“Jeopardy!” is set to go back in time by re-airing Alex Trebek’s very first episode as host.
The nostalgic tribute will be broadcast this Thursday in honor of “JeoparDAY,” which is celebrated by fans of the program on Mar. 30 every year.
“Jeopardy!” first began airing on that date in 1964. Trebek eventually joined the show in 1984, with his first episode hitting the small screen on Sept. 10 of that year.
Producers excitedly announced the special broadcast on the official “Jeopardy!” Twitter page.
They included a photo of a young Trebek rocking a mustache, striped shirt, gray tweed blazer and a full head of hair.
The Canadian-American entertainer passed away on Nov. 8, 2020 at the age of 80 after a battle with pancreatic cancer.
On Mar. 6, 2019, Trebek shared a heartbreaking video in which he announced that he was battling the illness.
“I’m going to fight this and I’m going to keep working and with the love and support from my family and friends and with the help of your prayers,” he said at the time.
“I plan to beat the low survival rate statistics for this disease. Truth told, I have to because under the terms of my contract, I have to host ‘Jeopardy!’ for three more years, so help me. Keep the faith and we will win. We will get it done,” he continued.
“Jeopardy!” honored Trebek the day after his death with an episode that featured a special message from executive producer Mike Richards.
“This is an enormous loss for our staff and crew, for his family and for his millions of fans,” Richards began. “He loved this show and everything it stood for. In fact, he taped his final episodes less than two weeks ago. He will forever be an inspiration for his constant desire to learn, his kindness and for his love of his family.”
Trebek hosted the show from 1984 until his death in 2020. He is pictured in 1990.Ron Galella Collection via Getty Images “On behalf of everyone here at ‘Jeopardy!’ thank you for everything, Alex. This is ‘Jeopardy!'” he sobbed.
Last year, on the second anniversary of his death, Trebek was also commemorated on the show. The episode contained a category called “Remembering Alex Trebek,” where contestants took in clues centered on the beloved host’s life and career.
Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik now serve as hosts of the beloved game show.
