It’s a tough week for “Jeopardy!” fans.
After 36 years as the beloved host of “Jeopardy!” Alex Trebek’s final five games are airing from Jan. 4-8.
“When ‘Jeopardy!’ was reintroduced to audiences in 1984, Alex served not only as host, but also as producer: He hired the writers and researchers and set the tone, pace and level of intelligence that carried the show through 36+ seasons,” “Jeopardy!” said in a statement on Monday. “When he finished taping this last week of shows, no one knew they would be his last. He performed his responsibilities without complaint, just as he’d always done — with humor, generosity and pride for the game he loved.”
Trebek’s final game, which airs on Jan. 8, will also include a “special goodbye,” according to the “Jeopardy!” official website.
Friday will mark Trebek’s last episode and the end of an era. But the show moves forward on Jan. 11, with “Jeopardy! Greatest of All Time” champion Ken Jennings taking on the role of interim guest host. Jennings is the first in a series of guest hosts who have yet to be announced.
“Jeopardy!” is not announcing an official host at this time.
Trebek died on Nov. 8 at the age of 80. He remained in the “Jeopardy!” studio up until his death, hosting games as he underwent treatment for advanced pancreatic cancer.
In his memoir “The Answer is ... Reflections on my Life,” which came out earlier this year, Trebek shared his belief that “Jeopardy!” would continue to be just as popular after his time as host.
“The show has become part of the fabric of American life,” Trebek wrote, according to the Deseret News. “At some point — and it occurred slowly over the years — we made the transition from just being an enjoyable quiz show to being part of your daily life.”