'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek is 'back in action,' and fans are ecstatic: 'I teared up'
“Jeopardy!” just wouldn’t be “Jeopardy!” without Alex Trebek.
The show confirmed Thursday on social media that the longtime host of the quiz show is “back in action.” The 79-year-old will be the one presenting the clues when the 36th season premieres Sept. 9.
Alex is back in action! Join him on September 9 for the premiere of Season 36. pic.twitter.com/Vdv9t9vxDE
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) August 29, 2019
In the video that accompanied the announcement, Trebek shares that he’s also finished treatment. “I’ve gone through a lot of chemotherapy and, thankfully, that is now over,” Trebek said. “I’m on the mend, and that’s all I can hope for right now.”
Trebek, who’s hosted the show since it first aired in 1984, was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March. Three months later, he announced that chemotherapy had already begun to shrink his tumors. He never missed an episode of the syndicated show.
The new video also includes footage of Trebek back at the “Jeopardy!” helm, joking with the studio audience that he wants Betty White to play him in the movie version of his life. In another scene, the audience sings “Happy Birthday” to the Canadian transplant, who celebrated another year on July 22.
Fans rejoiced.
“When I heard the good news I teared up,” one Trebekkie wrote. “I am so thrilled you are on the mend and back at Jeopardy!!”
Another shared, “This makes me so happy. Welcome back, Alex! We’ve been waiting, not so patiently, for you.”
“Alex you are looking so good. Can’t wait for the new season to start,” one fan gushed.
“Not saying that I don't like the reruns ... I do,” a loyal Jeopardy! viewer insisted, “but I’m so glad Alex and the new season will be back on September 9. [Heart emoji] continuing to pray for a full recovery for you Alex. We love watching your show.”
At least two clever fans commented in the form of a question, as contestants do on the show. “What is ‘Awesome News’ for $2000, Alex?” wrote one.
The other teased, “[Category]: GOAT Question: Name the best, all time favorite, game show host Answer: Who is Alex Trebek.”
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