July 29 (UPI) -- Sony Pictures Television told USA Today in a statement that Alex Trebek, 80, of Jeopardy! and Pat Sajak, 73, and Vanna White, 63, of Wheel of Fortune are returning to Los Angeles studios for new episodes.
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The Wheel of Fortune duo and late Jeopardy!host had a connection like no other, as their relationship in the game show world was both decades long and built around their back-to-back air times. Mar 17, 2020 By Drew Weisholtz Popular game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” have joined the growing list of programs suspending production due to the coronavirus pandemic. Both shows, which had.
'While some things may have changed behind the scenes and on the set to keep everyone safe, fans can expect to see the same Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! they have come to love when the season starts,' the statement said.
Both shows are slated to resume production this week and next, Deadline.com reported.
Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!suspended their audience tapings and then stopped filming new episodes all together around mid-March amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trebek had announced a year before the delay in the show's production that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. More recently, he said that his cancer treatment is going well and he's 'feeling great.'
The show recorded some classic episodes during the hiatus and Trebek said that he is eager to return.
'The productions have protocols in place in accordance with current government guidelines to protect contestants, staff, crew and talent from the spread of COVID-19,' a studio spokesperson told People.
Prevention measures due to COVID-19 at Wheel of Fortune include a redesigned wheel that allows contestants to stay six feet apart. At Jeopardy!, contestants will be spaced out further and away from Trebek at his lectern.
Along with social measures, other changes include: allowing only staff and crew on stage, providing everyone behind the scenes with personal protective equipment, testing contestants before they come on the show and testing staff and crew on a regular basis.
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'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel of Fortune' are both making a comeback to a TV screen near you.
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The iconic games shows are set to resume production soon and will adhere to new safety guidelines such as regular testing, limiting crew members, donning PPE (personal protective equipment), and social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy!' are returning to the studio to tape episodes for the shows’ upcoming seasons,' a studio spokesperson told Fox News. 'The productions have protocols in place in accordance with current government guidelines to protect contestants, staff, crew, and talent from the spread of COVID-19.'
The spokesperson added: 'While some things may have changed behind the scenes and on the set to keep everyone safe, fans can expect to see the same 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy!' they have come to love when the season starts.'
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'Wheel of Fortune' host Pat Sajak with contestants (CBS)
Some of the changes include a redesigned wheel on 'Fortune' and spreading the podiums out on 'Jeopardy!' to ensure everyone is at a safe distance from one another. Also, there will be no studio audience for either show.
'Fortune' hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White are coming back as well as longtime 'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek, who is currently battling stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Trebek said in a YouTube video earlier this month, that he was “feeling great” and that his cancer treatments were “paying off.”
'Jeopardy!' host Alex Trebek (L) with a contestant (Jeopardy Productions Inc. via AP)
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“I can’t wait to return to the studio and start recording shows for the new season in September,” he said at that time. “Meanwhile, my wish for all of you: stay safe.”
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The Emmy-winner has continued to update fans about his health all throughout his cancer treatments.
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In late July on Twitter he wrote, “My current numbers are very good, but we will have to be patient with this new immunotherapy program that I am on. But, if it were to stop being successful, I would return to my previous chemo treatment — NOT stop all treatment... I am optimistic about my current plan, and thank them for their concerns.”