‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek’s Successor Should Be Will Ferrell, Ryan Seacrest Or Jeff Goldblum, Say Fans

Jeopardy! is one of the world’s most popular and iconic game shows. Generations of viewers have grown up watching the show, glued to their televisions while the iconic theme music providing a fun, inspiring backdrop.

Although the show went through many different iterations in the early years of the show, one of the mainstays for the past few decades has been the host, Alex Trebek.

Trebek has helmed the show through all the biggest moments, congratulating winners and communicating with viewers at home. Sadly, Trebek has suffered some health problems in recent years, and although no one wants to see him retire, fans have very strong ideas as to who should replace the longtime host. 

‘Jeopardy!’ premiered in 1964

TV game shows were still in their relative infancy in 1964 when Jeopardy! first premiered on television. While the original version of the show became popular right out of the gate, it was given a brand-new format in 1974, and again in 1984.

Still, the overall idea of the show has remained consistent, with contestants being presented with general knowledge clues in the form of answers. All contestants must then phrase their responses in the form of questions.

1984 would prove to be a big year for the show since it was when Alex Trebek took over hosting duties. From then until now, Trebek has been the face of Jeopardy! and has become a big part of popular culture in his own right. 

Alex Trebek is TV’s most popular game show host

Even if Alex Trebek can’t be said to be the singular ingredient responsible for the success of Jeopardy! there is no doubt that he’s played a huge role in how enduring the show has become. The Canadian-born Trebek already had a wealth of experience hosting game shows by the time he was hired for Jeopardy! and over the years, he has become arguably the most popular game show host in entertainment.

In recent years, Trebek, who is approaching his eightieth birthday, has been suffering some significant health issues. In early 2019, he revealed that he had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Although his prognosis was grim, Trebek told his viewers that he intended to fight the disease.

The world rallied around Trebek, and in March 2020, Trebek announced that he had made it through one year of aggressive cancer treatments. He also admitted that he wasn’t immediately planning his retirement from Jeopardy! — but viewers and fans know that it is only a matter of time before the beloved host steps away from the show for good. 

Fans want Will Ferrell, Jeff Goldblum, or Ryan Seacrest to replace Alex Trebek

There have been many names suggested over the years as options to fill Trebek’s shoes when he does decide to retire. However, in a recent Reddit thread, fans revealed their picks for whom should host the show in Trebek’s absence, and some names thrown out were truly out of the box.

Several fans suggested Will Ferrell as the host. Ferrell, who memorably spoofed Trebek on Saturday Night Live in the nineties, has both the presence and the audience base to really succeed as the host of Jeopardy! 

Another SNL alum who earned an honorable mention in the Reddit thread was Kenan Thompson, who has also enjoyed great success on the sketch comedy show playing game show hosts. 

Other posters suggested Ryan Seacrest, the ever-present scion of E! as well as the co-host of Live with Kelly and Ryan. One fan mentioned Jeff Goldblum’s name, and there is certainly something to that idea — Goldblum is quirky, tall, and unpredictable, which could make for very entertaining television indeed.

Although there were many ideas tossed around on the Reddit thread, one thing that all the posters seemed to agree on is that whoever takes over as the host of Jeopardy! must bring their own unique personality and skill set to the role, in order to truly honor Trebek’s legacy.