Following his death in November, Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek (White Men Can’t Jump) was announced to be featured in series of episodes which were filmed prior to his death in October. The first episode premiered on January 4 and surrounded the season of giving, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.
Filmed ten days before his passing from pancreatic cancer, Trebek said in the first episode, “Now, today a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, with your friends, your loved ones, but today I’d like you to go one step further. I’d like you to open up your hands and open your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own. We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society. If we pitch in just a little bit, we’re going to get there,” via Entertainment Weekly.
Speaking about Trebek’s final days spent on the show, Jeopardy! executive producer Mike Richards (The Price is Right) said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, “He had been out with the surgery, and I wasn’t sure he would be back to tape those days. So for the few of us that knew what exactly was going on, there was a heightened sense in the room.”
Richards continued to discuss Trebek’s surprise speech on the show, “On that first episode, Trebek walked out….he gives this amazing speech about the holidays and coming together and being strong and taking care of each other. And we didn’t know he was gonna do that; he just walked out and did it,” via Entertainment Weekly.
Trebek’s final four episodes were originally slated to debut during the week of Christmas yet were pushed back to allow fans the ability to view them. They will air through January 8.