logo
Getty Images
Getty Images

Los Angeles Times: Katie Couric Will Be 2nd Interim 'Jeopardy!' Host after Alex Trebek's Death

Gaone Pule
Jan 08, 2021
11:30 P.M.

Television journalist Katie Couric will be an interim host for a popular game show. Couric has been selected as a choice for “Jeopardy!” following its former host's death.

Advertisement

Los Angeles Times reported on Katie Couric being a 2nd interim “Jeopardy!” host after Alex Trebek’s death. Couric will guest host on the show after the final episodes of Trebek air.

According to sources, the 64-year-old has been signed to take over the reins for a week. Couric will be one of the first guest hosts to helm the gameshow after the final episodes air this week.

Katie Couric visits "Mornings With Maria" at Fox Business Network Studios on March 20, 2019 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Katie Couric visits "Mornings With Maria" at Fox Business Network Studios on March 20, 2019 in New York City | Photo: Getty Images

Trebek was the long-running presenter of the show, and he died on November 8 last year. The Canadian native succumbed to pancreatic cancer and taped the programs in October.

Following the news of her taking over, Couric reportedly declined to comment when asked whether she is interested in being Trebek’s full-time successor. A representative of the television production company, which produces the show, also failed to comment.

Advertisement
Alex Trebek arrives at the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards held at the Las Vegas Hilton on June 27, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Photo: Getty Images

Alex Trebek arrives at the 37th Annual Daytime Entertainment Emmy Awards held at the Las Vegas Hilton on June 27, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada | Photo: Getty Images

The show's producers previously stated that they plan to have guest hosts until a permanent replacement is chosen. The guest host stints will play a role in determining who will succeed the late host.

Trebek has hosted the syndicated game show since its inception in 1984. Having being considered for the interim position, Couric is a successful co-anchor of NBC’s Today, and the news program was No.1 in the ratings during most of her run from 1991 to 2006.

Advertisement

The news comes as Trebek will appear for the last time on Friday’s last episode. The final episode will include a special tribute to his life and work.

Former “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings will also join Couric as he is also booked for one of the guest-hosting slots. Jennings is the highest-earning American game show contestant ever.

Advertisement

Jennings won 74 games in a row and claimed the show’s “Greatest of All Time” title in 2019. On November 28, 2020, The Associated Press reported that Jennings would be the first interim "Jeopardy!" host for January episodes airing from the 11th.

One of the show’s producers shared that by introducing familiar guest hosts, they intend to create a sense of community and continuity for viewers. “Jeopardy” is in its 37th season and is still airing shows that Trebek filmed before his death.

Advertisement

Trebek passed on peacefully at home. The late TV host announced in March 2019 that he had been diagnosed with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.

Following the heartbreaking news, Trebek received outpouring support and well wishes. The television personality is survived by his wife and three children.

Advertisement

Seven contenders have been suggested for a possible succession of Trebek. Today profiled potential hosts who are game show experts and would be a perfect fit for the role.

Among those on the list besides Jennings is Alex Faust. During his 2018 interview with TMZ, Trebek revealed that Faust might work as a replacement and said that they should consider him. Trebek also mentioned Laura Coates in the interview. Coates is a CNN legal analyst.

Advertisement
info
Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories!
By subscribing, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Advertisement
Related posts

'Normal Family Fridge': Mayim Bialik's Fans Amazed by Her 'Real' Kitchen — Ex 'Jeopardy! Star Lives with Her 2 Kids

December 22, 2023

Adris DeBarge Is Married to an Actor - Facts about El DeBarge's Daughter

November 25, 2023

Ashley Judd Revealed Her Last Words to Her Mother Just before Her Death - Details

January 11, 2024

Whoopi Goldberg Survived Scandalous Breakup with Ex – Her Alleged Billionaire Boyfriend Was Revealed by Her Granddaughter

November 15, 2023

Andy Cohen Did Not Become a Husband to Anyone in His Dating History

November 20, 2023

Michael Gershenson, Husband of CNN's Kate Bolduan, Works in Real Estate

November 30, 2023

'This Was Adorable': Hoda Kotb's Fans React to Her Daughters' Haley, 6, & Hope, 4, Rare Appearance on Her Show

November 23, 2023

Wendy Williams Had 3 Blood Transfusions & Couldn't Recognize Own Driver — Inside Her Dementia Battle

February 28, 2024

Inside Wendy Williams' Health Struggles: From a Public Faint to Fighting Chronic Illness for 2 Decades

February 23, 2024

This Boy Became a TV Star's Foster Son after Her Bio Sons Brought Him Home from Football Practice

February 26, 2024

Mayim Bialik Survived a ‘Terribly Sad’ Divorce – She Found Love Again with Her Boyfriend

December 20, 2023

Michael Strahan Officially Returns to ‘GMA’ Bringing ‘Tears of Joy’ to Co-hosts after Weeks of Absence

November 15, 2023

Ree Drummond, a Mom of 5, Never Revealed Her Foster Son Publicly until He Was 18 — His Pics Now

November 24, 2023

'Blue Bloods' Fans Are 'Crushed' and Asked to Sign a Petition as Their Favorite Show Is Officially Ending

November 28, 2023