It’s that humble take that gives us hope someone will be able to fill Trebek’s formidable shoes, even as we get misty-eyed over each new tribute for the television icon.
Because while our grief continues, the show, as they say, must go on. And with Trebek having filmed enough episodes to get us through Christmas, Jeopardy! producers are going to have a decision to make come 2021.
“Game show hosting is a skill,” Adam Nedeff, a game show historian and author of the book Game Shows FAQ told Today of the challenge they face. “Alex was always introduced as the host of Jeopardy! not the star. Contestants are the star. So while there might be thinking that he was such a giant they’ll need a ‘name,’ I don’t think the show is suited to be a vehicle for someone. It has to be somebody who’s willing to let the game take center stage.”
With just dozens of Trebek’s 8,000-plus episodes remaining, the show will resume production on Nov. 30, with interim hosts—including GOAT Ken Jennings—set to helm the big board. But who could possibly fill in full time? We dissect the short list of candidates.