Most emotional moments from ‘Jeopardy!’ in 2020

“Jeopardy!” was filled with emotional moments in 2020. Most notable of which was the loss of long-time host Alex Trebek, who died on November 8th after a gruelling battle with pancreatic cancer. As heartbreaking as it was for fans to watch his health decline, Trebek continued to host with positivity and grace. One example of which was the pre-taped message he recorded for Thanksgiving.

“In spite of what America and the rest of the world are experiencing right now there are many reasons to be thankful,” said Trebek. “There are more and more people extending helping hands to do a kindness to their neighbors, and that’s a good thing. Keep the faith. We’re going to get through all of this and we’re going to be a better society because of it.”

While many of the emotional moments from the year came from Trebek, the online community also played a part, especially when it came to supporting players who struggled.

Finally, the beloved host used the show to educate viewers about pancreatic cancer, as well as provide updates on his own battle. While the moments were bittersweet, they reaffirmed what a caring and compassionate man Alex Trebek was.

Video Transcript

- Here's a true story, man. I grew up. I learned English because of you. So my grandfather, who raised me-- I'm going to get tears right now. I used to sit on his lap and watch you every day. So this is a pretty special moment for me, man. Thank you very much.

- Jeopardy was filled with emotional moments in 2020. Most notably, the loss of longtime host Alex Trebek, who died on November 8 after a grueling battle with pancreatic cancer. But as heartbreaking as the loss was, he was able to use the show to educate people about the deadly disease.

ALEX TREBEK: Today is world pancreatic cancer day. And if you or anyone you know has developed some of the symptoms that I have talked about in the past, then by all means, get to a doctor. Get yourself tested. I want you to be safe.

- And even after his death, he comforted fans with a pre-taped inspirational message heading into Thanksgiving.

ALEX TREBEK: In spite of what America and the rest of the world is experiencing right now, there are many reasons to be thankful. There are more and more people extending helpful hands to do a kindness to their neighbors, and that's a good thing. Keep the faith. We're going to get through all of this, and we will be a better society because of it.

- While many of the emotional moments from the year came from Trebek, the online community also played a part, especially when it came to supporting players who struggled.

ALEX TREBEK: It's the most common last name in over half of the 50 states. Priscilla?

- What is a city?

ALEX TREBEK: I'm sorry?

- Oh, sorry. What is--

ALEX TREBEK: No, you were incorrect the first time.

- Fans and former contestants took to Twitter to voice their love and support for the contestant who was dealing with anxiety, with one former player tweeting, dear, Priscilla, your fellow Jeopardy contestants love you. Anyone who says anything unkind has never been where you were. And in a year, which featured the greatest of all time tournament, which Alex loved, many fans were glad that he got one last great champion during his final week of taping.

ALEX TREBEK: I don't think you've missed any of the daily doubles you uncovered, and you've uncovered all of them in the games in which you've competed.

You know, what a week this is turning out to be on Jeopardy. So I'm not going to say anything that might risk jinxing it.