Ken Jennings Selected As Interim Host for ‘Jeopardy!’
The world lost a legend earlier this month when Alex Trebek passed away.
Jeopardy! is still showing new episodes with Trebek, but what happens after that? The show is still trying to figure that out but in the meantime, Ken Jennings will be stepping in as the first temporary host. The announcement was made on the show's official Twitter page.
Jennings has the most consecutive wins with 74 out of any contestant in the history of Jeopardy! As well as breaking the record for most winnings with over $2.5 million. Jennings first appeared on our TV screens in 2004 and, most recently, won the title of "Greatest of All Time" in 2019.
It's hard to imagine anyone hosting the game show other than Alex Trebek but I think this is a good first choice of guest hosts. Jennings even acknowledged the role he's stepping into.
There will only ever be one Alex Trebek, but I'm honored to be helping Jeopardy! out with this in January.
The episodes with Ken will air the week of January 11.
Originally, new episodes with Alex were supposed to air through Christmas, but Jeopardy! revealed that they will instead show repeat episodes during the holiday weeks of December 21st and 28th. Executive Producer Mike Richards says these will be "10 of his best episodes." Then, sadly, will see Alex Trebek sign off for the last time the week of January 4th in his final episodes.
Trebek passed away at the age of 80 on November 8th from stage four pancreatic cancer.