Katie Couric makes TV history with her debut as the first female presenter of Jeopardy! and admits that she prepared by studying the late Alex Trebek intensively
She will be making television tonight as the first female host of the game show Jeopardy!
And Katie Couric says it was a good idea to accept the gig if it was offered.
“ It’s such an American institution and the chance to play a small part in the continuation of this show was just something I didn’t want to pass up, ” the 64-year-old said in an interview on YouTube Sunday.
Debut: Katie Couric, 64, will make television history Monday night as the first female presenter of the CBS game show Jeopardy!
The seasoned TV anchor will host the CBS game show through March 19 as one of a series of guest hosts following the death from cancer of legendary longtime host Alex Trebek.
Couric admitted she was nervous about taking on the high-profile role.
“The last thing I wanted to do was come over here and screw up and embarrass the show,” she said.
‘The point is, everyone here [at Jeopardy!] takes such good care of you and it was such a relief to know that they wouldn’t make me look stupid and that they would support me and help me out, ‘she said.
Limited Time Performance: The seasoned TV anchor will host the CBS game show through March 19 as one of a series of guest hosts following the death from cancer of legendary longtime host Alex Trebek
Legend: Couric revealed she studied Trebek and how he moved from category to category and how he interacted with contestants in preparation for her stint on the game show
Couric revealed that she had studied Trebek and how he moved from category to category and how he interacted with contestants in preparation for her stint on the game show.
Her guest appearance will also raise money for the charity she co-founded Stand Up To Cancer, with the show donating an amount equal to the cumulative winnings of the contestants.
Trebek died in November after a long and controversial battle with cancer.
Danger! Champion Ken Jennings initially took the reins before CBS announced that no permanent replacement host will be named for the time being.
In addition to Couric, Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Mehmet Oz, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, actress Mayim Bialik and journalist Bill Whitaker are all invited to host the quiz.
Popular: Trebek died in November and Jeopardy! Champion Ken Jennings initially took the reins before CBS announced no permanent replacement host will be named yet
Famous Faces: In addition to Couric, other famous hosts line up: Anderson Cooper, Savannah Guthrie, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, and actress Mayim Bialik