Katie Couric will be one of the first hosts to take the podium after the late episodes of the late Alex Trebek aired this week.
The longtime television network will host the game show for a week, sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Couric did not respond to The Post’s request for comment on the hosting function. But the program announced plans to have guest presenters lead the program until they find a permanent replacement. Old “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings was booked into one of the hosting slots as a guest.
The news comes when Trebek will last appear on the long-running show in Friday’s episode. The dear host died in November at the age of 80, after a battle with pancreatic cancer in stage 4.
In the Monday night episode, Trebek delivered a powerful message about union and bestowal.
“You may remember that, about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment to thank for all the blessings you enjoy in your life,” he said. “Now, today, a different kind of message. This is the time to give. I know that you want to be generous to your family, your friends, your loved ones. “
He continued with a challenge for fans who watched the program that he presented for more than 8,200 episodes.
“But today, I would like you to take it a step further. I would like you to open your hands and your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering without guilt, ”he said. “We are trying to build a more kind and kind society, and if we all contribute – just a little – we will get there.”
The episode, which was filmed in October, ended with a dedication to reading Trebek: “Forever in our hearts, always our inspiration”.
His final episode will include “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 more than 36 years,” according to a statement from the newspaper “Jeopardy!” Sony Pictures Television production company. The last week of episodes was scheduled to air during Christmas week, but Sony pushed them so that fans could enjoy their final moments with Trebek.
Couric, 63, was an anchor for NBC’s “Today” from 1991 to 2006, then an anchor for “CBS Evening News” and started her own media company. She also became a strong supporter of cancer screening and research, having lost her first husband and sister to cancer.