On September 15, 2014, Alex Trebek celebrates his 31st year as host of Jeopardy.
In June, CNN reported that Trebek entered the Guinness World Records for “most game show episodes hosted by the same presenter.” A record previously held by The Price is Right Host Bob Barker. Trebek’s current record stands at 6,829 shows over a 30 season span.
Despite hosting Jeopardy since 1984, Trebek still enjoys his job and being part of the show. In the Guinness World Records’ accompanying video, he said that “it’s a fun show to do, and it’s a quality program that I never have to apologize for when I meet people. So there are no downsides.” Trebek said that he wants to continue to host the series for a few more years. His contract expires in 2016.
In May the Hollywood Reporter asked him, “Do you feel confident the show will go on beyond you?” He responded by saying yes, and then mentioned Brad Rutter (the biggest Jeopardy money prize winner of all-time) as a possible replacement host.
Brad Rutter, who was a contestant in our Battle of the Decades tournament. He’s got a good sense of humor and certainly broad-based knowledge that will help him immensely. And he has the credentials — he’s won two of our big tournaments: 1 million and 2 million dollars. So somebody like Brad.
Trebek tapes Jeopardy two days a week, five shows a day. He told Linda Yu from ABC7 Chicago that he spends the commercial break answering questions from audience members. He believes that the star of the show isn’t him, but the contestants and Jeopardy watchers. Trebek also told Yu that he felt he couldn’t be a contestant on Jeopardy, because “I’m older now, my reflexes are slower. I couldn’t play the games as well…My memory is not what it used to be. I have forgotten a lot of stuff. I can’t recall it as quickly as I used to.”
What does #AlexTrebek listen to when he’s not hosting? Well, listen up! pic.twitter.com/M06if09gP4
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) August 26, 2014
During his downtime from filming Jeopardy episodes, Trebek enjoys fixing things around his house. “I do electrical stuff, gardening, outdoor furniture cleaning and repair, you name it, I’ll do it,” said the Emmy Award winning host. Congrats to Trebek on his 31 years on Jeopardy. May he host many more years.
@vldeloach Season 31 begins September 15th!
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) September 5, 2014
