Alex Trebek’s final new ‘Jeopardy!’ episode, tribute airing tonight

The final new “Jeopardy!” episode hosted by Alex Trebek will air Friday night including a tribute to the late-game show host’s legacy.

The episode will air at 7 p.m. on Channel 9.

READ: ‘Jeopardy!’ host Alex Trebek dead at 80

The final episode, will conclude with a tribute to the longtime and beloved host. He died of pancreatic cancer on Nov. 8 at age 80.

Trebek, who had been candid about his condition, worked up until 10 days before he died, soldiering on despite debilitating treatments and the disease’s toll.

READ: Here are 5 fun moments from ‘Jeopardy!’

It was unexpected that the episodes taped in late October would be his final ones, Sony said. Trebek had been fighting the disease for nearly two years.

Veteran “Jeopardy!” champion Ken Jennings will take over as guest host starting on Jan. 11. A permanent host has yet to be announced.

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Photos: Alex Trebek through the years Alex Trebek, 1974. (Ron Tom/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images via Getty Images)

“Alex believed in the importance of Jeopardy! and always said that he wanted the show to go on after him,” said Jeopardy! Executive Producer Mike Richards. “We will honor Alex’s legacy by continuing to produce the game he loved with smart contestants and challenging clues. By bringing in familiar guest hosts for the foreseeable future, our goal is to create a sense of community and continuity for our viewers.”

READ: Remembering Alex Trebek: Central Florida reacts to beloved ‘Jeopardy!’ host’s death

Trebek’s final episodes were originally scheduled to air the week of Christmas, but best-of episodes aired instead due to anticipated preemptions around Christmas and New Year’s.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Dawn Wells FILE PHOTO: Actress Dawn Wells attends the 2015 TV Land Awards at Saban Theatre on April 11, 2015 in Beverly Hills, California. Wells died Wednesday of illness related to COVID-19. She was 82. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) (Jason Merritt/Getty Images)