Alex Trebek’s final episode of Jeopardy! will air on Christmas Day

Beloved host’s final day in the studio was 29 October

Alex Trebek’s final episode as the host of Jeopardy! will air on 25 December 2020, Sony Pictures Television has announced.

Trebek, who died from pancreatic cancer on Sunday at the age of 80, continued filming episodes in the Jeopardy! studio until 29 October, according to the network, with new episodes featuring Trebek airing until his final one on Christmas Day.

Jeopardy! resumed filming for its 37th season in September, with Trebek as its host, after production of the game show was briefly paused due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a statement to Entertainment Weekly, Sony confirmed that it would not be announcing a replacement for the game show’s host of 36 years at this time.

Trebek first became host of the beloved show in 1984, eventually earning a Guinness World Record for hosting the most episodes of a single game show, according to EW.

Sony confirmed Trebek’s passing on Sunday with a statement in which the network said it had lost a “legend”.

“Today we lost a legend and a beloved member of the Sony Pictures family. For 37 amazing years, Alex Trebek was that comforting voice, that moment of escape and entertainment at the end of a long, hard day for millions of people around the world,” the statement read.

Jeopardy! also paid tribute to its host with a statement on Twitter, which read: “Jeopardy! is saddened to share that Alex Trebek passed away peacefully at home early this morning, surrounded by family and friends. Thank you, Alex.”

Trebek first revealed he was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in 2019. Since then, he had offered viewers continuous updates about his condition.

In light of the news that his final episode would be airing on Christmas, viewers said it would be a fitting tribute to the longtime host.

“New episodes up to Christmas. What a gift,” one person wrote.

Another said: “Alex Trebek’s final Jeopardy! episode will air on Christmas. The most pure conclusion to his incredible legacy. Wow."