It seems unthinkable to have Jeopardy! without Alex Trebek, but the long-running host just reminded us all it will happen one day, and that day might be sooner than we expected.
Trebek was on OBJECTified with Harvey Levin when he talked about his expiring contract on the iconic game show and what he plans on doing about it.
When asked about the odds of him staying on as host after his contract expires in 2020, Trebek said it was "50/50 and a little less" that he'll still be there.
Levin also asked if Trebek could imagine a life without Jeopardy!, it's been 34 years after all! The host very nonchalantly answered, "sure."
The conversation then moved onto possible replacements for Trebek should he decide to move on. Whoever that person is, they'll have to be ready to fill some pretty big shoes!
"I mentioned to our producer not too long ago that the fellow who does play-by-play for the Los Angeles Kings, they should consider him," Trebek told Levin.
Trebek is talking about Alex Faust, who just recently replaced Hall of Fame announcer Bob Miller after 44 seasons of on-air announcing. The 28-year-old has clearly made an impression on Trebek, who still will have a lot of say in the show if he's not the host.
Levin then asked an interesting question...what about a woman host?
"There is an attorney, Laura Coates, she's African-American, and she appears on some of the cable news shows from time to time," Trebek said of the CNN legal analyst.
Coates caught wind of Trebek's recommendation and was thrilled.
Incredibly honored & humbled @Jeopardy Alex Trebek 1) knows who I am 2) thinks I'd be a great host of my fave game show ever that I grew up watching w/ my family & still watch w/ my own kids (who saw him say this & now think I'm a genius)," she wrote on Twitter.
This isn't the first time that Trebek has hinted at leaving Jeopardy! though. In 2012, the host suggested that after his contract was up, he would be leaving.
"A lot of people have been telling me, 'Alex, you've got to go for at least 30,'" Trebek said at the time. "'At least do two more. So that has a nice ring to it. Put in your 30 and go help people.'"
We still have two years until a potential Trebek departure, but what do you think he should do?
[H/T: TMZ]
