Katie Couric will be one of the first hosts to take the stage following the last episode of the late Alex Trebek this week.
The longtime network television powerhouse will be the game show guest for a week, sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Couric did not respond to The Post’s request for comment on the role of host. But the show has announced plans for guest hosts to run the show until they find a permanent replacement. Former “Jeopardy!” Champion Ken Jennings has been booked for one of the guest hosting slots.
The news comes as Trebek will appear on the long-running show for the last time in Friday’s episode. The beloved host died in November at the age of 80 after battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
On Monday night’s episode, Trebek delivered a powerful message of togetherness and giving.
“You will remember about a month ago I asked you to take a moment to say thank you for all the blessings you have in your life,” he said. Now, today a different kind of message. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with your family, your friends, your loved ones. “
He went on to challenge fans who have watched the show he hosted over 8,200 episodes.
‘But today I want you to take it a step further. I would like you to open your hands and open your heart to those who are still suffering from COVID-19. People who suffer through no fault of their own, ”he said. “We’re trying to build a softer, kinder society, and if we all participate – just a little bit – we’ll get there.”
Filmed in October, the episode ended with a dedication to Trebek who read, “Forever in our hearts, always our inspiration.”
His latest episode contains “a special tribute to the life and work of the man who led America’s Favorite Quiz Show with skill, style and sophistication for over 36 years,” said a statement from “Jeopardy!” producer Sony Pictures Television. The last week of episodes were scheduled to air over Christmas week, but Sony pushed them back so fans could enjoy their final moments with Trebek.
Couric, 63, anchored NBC’s “Today” from 1991 to 2006, then went on to become the anchor of “CBS Evening News” and started her own media company. She also became an avid advocate for cancer screening and research, after losing both her first husband and sister to cancer.