‘Jeopardy’ Guest Host Savannah Guthrie Was “Nervous” About Replacing “Maestro” Alex Trebek

Savannah Guthrie‘s time as the guest host of Jeopardy has nearly arrived, and the Today anchor is opening up about her time on the game show. In an interview with People, Guthrie discussed the hosting duties, Alex Trebek‘s legacy, and why she won’t be stepping into the role full-time. She assured viewers not to worry — if they didn’t want her as the permanent host of the hit ABC game show, she’s just a temporary replacement.

“I was so nervous because I really just wanted to show how much respect I have for Jeopardy and Alex — who is a legend and an icon for a reason,” Guthrie said. “He’s the maestro. And I know those Jeopardy! fans are picky, but I have to say, I’m just the fill-in so don’t worry!”

Guthrie, who just celebrated her 10th anniversary as an anchor at NBC’s The Today Show, went on to say that her time on Jeopardy was a quick stint. Why? Well, she already has a TV gig with Today!

“I’m doing a couple of weeks,” she explained. “I loved it. I had so much fun, but I have a day job.”

The guest host also teased what’s to come of her two weeks hosting Jeopardy, noting her nerves came from the fact that she wasn’t the best student. Nevertheless, Guthrie said she was excited to use her knowledge in years to come.

“I was a terrible student until much later in life so there’s just so much I don’t know in general,” Guthrie said. “But, what I learned was how smart everyone at Jeopardy is — especially the contestants and the writers. However, I studied really hard. I read everything ahead of time and I hope some of those facts stay in my head so I can impress people at cocktail parties.”

Guthrie won’t be the first Today anchor to guest host Jeopardy — Katie Couric also tried her hand at the role back in March. Mayim Bialik, star of Big Bang Theory and Blossom, is currently the guest host of Jeopardy. Before she stepped into the position, former competitors Ken Jennings and Buzzy Cohen took the stage, along with Aaron Rodgers and Bill Whitaker. After Guthrie, only two guest hosts remain: Dr. Sanjay Gupta and George Stephanopoulos.

Guthrie will begin hosting Jeopardy on June 14, continuing until June 25. The network plans to announce the permanent host sometime this summer.

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