind by suggesting a Brit who is cool and tough like Robert Stack?

I'd just as soon it was a non-media type. After all, we wouldn't want people to accidentally think the new UM show is "a news broadcast, or a news documentary." :lol:

There is no doubt in my mind that a non-media type would be a far more viable UM host than a media type. Besides, a lot of today's TV journalists make so much money that they would most likely be considered too pricey for UM anyway.

As long as it's not Ryan Seacrest. It seems that he is everywhere!

:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
Seriously!!!!

I could just see him now doing a missing persons segment:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/pics/chappelle1.jpg

We can't find this b*tch nowhere! If you seen her, call us, motha***ka!

OH DOUBLE HECK NO! LOL! But Dave Chappelle as Rick James. LOL! He had me on the floor with that. Charlie Murphy too. :lol:

I could just see him now doing a missing persons segment:

http://www.cbc.ca/arts/images/pics/chappelle1.jpg

We can't find this b*tch nowhere! If you seen her, call us, motha***ka!

Cocaine's a helluva drug.

Hey, it's Wadada! lol j/k.

Cocaine's a helluva drug.


Hahah, I love that skit! For real, though, is B.G. a possibility or is this something our board concocted? His voice and persona isn't right though.

Bryant Gum-ball announces games for NFL Network.


So can you imagine UM hosted by John Madden??? :lol:

So can you imagine UM hosted by John Madden??? :lol:

Well, he would certainly make UM look scarier. I'm no Miss America, but that man is beast. Good Lord!

Oh, come on, guys! Seacrest would make a GREAT UM host!

Seacrest, out!

Okay, I'm obviously kidding. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little....

Oh, come on, guys! Seacrest would make a GREAT UM host!

Seacrest, out!

Okay, I'm obviously kidding. I think I just threw up in my mouth a little....

Can you imagine???

We have an update you've all been waiting for. One of our most famous cases finally has been solved. What happened is... Coming up right after this word from COCA-COLA! *Music: da-nin, da-nin, da-nin, AWOOOOOOOOO!

:lol:

Yeah, lots keep "Seacrest out!" as far away from UM as possible.

Can you imagine???

We have an update you've all been waiting for. One of our most famous cases finally has been solved. What happened is... Coming up right after this word from COCA-COLA! *Music: da-nin, da-nin, da-nin, AWOOOOOOOOO!

:lol:

Yeah, lots keep "Seacrest out!" as far away from UM as possible.

I couldn't agree more. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions regarding an ideal UM host, but let's face it: To put it bluntly, Seacrest has a zero percent chance of hosting the show. When it comes to suggestions for UM hosts, there have been ridiculous ideas suggested here on this forum, some worse than others.

I don't know what everyone looks for in a potential UM host, but I will admit that I seek both compatibility and likability. Those are two qualities that undoubtedly made Robert Stack an esteemed host. :thumbsup:

I think Sean Connery would make for a good host

I'm not sure how big the UM stage is, but I don't think it's large enough to contain Bryant Gumballs' ego.

I'm not sure how big the UM stage is, but I don't think it's large enough to contain Bryant Gumballs' ego.

I don't think the show has room for anyone as egotistic or narcissistic as Gumbel, and that's one of the reasons for my belief that the UM hosting job would be a bad fit for media types (e.g., Dan Rather, Katie Couric, Walter Cronkite, etc.). In fact, I think such people should be banned from consideration for the job. :lol:

While show business and the media have their share of narcissists, Robert Stack never struck me as such. But if there was any trace of narcissism in him, it probably diminished as he got older.

So far, I haven't found any sources that would either confirm or deny the rumor of Bryant Gumbel being considered for UM. But just in case, I would strongly advise writing to UM and bring this concern to their attention.

The address:

Unsolved Mysteries
P.O. Box 11449
Burbank, CA 91510-1449

If or when writing to them, please keep in mind that the consideration of Gumbel is only a rumor. But express your opposition to him hosting the show anyway. Give reasonable arguments against a Gumbel-hosted UM. In other words, don't say things like "I hate his guts" or "He's an a-hole." Such remarks could be counterproductive.

In any event, make your opposition to a Gumbel-hosted UM loud and clear. Hopefully, if enough of us protest, the idea of Bryant Gumbel hosting UM will forever remain just an idea that never becomes a reality.

The problem is that Robert Stack was so perfect for that role, that no one will ever measure up.

That said, Kane is dead on that we can't have some media jagoff with an ego do this. That is what made the show so good -- it was always about the story and the host was just the medium.

How many times to Dateline or 20/20 stories take on a life of their own just because of the host?

If that is what they want (tabloid journalism) then maybe we'd be better off without it. I just hope the new UM stays as close as possible to the UM we all know and love.

The problem is that Robert Stack was so perfect for that role, that no one will ever measure up.

That said, Kane is dead on that we can't have some media jagoff with an ego do this. That is what made the show so good -- it was always about the story and the host was just the medium.

No "jagoff" in any case, media or non-media. It would be hard enough to see UM continue without Robert Stack, but it would be a lot worse to see it hosted by someone who is incompatible or disagreeable.

By the way, I don't know if anyone on this forum has mentioned this, but according to Wikipedia, Richard Jenkins is another rumored choice for the hosting job. Jenkins is known for his role as Nathaniel Fisher in the TV series Six Feet Under. His character was a deceased patriarch who appeared as a ghost.

Although I have never seen Six Feet Under, I have seen some movies that Jenkins appeared in. They include: North Country, Wolf, Sea of Love, Blue Steel, and Me, Myself & Irene. Richard Jenkins is generally a character actor, usually doing bit parts and supporting roles. He has played law enforcement roles in a number of his films (including Me, Myself & Irene), and had an uncredited role as a psychiastrist in There's Something About Mary.

Hmm. Richard Jenkins has played a ghost and some law enforcement officers. He sounds like a plausible and appealing choice for UM.