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Jeopardy! earns its highest ratings following death of Alex Trebek 

Jeopardy! garnered its highest ratings in seven months, following host Alex Trebek’s tragic passing on November 8 at the age of 80.

For the week of November 9, Jeopardy! averaged ‘10.05 million daily viewers for its weekday episodes, a 24 percent jump over the show’s season average of 8.1 million,’ as reported by While receiving treatment for his advanced pancreatic cancer, Trebek taped brand new episodes of the syndicated game show that will air through early January. 

Big turnout: Jeopardy! garnered its highest ratings in seven months, following host Alex Trebek’s tragic passing on November 8 at the age of 80; Trebek pictured

‘Jeopardy! led all syndicated programming for the week, topping second-place show Wheel of Fortune (9.18 million viewers) by about 870,000 people,’ the outlet added.

The trivia show also happened to lead the ‘syndicated rankings among households with a 6.0 rating, edging the 5.9 for Judge Judy.’ 

The last time Jeopardy! boasted an impressive ’10 million viewers in a week’ was back in April.   

Jeopardy! has kept mum about who will replace the longtime host, only stating that the new permanent host will be announced at a later date.

Percent jump: For the week of November 9, Jeopardy! averaged ‘10.05 million daily viewers for its weekday episodes, a 24 percent jump over the show’s season average of 8.1 million,’ as reported by THR; Trebek pictured

Until then, the series’ record-holder Ken Jennings will be the first in a series of interim hosts replacing Trebek when the show resumes production next Monday.

An official tweet revealed: ‘We will resume production on 11/30 with a series of interim guest hosts from the Jeopardy! family – starting with Ken Jennings. Additional guest hosts to be announced.’ 

Producers also confirmed Monday that Jennings, who won 74 games in a row and claimed the show’s «Greatest of All Time» title in a competition last year, will host episodes that air in January.

Super fan: Jeopardy! record-holder Ken Jennings will be the first in a series of interim hosts replacing Alex Trebek when the show resumes production next Monday

Executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement: ‘Alex believed in the importance of Jeopardy! and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him. We will honor his legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved.’ 

«By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers,» Richards added.  

This image released by ABS shows contestant Ken Jennings with a trophy on «JEOPARDY! The Greatest of All Time.» Jennings will be the first interim guest for the late Alex Trebek, and the show will try other guest hosts before naming a permanent replacement. (Eric McCandless/ABC via AP)

This image released by JEOPARDY! shows Ken Jennings, a 74-time champion the the set of the popular quiz show. Jennings will be the first interim guest for the late Alex Trebek, and the show will try other guest hosts before naming a permanent replacement. (JEOPARDY! via AP)

The show is in its 37th year of syndication, and Trebek was its only host. It is still airing shows that Trebek filmed before his death.

Richards said that Jeopardy! will air repeat episodes for the holiday weeks beginning Dec. 21 and 28, meaning Trebek’s final week of shows will air starting Monday, Jan. 4.

Jennings’ episodes begin on Jan. 11.   

Tribute: Executive producer Mike Richards said in a statement: ‘Alex believed in the importance of Jeopardy! and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him.’

The news comes after Trebek’s wife recently broke her silence on her husband’s passing, as she thanked everyone for their «compassionate messages and generosity». 

Posting on Instagram, Jean wrote: «My family and I sincerely thank you all for your compassionate messages and generosity. Your expressions have truly touched our hearts. Thank you so very, very much. «Many Blessings to all, «Jean Trebek.» 

Trebek first revealed his cancer diagnosis in 2019, and had been open about his battle several times, including admitting this year he would stop his cancer treatments if his last course failed to work.