
Katie Couric will be one of the first hosts to take the “Jeopardy!” podium after tonight, Alex Trebek‘s last onscreen episode.
She will guest-host the game show for a week, sources told the Los Angeles Times.
The show has announced plans to have guest hosts lead the show until it finds a permanent replacement. Former “Jeopardy!” champ Ken Jennings has been booked for one of the guest-hosting slots.
Monday’s episode, if you watched, was a tear-jerker.
“You’ll recall that about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment to give thanks for all of the blessings that you enjoy in your lives,” he said. “Now, today, a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, your friends, your loved ones.”
“But today, I’d like you to go one step further. I’d like you to open up your hands and open up your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own,” he said. “We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society, and if we all pitch in — just a little bit — we’re gonna get there.”
Tonight’s episode, which was filmed in October, ends with a dedication to Trebek reading: “Forever in our hearts, always our inspiration.”
His final episode will include “a special tribute to the life and work of the man who captained America’s Favorite Quiz Show with skill, style, and sophistication for 36+ years,” according to a statement from “Jeopardy!” producer Sony Pictures Television. The last week of episodes was scheduled to air during the week of Christmas, but Sony pushed them back so fans could enjoy their final moments with Trebek.
(via Page Six; photos: MediaPunch)