Becoming the host of Jeopardy was a difficult process for Ken Jennings. He and Alex Trebek-who spent 36 years as the host of the show-were friends and it was emotionally difficult to take the stage for the first time. In his hosting debut, Jennings honored Trebek at the start of the episode.
“Let’s be totally clear: No one will ever replace the great Alex Trebek,” Jennings said. “But we can honor him by playing the game he loved.”
Jennings is returning to host Jeopardy on the year anniversary of Trebek’s death from pancreatic cancer. He plans to make another tribute. A recent video also confirmed that he will be wearing Trebek’s cuff links throughout the episode.
“They’re kind of a good luck charm for me here,” he said.
Although the show is still looking for a permanent host, it has been confirmed that for the remainder of 2021 that Jennings will share the hosting responsibilities with Mayim Bialik.
Watch Ken Jennings first tribute as host below:
