The question Jeopardy! fans have been eagerly asking has finally been answered. Or, maybe the answer has finally received its question? Look, it's a weird concept even after all these years. Either way, host Alex Trebek has officially announced that the classic topsy-turvy trivia show will be returning to the airwaves on September 14, and this time he's bringing a friend.
Jeopardy! went off the air in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving a Trebek-sized hole in the lives of many a faithful viewer. Since then, little has been said about the show until just recently, when the beloved host made a statement regarding the upcoming premiere of its 37th season. Aside from announcing the show's return, Trebek also added some more personal notes, saying, "I’m excited because it gets me out of the house. It gives me something to do on a regular basis, and I was missing that.”
But as mentioned before, he won't be alone upon the show's reappearance. Ken Jennings, best known as that guy who won Jeopardy! a bunch of times to the ire of grandmas everywhere, will be joining the show this season as a consulting producer and, in a way, Trebek's sidekick. He'll take part in the show's development as well as feature in various on-air segments. “Though I’ve played my last round of Jeopardy! as a contestant," Jennings said about his new position, "I’m delighted to have the opportunity to remain involved with my favorite show. I’m still in on all the action, but I don’t have to worry about phrasing things in the form of a question anymore.”
News of a new Jeopardy! season is likely a source of relief and comfort for many viewers, and not just due to the current state of affairs. Alex Trebek's relatively recent pancreatic cancer diagnosis prompted a swift and powerful response of love from fans of all ages. His tenure on the enduring game show, along with his activism in supporting several charitable causes, have earned him respect far beyond that of just a trivia host, and this new season is just one way for him to give back to those who have supported him since the diagnosis and beyond.
In a July interview with Good Morning America, Trebek addressed his medical issues, saying, “My doctor has told me that he is counting on me celebrating two years of survivorship past the diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer. And that two years happens in February.” So while the future is uncertain in more than a few ways, he appears confident for the time being. Perhaps aside from being a job and a way to get out of the house, the show is one way to help him cope.
The return of Jeopardy! is likely only the latest in a series of shows coming back to full production, though considering the absence of a COVID vaccine and still high number of cases in the U.S., hopefully special care is being taken. No matter what happens, it's good to have this old comfort show back.
Once again, Jeopardy! will begin its 37th season on September 14th, with Ken Jennings' first appearance coming on the 15th.
Source: Vanity Fair