Katie Couric will be one of the first hosts to climb the podium after the broadcast of the last episodes of the late Alex Trebek this week.
The network’s longtime television center will host the game show for a week, sources told the Los Angeles Times.
Couric did not respond to The Post’s request for comment on the hosting role. But the show announced plans for the invited hosts to lead the show until they find a permanent replacement. The former “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings has been reserved for one of the guest slots.
The news comes as Trebek will appear for the last time on Friday’s long-running show. The host girlfriend died in November at the age of 80, after a fight with stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
In the episode on Monday night, Trebek sent a strong message about union and dedication.
“You remember that about a month ago I asked you all to take a moment to give thanks for all the blessings you enjoy in your life,” he said. “It simply came to our notice then. This is the season of giving. I know you want to be generous with family, friends, loved ones. “
He continued with a challenge for fans who watched the show he hosted for more than 8,200 episodes.
“But today I would like to take it a step further. I would like you to open your hands and open your hearts to those who are still suffering from COVID-19. People who suffer through no fault of their own, “he said. “We are trying to build a gentler and kinder society, and if we all get in – just a little bit – we will get there.”
The episode, which was filmed in October, ended with a dedication to Trebek, reading, “Forever in our hearts, always our inspiration.”
His latest episode will include “a special tribute to the life and work of the man who led America’s favorite test show with skill, style and refinement for over 36 years,” according to a statement from “Jeopardy!” producer Sony Pictures Television. The last week of episodes was scheduled to air during the Christmas week, but Sony pushed them back so fans could enjoy their last moments with Trebek.
Couric, 63, anchored NBC’s “Today” from 1991 to 2006, then switched to CBS Evening News and founded his own media company. She also became a staunch advocate for cancer research and research after losing both her first husband and sister to cancer.