Jeopardy! has been a staple for viewers for decades now, and it’s still going strong. It’s spawned both games and memes, and many people can’t remember a childhood without watching it with a loved one at least once. Much of that success is due to the host, Alex Trebek.
Now there are rumors that he’s going to retire soon, and many are wondering who should take his place on Reddit. While there are a lot of potential contenders, one man stood out above the rest.
‘Jeopardy!’ has a long history
Jeopardy! is a quiz show with a twist. Contestants are given six categories to choose from, and they pick from those choices.
The twist is that they aren’t asked a question. They’re given an answer, and they must respond in the form of a question. While that may not seem like a big deal, anyone who has tried to follow along knows that it takes some practice to get it right.
It’s an odd concept that could have been a flop, but viewers love it, and millions have been tuning in faithfully to watch for years. In fact, Jeopardy! is going on 56 years on the air.
Jeopardy! hit the airwaves in 1964 when Trebek became the host, and its popularity continues to grow.
Is Alex Trebek retiring?
The beloved host recently turned 80, which has many people wondering when he’ll officially turn in his mic and step down. He’s been the host of Jeopardy! since 1984, so Trebek spent the majority of his career on the set of Jeopardy!.
Trebek recently came forward and stated that he has no intention of retiring anytime soon. He’s remained the host through his battle with cancer, and he doesn’t plan on going anywhere.
According to Business Insider: “Despite rumors of his retirement, Trebek’s contract is effective until 2022, which was reaffirmed when he announced his diagnosis of stage-four pancreatic cancer last March. At the time, he said he planned to beat the disease, as he was in a contract to host “Jeopardy” for an additional three years.”
Still, Trebek will eventually step down, and many people are wondering who will step up to take his place.
Reddit users are torn
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Neil DeGrasse Tyson is considered a perfect choice for the future host of Jeopardy!, but there are some other celebrities who fans are fantasizing about. While no one could truly replace Trebek or replicate his style, there are some serious contenders.
Jim Carrey and Will Ferrell have been tossed into the mix. It would be a departure from what Trebek brings to Jeopardy!, and some think that might be a good move. It worked for Drew Carey when he took over for Bob Barker, after all, and many fans think that a comedian is exactly what Jeopardy needs.
Still, other fans think that a comedian is the wrong way to go. While Jeopardy! is fun to watch, it’s got a sort of serious tone to it. There’s no bouncing around, or fans frantically hugging the host like they are on the Price is Right.
That probably means Weird Al Yankovic won’t become the host, either, if ABC decides to stick with the formula that has worked for so long.
Jeff Goldblum’s name came up in the forum, but not everyone was on board with this. One fan stated: “By the time Goldblum got through one question the show would be over.”
Morgan Freeman is also a fan favorite. While his style wouldn’t match Trebek’s, it would maintain the serious nature of the show while still remaining entertaining.
Ken Jennings got the most votes, and many think this could be the most likely outcome. As one Reddit user pointed out, Jennings is a Jeopardy! champion and he’s currently a consulting producer.
Still, many fans believe there is only one person that can replace Trebek, and that man is Alex Trebek.