After beloved Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek passed away in early November 2020, fans mourned but were also able to enjoy the hard-working host's new episodes through the beginning of the new year. The question of who would take over his post full-time is still a hot topic, but the show has been able to move on with a series of guest hosts. Former contestant Ken Jennings was the first to step into the post, with his episodes airing from January 11 through February 19. Many believe he should be the person to take the hosting gig permanently, and Jennings just responded to a toddler who actually cried when he found out the former champ was no longer on the show.
Ken Jennings had a several days of guest hosting to do for Jeopardy!, but the show has decided on a rotating cast for the job until the producers can decide on an actual replacement for Alex Trebek. Long-time TV host in his own right, Dr. Mehmet Oz, is currently hosting the game show, and a fan took to Twitter to show one toddler's emotional reaction, which Jennings has now responded to. Take a look!
Awwww! You can probably bet that many people share little Anotnio's feelings about no longer seeing Ken Jennings host the popular series, especially considering that several fans are less than pleased with Dr. Oz hosting the program. But, it's good to see that Antonio was probably able to calm down after agreeing to have his family turn the channel, and to know that Jennings took the boy's emotions to heart with a perfectly appreciative response.
Jennings would seem to be the most natural fit for the full time job of Jeopardy! host once the guest stints are over. His is one of the most recognizable names among not just contestants on that show, but probably any game show. In 2004, he won a record-busting 74 games in a row, and still holds the title for the longest winning streak of the game. Jennings then went on to return to the competition five times over the years, to battle other incredibly successful former contestants. In 2020, he appeared on Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time to face off against other legends of the game, Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer, and bested them, winning the $1 million first-place prize.
For now, fans like Antonio will have to be content with a continued round of guest hosts. Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards stepped in right after Ken Jennings, with Katie Couric handling duties after him. Dr. Oz's episodes will continue through April 2, while former Celebrity Jeopardy! champion and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will host from April 5-16. Other upcoming hosts include Anderson Cooper, 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker, Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik, and CNN's Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta.
Be sure to check your local listings so you can keep up with all of the Jeopardy! guest hosts, and, in the meantime, you can bookmark our guide to 2021 TV premieres to see what else to watch until the new host is announced!
