After the passing of Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek, the game show was in no rush to fill the gap, as Trebek had already shot enough episodes to finish the year. However, the role has to be replaced eventually, and the show producers are having a hard time finding a dedicated successor to Trebek, who had been the face and voice of Jeopardy! for so long.

Trebek will definitely live on in the hearts of the audience as the true host of Jeopardy! as the final episode with Trebek featured a series to the beloved host. The episode ended with a montage of Trebek saying “So long!” as he would usually do before walking offstage. The final message read, “Dedicated to Alex Trebek, Forever in our Hearts, Always our Inspiration.” Trebek will be remembered by fans of Jeopardy! forever.

He “educated millions around the world,” said prime minister of Canada Justin Trudeau.

Instead of deciding on a permanent successor to Trebek, the show’s producers decided to try out different hosts for short periods of time. The first is Ken Jennings, who is known to all of the Jeopardy! community due to his longest winning streak on the game show. He is also the highest earning game show contestant of all time. According to a spokeswoman on the show, Jennings has already taped 30 episodes.

Jennings has recently received criticism for posting insensitive tweets in the past that he has apologized for, which could have some effect on whether or not he will come back to guest host for the show again. However, fans of the show have shown their enthusiasm for Jennings, which may allow him to come back again.

Although it is unconfirmed by the show producers, the Los Angeles Times has reported that former talk show host and news anchor Katie Couric will be the next host of the game show. Being on the game show will allow the public to see Couric again as she has not been on television since 2017. Having Couric host the show will also allow the producers a chance to breathe, as they will no longer have to deal with the controversy surrounding Ken Jennings.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has revealed that he will be guest hosting an episode of Jeopardy! as well. 

“One of my idols growing up was Alex Trebek. I’m excited about that opportunity,” said Rodgers.

As producers scramble to continue to find host after host, one thing is for sure: Alex Trebek will always be the face of Jeopardy! Another host may take his place for now, but Trebek will be remembered long after the game show ends. Others may have the charisma to take on the tasks of being host, but none will have the magic that Trebek had.

Photo courtesy of NYDAILYNEWS.COM