Let me tell you a story about a man who’s been a part of America’s living rooms for decades. Since 1984, Alex Trebek has been at the helm of the iconic game show Jeopardy!, guiding contestants and viewers alike through a whirlwind of trivia and fun. But even legends must eventually step aside, and Alex has already thought about who should take his place when that time comes. On a Thursday in February 2019, during an appearance on Live! With Kelly and Ryan, the 78-year-old gave us a glimpse into his thoughts on how he’d say goodbye and who he’d hand the mic to.
Alex’s Farewell Plan: Keeping It Simple
Now, here’s how Alex envisions his departure from Jeopardy!: “Yeah, I’ll just go to the director and say, ‘Leave me 30 seconds at the end of the show.’” That’s it—no elaborate ceremonies or drawn-out goodbyes. He plans to thank the audience for their unwavering support over the years, which, by the way, has already surpassed 35 years. And then, with a flourish, he’d introduce his successor. “And now ladies and gentlemen, I’d like to introduce my replacement as the host of Jeopardy, Ryan Seacrest.”
The Crowd Goes Wild: Ryan Seacrest Gets the Nod
When Alex dropped this bombshell on Live! With Kelly and Ryan, the audience erupted in applause and cheers. The thought of Ryan, who’s 44, taking over Jeopardy! was met with excitement. Ryan himself didn’t waste a moment to respond. “I accept, yes!” he exclaimed enthusiastically. Kelly Ripa, his co-host and Alex’s pal, was all for it too. “You know Alex, he has time in his schedule. You have the hours between 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m,” she pointed out. Alex chimed in, “And we tape two days a week only and you already commute to Los Angeles.”
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It seems Ryan is ready for the challenge, even though he’d have some pretty big shoes to fill. But with his charm, experience, and impressive resume, he could be the perfect choice. With a chuckle, Ryan joked, “Hey Gelman, nice knowin' ya!”
Alex’s Legacy: Who Could Fill Those Shoes?
Now, let’s talk about the elephant in the room. There have been whispers lately about Alex potentially stepping down from the show he’s hosted for over 30 years. Naturally, this news has left Jeopardy! fans feeling a little uneasy. But Alex has been open about his thoughts on potential successors. “It’s probably going to be a woman, somebody younger, somebody bright, somebody personable, somebody with a great sense of humor,” he joked during a talk at the 92nd Street Y, “So I nominated Betty White.” Can you imagine that?!
But according to Page Six, there are other serious contenders on the list. Names like CNN’s Laura Coates, LA Kings announcer Alex Faust, and TCM’s Ben Mankiewicz have been mentioned. While Jeopardy! appears to have a solid lineup of candidates, fans are holding out hope that Alex won’t leave the show anytime soon. After all, it’s not just a game show—it’s a cherished part of many people’s lives.
