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The G.O.A.T. is taking on a greater role. “Jeopardy!” champ Ken Jennings, 46, has been brought on as a consulting producer for the long-running quiz show, leading some fans to speculate he’s preparing to take over as host for an ailing Alex Trebek, 80. Jennings, who recently defeated the show’s all-time best contestants, will present …
The G.O.A.T. is taking on a greater role.
“Jeopardy!” champ Ken Jennings, 46, has been brought on as a consulting producer for the long-running quiz show, leading some fans to speculate he’s preparing to take over as host for an ailing Alex Trebek, 80.
Jennings, who recently defeated the show’s all-time best contestants, will present some video categories, develop projects, find new contestants and be a general ambassador for the show when it returns on Monday, Sept. 14. His first video category will air the following day, TV Line reported.
His new gig caps a 16-year history with the show. He started out with a bang, breaking the show’s record for longest winning streak at 74 victories, and went on to appear in multiple championship tournaments. In total, the software engineer-turned-author from Seattle has earned a whopping $4,370,700.
Trebek, meanwhile, is continuing his battle against pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with last March. Although he has said the treatment has taken a toll on his body, he has survived longer than most patients with the aggressive cancer, partially thanks to immunotherapy treatment.
“I feel good, and I feel excited because once again ‘Jeopardy!’ has demonstrated that it’s at the forefront of television programming,” Trebek said in a statement about Jennings’ promotion. “I believe we are the first quiz show to come back on the air in the COVID-19 era. On a personal level, I’m excited because it gets me out of the house. It gives me something to do on a regular basis, and I was missing that.”
Fans immediately grew concerned that Jennings’ new role meant that the show was preparing to replace Trebek.
“I smell a transition plan,” wrote @eybyon in response to the show’s announcement.
“Somebody’s being groomed for the host spot . . .” tweeted @downandaway2016.
“Hope this isn’t what I think it is,” wrote @baseballballet. “But I love Ken Jennings. He’s the only champ worthy of sharing the mic with the great one.”
But Trebek assured his loyal following that he’s still got it.
“Don’t worry, I’ll still be the host,” Trebek said in a video about the new season. “And I’m looking forward to seeing you.”
