Jeopardy! Shares Emotional Message From Alex Trebek Prior To Airing Final Episodes

Prior to releasing the late Alex Trebek’s final five episodes as host of Jeopardy!, the latest episode began with a touching request from the long-running host, that was filmed just 10 days before his death in November.

“You will recall about a month ago, I asked all of you to take a moment and give thanks for all of the blessings that you enjoy in your lives,” Trebek started. “Now, today a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, with your friends, your loved ones, but today I’d like you to go one step further. I’d like you to open up your hands and open up your hearts to those who are still suffering because of COVID-19. People who are suffering through no fault of their own. We’re trying to build a gentler, kinder society. If we all pitch in just a little bit, we’re going to get there.”

The message came at the beginning of the first of five episodes airing this week, the final episodes of Trebek’s career as host of Jeopardy!.

Trebek died on November 8 after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer. He was 80 years old. Executive producer Mike Richard spoke to Entertainment Weekly about Trebek’s final days on set and also touched upon the emotional speech.

“On that first episode, [Trebek] walked out, and you’ll see it when it airs, he gives this amazing speech about the holidays and coming together and being strong and taking care of each other. And we didn’t know he was gonna do that; he just walked out and did it.”

Trebek’s final Jeopardy! episodes will air through Friday, January 8.