Self-proclaimed nerds are uniting behind Yvette Nicole Brown as the fan favorite to replace Chris Hardwick as the new “Talking” host for AMC.
While the spot isn’t officially open yet — AMC is currently taking time to “assess the situation” — the network has suspended “Talking With Chris Hardwick” and the host will not moderate panels at this year’s Comic-Con International in San Diego next month.
Hardwick also hosts a handful of after-shows, including “Talking Dead” and “Talking Preacher,” among others following popular AMC mainstays.
Fans online have taken it upon themselves to suggest replacement hosts, should AMC decide to let Hardwick go for good. “Community” actress Brown is a front-runner, at least when it comes to our Twitter search. Other popular suggestions include Aisha Tyler, who currently hosts “Unapologetic With Aisha Tyler,” a companion talk show to new drama “Dietland.” Felicia Day, Retta and Sam Maggs have also been thrown out there by fans.
AMC’s statement came after the host was accused by former girlfriend Chloe Dykstra in a Medium post of “controlling behavior” and “sexual assault” during their romantic relationship that ended four years ago. Although she didn’t mention Hardwick by name in Thursday’s post, the timing and key details suggested that she was referring to the former “@Midnight” host and Comic-Con mainstay.
NBC, where Hardwick hosts gameshow “The Wall,” announced Saturday that it too would “assess” its ties to Hardwick.
“These allegations about Chris Hardwick took us by surprise as we have had a positive working relationship with him,” the network said in a statement, adding, “we are continuing to assess the situation and will take appropriate action based on the outcome.”
Hardwick’s name was also scrubbed from the Nerdist website on Friday, which he co-founded in February 2012. The company was sold to Legendary Entertainment in July of that year.
“The company has removed all reference to Mr. Hardwick even as the original Founder of Nerdist pending further investigation,” a rep said, noting that his contract ended last December and he “had no operational involvement with Nerdist” for the previous two years.
Hardwick said in a statement Friday that “at no time did I sexually assault her.” He didn’t address her accusation of career retaliation.
See below for fan reactions on Twitter.
Hey @WalkingDead_AMC, replace #ChrisHardwick with @YNB on @AMCTalkingDead. NOW. RT pls. Let's make this happen!
— Lori Perkins (@LoriPerkinsRAB) June 18, 2018
Aisha Tyler could EASILY replace Chris Hardwick as the moderator of a lot of these panels and the host of a lot of these shows.
— Hairy Coochie Advocate (@BlckBolex) June 17, 2018
https://twitter.com/awwcoffeenooo/status/1007698060279861248
https://twitter.com/faithchoyce/status/1007771617252929536
https://twitter.com/rodimusprime/status/1008068237484052481
So, can Yvette Nicole Brown FINALLY replace Chris Hardwick in prominence as relatable host, as she been more charming, a lot less tone-deaf about women and POC, and more thoroughly and genuinely engaged as a fan for years? pic.twitter.com/H5HuadvoA8
— I Contain Multitudes. (@MsGo) June 15, 2018
Talking Dead better replace Chris Hardwick with Yvette Nicole Brown
— Kaitlin 🦇 (@kaitlinnn98) June 15, 2018
https://twitter.com/a_for2day/status/1007634086402445312
Aisha Tyler could EASILY replace Chris Hardwick as the moderator of a lot of these panels and the host of a lot of these shows.
— Hairy Coochie Advocate (@BlckBolex) June 17, 2018
Uhhh not that walking dead is good anymore but its time to replace chris hardwick with yvette nicole brown
She shouldve hosted in the first place lmao— 🐺 kenzie 🐺 (@mirkwoodshires) June 15, 2018
IDK if #SDCC has decided upon new hosts for their #DoctorWho and #TheWalkingDead panels yet to replace #ChrisHardwick, but may I suggest @Pearlie_mack and @YNB respectively. pic.twitter.com/5QGv9oT4MX
— Geek To Me Radio (@GeekToMeRadio) June 18, 2018
If amc is gonna replace @hardwick its better be @YNB! No exceptions!!! #thetalkingdead
— ♡Jasmine♡ (@bradburnjasmine) June 17, 2018
Is there a petition to get rid of Chris Hardwick on The Talking Dead and replace him with Yvette Nicole Brown? I'd like to sign, please. pic.twitter.com/BdpWkvfkrK
— Cathee with a C (@_cousinlarry_) June 16, 2018
https://twitter.com/MOVIEidol/status/1007748198818033665