Ken Jennings, “Jeopardy!’s” record-breaking contestant who won the show’s “Greatest of All Time” tournament earlier this year will step into the giant shadow left by Alex Trebek.
The gameshow, however, announced that producers are not ready to commit to a new quizmaster yet.
Trebek, who had hosted the show since 1984, died on Nov. 8 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He had been in the studio just 10 days before his death. The final episodes with Trebek as host will air the first week of January.
Jennings is the GOAT of Jeopard contestants, having won the primetime Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time tournament earlier this year, defeating James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter in the best-of-seven format. He also holds the show’s record for consecutive games won at 74, and most winnings in regular play ($2,520,700).
Ken, meet Cal Ripken, Jr. The two of you hold records that will never, ever (really?) be broken.
Jennings’ first episodes as host will air the week of Jan. 11. Trebek’s last episodes of the show taped on Oct. 29 will air the week of Jan. 4.
Jennings wrote on Twitter that “There will only ever be one Alex Trebek,” but that he was honored to be helping out the program.
In the category of gameshow history, there is no question that Trebek—who had hosted more than 8,200 episodes—will be incredibly difficult to replace.
But at least for now, the Daily Double will be delivered by a guy who most likely will NOT have to look at the cards to confirm the correct answer.
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