Alex Trebek, the iconic host of Jeopardy!, is a name synonymous with game shows and intelligent, engaging television. While he is best known for his decades-long tenure on Jeopardy!, Trebek’s career spanned numerous game shows, showcasing his versatility and charm. For those curious beyond Jeopardy!, a common question arises: when did Alex Trebek host Concentration?
Before becoming a household name with Jeopardy!, Alex Trebek honed his hosting skills on a variety of programs. Canadian-born, he was initially drawn to the United States in 1973 by Alan Thicke to host The Wizard of Odds on NBC. Although this show was short-lived (1973-74), it opened doors to other opportunities. Trebek went on to host game shows like Double Dare (CBS, 1976-77), The $128,000 Question (CBS, 1977-78), and The New High Rollers (NBC, 1979-80), steadily building his reputation in the game show world.
However, it was in 1984 that Trebek truly hit his stride, taking the helm of Jeopardy!. This trivia game show, with its unique format of answers and questions, had been in syndication across North America since 1964, but Trebek’s arrival marked a turning point. His charismatic presence, combined with a sly humor and intellectual demeanor, resonated with audiences. Jeopardy! under Trebek’s guidance became a cultural phenomenon, attracting 15 to 20 million viewers nightly at its peak. He wasn’t just a host; from 1984 to 1987, Trebek also produced Jeopardy!, demonstrating his deep involvement and vision for the show, including creating specialized tournaments for teens, college students, and celebrities.
So, back to the initial question: when did Alex Trebek host Concentration? The answer lies within his busy schedule alongside Jeopardy!. Alex Trebek hosted Classic Concentration from 1988 to 1991. This NBC game show was a revival of the original Concentration, a memory matching game with rebus puzzles. Hosting Classic Concentration concurrently with Jeopardy! showcased Trebek’s remarkable work ethic and ability to manage multiple high-profile shows. In fact, 1991 marked a unique moment in television history when Trebek became the first person to host three American game shows simultaneously, briefly adding To Tell the Truth to his roster for the latter half of its final season on NBC.
Trebek’s career was not just about quantity but also quality and recognition. He received significant accolades throughout his life, including six Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Game Show Host (1989, 1990, 2003, 2006, 2008, and 2019) from an impressive 30 nominations. In 2011, he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Daytime Emmys, solidifying his legacy in television. His contributions extended beyond entertainment; he received the Alexander Graham Bell Medal from the National Geographic Society (2013) and gold medals from the Royal Canadian Geographical Society for his work promoting geography education through student competitions. By 2014, he had hosted a record-breaking 6,829 episodes of Jeopardy!, surpassing Bob Barker as the presenter with the most game show episodes.
Despite facing health challenges, including heart attacks in 2007 and 2012 and a diagnosis of stage 4 pancreatic cancer in 2019, Trebek remained dedicated to Jeopardy!. His resilience and commitment to his craft were admired by fans worldwide. He even authored a memoir in 2020, The Answer Is…: Reflections on My Life, offering insights into his life and career. Alex Trebek’s passing in 2020 marked the end of an era in game show history.
His legacy continues through the ongoing success of Jeopardy!, now hosted by Ken Jennings and Mayim Bialik. While Alex Trebek will forever be remembered as the face of Jeopardy!, understanding the breadth of his career, including his time hosting Classic Concentration from 1988 to 1991, provides a fuller appreciation of his contributions to the game show genre and television history. He was more than just a host; he was a television icon who brought intelligence, wit, and warmth to our screens for decades.
