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Related: Culture Forums, Support ForumsRumor - is Ken Jennings being groomed to replace Trebek?
https://tvline.com/2020/09/14/jeopardy-season-37-ken-jennings-consultant-new-host-rumor/Jeopardy! Return Date Set -- Plus: Who's Joining the Show?
Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune to Resume Production With New Precautions
Ken Jennings new, on-camera role with Jeopardy! is not a tryout of sorts for him to one day succeed Alex Trebek as host.
When it was announced that the Jeopardy! GOAT contender was joining Season 37 as a consulting producer where his duties include the presentation of his own special video categories, starting with this Tuesdays episode the common assumption was that he was being groomed as Trebeks eventual successor.
But new executive producer Mike Richards nixed that notion, in an interview with The Ringer.
[Alex is] the host of the show. Were not shopping, Richards asserted. Hes our guy, and hes our guy till he tells us hes not our guy, and then we can have a different conversation. I just dont think its appropriate to have that conversation until Alex comes to me and says, OK. This is my plan.
USALiberal
(10,877 posts)malaise
(269,054 posts)FM123
(10,053 posts)It is hard for me to think of Jeopardy without Alex.....
Gothmog
(145,321 posts)LonePirate
(13,426 posts)He has a good personality. He clearly loves the game. Most importantly, the viewers of the show know and respect him. He would give the show a good 30+ years of his life.
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)Now that they've brought Jennings in as a Producer, it seems pretty certain. Apparently, there are many who don't care for Jennings and don't want to see this happen. IMO, he's a great choice!
It will be strange without Alex, however. The season premiere is on right now, and I'm happy to see that Alex looks pretty perky. I hope he's doing as well as he looks.
malaise
(269,054 posts)If I were Trebek I would have left at the end of the last season. With his age and cancer, exposure to Covid isn't needed.
Am watching
Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)favorite shows, appointment TV to be sure.
Alex may be one of those people who feels that work keeps them going and gives them a reason "to be". It's difficult for that personality type to relax and let the world roll by. I agree, however, that the threat of COVID changes the game these days. There's something to be said for self-preservation
malaise
(269,054 posts)Totally Tunsie
(10,885 posts)malaise
(269,054 posts)Ohiogal
(32,006 posts)Back when I was in elementary school and walked home from school to eat lunch. My mom put a portable TV in the kitchen and she and I watched Jeopardy while I ate, then I walked back to school.
I think Jennings would be a very appropriate replacement for Alex, but of course theres only one Alex.
Have you read Alexs book, malaise? I just finished it.
malaise
(269,054 posts)Thanks
Shermann
(7,423 posts)Alex can see all the answers!
It does require a certain kind of charisma that I'm not sure Ken possesses.
They won't take a chance on an unknown and will go with a sure thing.
malaise
(269,054 posts)John Michael Higgins from America Says - I think he'd be a good replacement. I don't know how Jennings would be as a host.