This is Jeopardy! Our First Year Without Alex

When I was a kid, events were much earlier. Sometimes, around dinner time, we would sit around a medium-sized television and see a familiar game show. At one point, we tried to faithfully keep up when one contestant was winning more than five games in a row. My siblings noted, along with Alex Trebek, that Mormons don’t drink, but Ken Jennings had nonetheless answered every question correctly about alcohol. He cheerfully told Alex the next day that his wife had helped quiz him with flashcards. Even though his winning streak broke, the impact on Jeopardy! had certainly not changed. Ken has returned a few times, but the most recent reason is more tragic.

“And here is your host, Alex Trebek!” remains iconic. You’d see a familiar man walk onto the set in a black or grey suit, sometimes with his hair matching the couture. He would happily introduce the contestants. The advisor of my high school’s academic team and a former classmate who had a two-day winning streak would get to shake his hand and take selfies in-between takes. I did sometimes consider applying and my older brother would stand a great chance of being on the show. Alex did the job for 36 years, taking over from Art Fleming. Fleming was also beloved in his time, meaning Alex had to work hard to win the audience’s love and stay on the air. Needless to say, he succeeded.