The final five episodes that Alex Trebek recorded as the beloved longtime host of “Jeopardy!” goes on air starting on Monday.
Trebek, who lost his battle with pancreatic cancer in November, will be honored during the screening of his final episode on Friday with “a special tribute to the life and work of the man who ran America’s favorite question and answer program with skill, style and sophistication for 36+ years ”, according to a statement from“ Jeopardy! ”Producer Sony Pictures Television.
Trebek’s final episodes were originally scheduled to air during Christmas week, but producers delayed showtimes because they said the holidays could be too chaotic for viewers to watch.
The Canadian-American game-show host announced his diagnosis of cancer in March 2019, but recorded episodes of the 2020-21 season before he died at the age of 80.
The producers say he didn’t know that what ended up being his final show would actually be the last.
“Danger!” will continue to air new episodes starting January 11, with guest host and $ 4,370,700 program winner Ken Jennings in charge.
The program has not named a new permanent presenter to replace Trebek, but bookmakers are already placing bets on his successor, with Jennings, George Stephanopoulos, LeVar Burton, Neil deGrasse Tyson and Pat Sajak among the favorites.