‘Jeopardy!’: Alex Trebek’s Successor Could Be ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Co-Host Vanna White
Two of the most-watched and beloved games shows of all-time are Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune, both of which were created by game show legend Merv Griffin. Part of the success of the long-running programs is the likability of their respective hosts, Alex Trebek of Jeopardy! and the duo of Pat Sajak and Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune.
The inspirational Trebek has recently been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which has caused fans to think about the future host of Jeopardy! once he retires. One of the leading candidates for the coveted positions should be the extremely experienced and talented White.
Who is the host of ‘Jeopardy!’ Alex Trebek?
Born George Alexander Trebek was born in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada, the popular host got his start in the entertainment industry on the Canadian music program Music Hop. He then moved to America in 1973, took his middle name Alex as his stage name, and began hosting a wide range of game shows on the NBC network.
These show-hosting duties led to Trebek being hired as the host of Jeopardy!. Trebek began as the host of Jeopardy! starting at the show’s revival in 1984, and has been the host ever since. One of the few people that have taken over Trebek’s hosting duties was Sajak, who took over as host on April Fools Day of 1997.
In return, Trebek hosted an episode of Wheel of Fortune, in which White and Sajak played the game for the benefit of the American Cancer Society and Boy Scouts of America. Despite Sajak having an episode of experience as the host of Jeopardy!, many fans think that the other host of Wheel of Fortune should be the one to take over for Trebek.
Could Vanna White replace Alex Trebek as the host of ‘Jeopardy!?’
White has decades of game show experience from being on the Wheel of Fortune for 38 consecutive years. White became the second hostess of the popular game show, taking over for Susan Stafford in 1982.
White and Sajak are a perfect pair for the show and are among the main reasons that the show is so popular and highly rated. She also has experience in Sajak’s role at the head of the wheel, as she was the main host of the show during the shooting week of December 9 to 16 in 2019.
White took over for Sajak because of a health scare the regular host went through and has since recovered from. During that week, White’s role was taken over by automated Disney characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as a number of special appearances by Sajak’s wife Margie.
White is a perfect choice for the next host of Jeopardy! because of her experience, grace, and humor. Besides White numerous qualifications that fit the host position, hiring her as the host of the popular game show would be a great representation for women in the game show industry.
What would White bring to the popular game show?
Game show hosts have been predominantly male, which could change if White took over as the host of Jeopardy!. Seeing a female as the host of the extremely popular game show could help change the status quo, and possibly pave the way for future female hosts to have an easier path.
She would also be able to expand the show’s audience, as Wheel of Fortune fans would certainly follow her to Jeopardy!. White is a great choice to take over as the host of Jeopardy!, which could happen once Trebek leaves.
Both she and Trebek are under contract for their shows until 2022, which could provide an easy transition process for both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune. Whoever takes over as host for the legendary will have massive shoes to fill, but if anyone can do it, it’s the talented White.
