In a world full of uncertainty and chaos, there is calm in simple trivia and facts.
That has always been one of Jeopardy’s main selling points. For 37 years, viewers could also find comfort in knowing that Alex Trebek—the man who became synonymous with the No. 1–rated quiz show—could always be found behind the podium with his index cards and unflappability.
Tonight, Trebek fans will see his last show. Trebek died in November after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2018. After the diagnosis, Trebek, who was very public about his battle with the disease, continued to host the show for the next year and a half. He wrapped filming on Oct. 29, 2020; no one knew then it would be his last day in the studio.
Jeopardy! has not yet named a permanent replacement for Trebek, but next week guest hosts from what the show calls “within the Jeopardy! family” will take over. The show’s executive producer, Mike Richards, has said that Trebek believed in the importance of Jeopardy! and “always said that he wanted the show to go on after him.”
