Despite battling cancer, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek hosted the “Greatest of All Time” tournament, a competition between the three greatest champions in the show’s history: Ken Jennings, James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter. The 79-year-old has helmed the show for 36 seasons, cementing his status as one of the greatest game show hosts of all time. But in the wake of his deteriorating health, rumors have begun to swirl that his time on the show may be coming to an end, with the “GOAT” tournament being the host’s swan song.
Last year, Trebek announced his stage 4 pancreatic cancer diagnosis in a stunning video message. Despite the poor prognosis, the unflinching host continued with his Jeopardy! duties. Trebek underwent a round of chemotherapy, then returned to host the 36th season. But with the show having concluded its biggest tournament ever — preparing to crown the “greatest of all time” once and for all — fans have been led to wonder whether these climactic episodes may be among Trebek’s last.
So what do we know? Jeopardy! fans can breathe easy for now, as Trebek has said on multiple occasions that he has no immediate plans to retire. At the Television Critics Association winter press tour, Trebek said he doesn’t see it happening any time soon (per Variety):
So despite the spectacle of the “Greatest of All Time” tournament, it doesn’t appear it was constructed as a farewell party for Trebek.
As long as I feel my skills have not diminished too much, and as long as I enjoy spending time with people like these three and working with people like Harry and our creative writing staff, then I’ll continue doing it.
However, Trebek also recently said he knows how he plans to go out. In the finale episode — whenever that may be — the revered host will be given thirty seconds to address the crowd. He plans on addressing who will host the show after he retires, telling Michael Strahan (via Good Morning America), “I will say my goodbyes and I will tell people, don’t ask me who’s going to replace me because I have no say whatsoever.’” Then, he will give remarks that he does not plan on rehearsing, preferring to go off the cuff.
In short, while Trebek may have some idea of how he will go out, and while it may be sooner rather than later, he still has no active plans to leave the show. The end date will likely depend on his health, which he admits fluctuates day to day. However, it appears he’s still well enough to be out there, and on double duty: Jeopardy! is currently airing regular episodes as well as the tournament.
Fans may want to savor the time they have with Trebek, who may or may not finish season 36, which airs until July 2020. Either way, it appears Jeopardy! is nearing the end of an era.
Next: James Holzhauer Should Host Jeopardy When Alex Trebek Retires
