THE BRIGHT, modern Jeopardy! studio that continues to honor late host Alex Trebek has been revealed in rare behind-the-scenes photos.
Fans are typically only privy to the parts of the set that airs on the show, such as the contestant’s podiums and the game board, but The U.S. Sun got exclusive access backstage of the beloved trivia show.
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Late host Alex Trebek’s former podium is on full display at the Jeopardy! studioCredit: The U.S. Sun
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Dozens of Emmy Awards are proudly shown off in a hallway display caseCredit: The U.S. Sun
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Alex Trebek hosted Jeopardy for 35 years before his passing in 2020Credit: Getty
Jeopardy! tapes on the legendary Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, CA – where scenes from iconic films such as Wizard of Oz, Jaws and Singin’ in the Rain were filmed.
When walking throughout the lot, which is centered by the famed Sony water tower, down to Jeopardy’s home of Stage 10, other projects are in the process of being made with Hollywood magic.
Approaching Stage 10, attendees will see a massive gold and black plaque outside of the soundstage that shows the space had been renamed The Alex Trebek Stage.
As soon as you step foot into the studio, three contestant podiums that are all connected can be seen for fans to pose behind.
On the wall that leads to a bright artifact-filled hallway are announcer Johnny Gilbert’s famous words he says at the top of each show: “This is… Jeopardy!”
The hallway proudly displays rare keepsakes from the decades Jeopardy! has been on the air.
A trophy case with dozens of various Emmy Awards that the show has been honored with throughout the years is displayed under bright lights.
The Emmys include Best Game Show for the program itself, as well as Best Game Show Host for Alex’s performance.
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The famous Sony Studios water tower is centered in the middle of the lotCredit: The U.S. Sun
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The show renamed Stage 15 to the Alex Trebek StageCredit: The U.S. Sun
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The modern, bright studio is filled with historical set pieces from the pastCredit: The U.S. Sun
He last won the award in 2021 – which was handed out posthumously the year after Alex’s passing from pancreatic cancer in 2020.
Alex’s personal podium is also on display – and fans can even stand behind it themselves and look at the beloved host’s handwritten notes and signature glasses.
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“On any tape day, you can find a variety of items on Alex’s podium. Among these are a game script, his glasses, contestant interview cards a crayon and a Final Jeopardy! card,” a note on the podium read.
His crossed-out notes and category cards can also be seen under the glass display case.
The crew has continued to honor Alex in other ways since his death, including displaying many of the TV icon’s personal items.
One frame on the wall showcases Canada native Alex’s Toronto Maple Leafs hockey jersey, as well as the host wearing the article of clothing on the ice.
“Alex Trebek has the opportunity to shoot clues all over the world for Jeopardy! As an avid sports fan, one of his favorite locations was a clue shoot with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2001,” a plaque next to the jersey read.
Other glass cabinets showed off many Alex Trebek-themed merchandise throughout the years, including a Jeopardy! Simpsons game, various video games, custom clothing, sports memorabilia and items from the host’s time on the road.
Shelves right next to it show Alex’s personal water bottles, shirts and various controls he used when he was behind the podium.
The hallways are filled with framed pictures of Alex throughout the years, as well as his many magazine covers, including his MadTV illustration.
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Alex’s Toronto Maple Leafs jersey and hockey stick is displayed on the wallCredit: The U.S. Sun
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Various Alex Trebek memorabilia is displayed in the glass caseCredit: The U.S. Sun
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The Jeopardy! studio boasts many rare show artifactsCredit: The U.S. Sun
Former super champion Ken Jennings has been hosting Jeopardy! since Alex’s passing and has already become a beloved fixture of the trivia universe.
Though he has not scored any Emmy wins of his own yet – with Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak taking the wins since Alex’s passing – fans have grown to love Ken.
Alex had been behind the game show’s podium since 1984 and passed away at the age of 80 in November 2020.
The show’s official Twitter first confirmed the news: “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”
Jeopardy! Host Timeline
Jeopardy! has had a tumultuous history regarding hosts after the death of the iconic Alex Trebek in 2020. Here are all of the hosts since the game show’s inception in 1964.
Art Fleming – 1964 to 1975, he was the original host of the daytime version of Jeopardy! on NBC.
Alex Trebek – 1984 to 2020, the late, great Alex hosted Jeopardy!’s modern iteration for 36 years until his death from pancreatic cancer.
Guest hosts – 2020 to 2021, Jeopardy! tested out a series of guest hosts for week or two-week stints, including Anderson Cooper, LaVar Burton, and Aaron Rodgers.
Mike Richards – 2021, he was named host for one week before resigning amid controversy. He was the show’s executive producer at the time.
Mayim Bialik – 2021 to 2023, when Mike was announced as the show’s new host, Mayim was chosen to host tournaments and primetime specials.
Mayim and Ken Jennings – 2022 to 2023, 74-time champion Ken (the longest-winning contestant ever) joined Mayim as a guest host and they split hosting duties.
Ken Jennings – 2023 to present. Last December, Mayim announced on Instagram that she would “no longer” host Jeopardy! after a lengthy hiatus, having stood with the writer’s strike, and Ken was named sole host.
Ken now helms all editions of Jeopardy! including Celebrity Jeopardy!, the nightly show, and other primetime specials like Masters.
In March 2019, the TV icon was notified he had Stage IV pancreatic cancer with a tumor that spread to the soft lining of his stomach when he went in for a CT scan at Cedars-Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles.
While Alex had fought hard, prior to a round of chemotherapy, he told the New York Times that if it wasn’t successful, he was prepared to stop treatment.
He explained at the time: “There comes a time where you have to make a decision as to whether you want to continue with such a low quality of life, or whether you want to just ease yourself into the next level. It doesn’t bother me in the least.”
Throughout his journey Alex had plenty of support, especially from his wife Jean and their two kids, son Matthew, 34, and daughter Emily, 31.
Alex hosted the CBS program for over 35 years and was contracted to host Jeopardy! until 2022.
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Alex Trebek poses on the SNL tribute episode for the 40th anniversaryCredit: Getty
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Jeopardy host Alex Trebek, (L) poses contestant Ken Jennings after his earnings from his record-breaking streak on the gameshow surpassed 1 million dollars July 14, 2004Credit: Getty
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Ken hosts Jeopardy! MastersCredit: Getty
