Ken Jennings, arguably the most famous “Jeopardy!” contestant in the show’s history, was selected as the first of a “series of interim guest hosts” after the death of former host Alex Trebek, the show announced Monday.
Jennings, who holds the record for the longest winning streak at 74 games in 2004, will host the show when it resumes production Nov. 30, according to “Jeopardy!” officials. In total, Jennings has won $3,270,700 in prize money.
Additional guest hosts will be announced, the show said Monday.
“Alex believed in the importance of Jeopardy! and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him,” Executive Producer Mike Richards said in a statement. “We will honor his legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved.”
Trebek, who died Nov. 8 at age 80 after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer, hosted the show for more than three decades.
The television icon hosted the immensely popular show on NBC since 1984 and recently began filming its 37th season, according to reports.
Trebek’s last day in the “Jeopardy!” studio was Oct. 29.
Richards said “Jeopardy!” will air repeat episodes for the holiday weeks beginning Dec. 21 and 28, meaning Trebek’s final week of shows will air starting Monday, Jan. 4.
Jennings’ episodes begin Jan. 11.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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