How Alex Trebek Became an American Institution | FULL DOCUMENTARY

Watch Alex Trebek's journey from humble beginnings in Sudbury, Ontario to the bright lights of Hollywood, and how he became forever etched in game show history as the host of "Jeopardy!"
Stream full episodes at http://canadasgameshows.com and http://igametv.com

As the longest-running game show host on TV, it’s not hard to see why Alex Trebek has become such a household name. But the admiration for the Canadian born host extends far deeper than “Jeopardy.”

When the 79-year old was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer in March 2019 he received an unprecedented outpouring of support from his fans. He responded with a tearful on-air thank you.

“Alex Trebek is much more than a game show host. Alex Trebek is an American institution,” says game show producer and development executive Bob Boden.

Trebek has continued to host “Jeopardy” despite going through treatment that has been both physically and mentally demanding. He has not set an end date for his duties but hinted when he decides to leave he’ll do it “on a whim” at the end of the show.

Born in Sudbury, Ontario, Trebek studied philosophy at the University of Ottawa before working as a broadcaster at CBC. He landed his first hosting gig on the network’s “Music Hop” in 1963 and continued to hone his craft in Canada on everything from “Strategy” and “Stars on Ice” to “Reach For The Top.”

His versatility as a host did not go unnoticed in the U.S. and he eventually was offered roles on shows like “The Wizard of Odds,” “Classic Concentration” and “High Rollers.”

But it wasn’t until he took over the reins of “Jeopardy” in 1984 that he really secured his iconic status.

“He is the modern day epitome of the game show host,” says Briane Nasimok, a writer and producer who has worked with Trebek. “Alex Trebek should be on the Mount Rushmore of game show hosts,” echoes Canadian TV host and comedian Howie Mandel.

Trebek has generously given back to his alma mater and has received many accolades on both sides of the border including the Order of Canada in 2017.

“My intimate knowledge of him as a person is a giving human being, someone who cares, and the way that he’s handled the problems with his cancer, he’s been so open and positive,” says Nasimok.

“If somebody else were to say Alex Trebek is the greatest game show host of all time, I absolutely would not argue with that,” says game show author and expert Adam Nedeff.

“Alex has absolutely earned the right to be called that.”

"The Search For Canada's Game Shows" is a six-episode documentary series that takes you on a trip down memory lane featuring interviews with game show icons like Howie Mandel and Wink Martindale. You'll learn how an American quiz show scandal became a boon to Canada's game show industry, enjoy a look at the early careers of game show legends like Monty Hall and Alex Trebek, and get the behind-the-scenes stories of how some of Canada's most inventive game shows like "The Mad Dash" and "Bumper Stumpers" came to be.

The series is also a hunt for game show footage thought lost to time. History has not been kind to some of Canada's finest game show entries; due to the practice of wiping, some have been almost completely erased from the archives. However, we've dug deep to unearth classic footage from all of your favourite shows, including home video recordings from viewers like you!

"The Search for Canada's Game Shows" is narrated by Wayne Cox, the host of fan favourites like "Acting Crazy," "Talk About" and "Second Honeymoon." Join us on January 16th at 7 PM for a special two-episode premiere!

Видео How Alex Trebek Became an American Institution | FULL DOCUMENTARY канала Canada's Game Shows