Jeopardy! (1984– ) User Reviews

Mayim is insufferable.

[chimkenbiscuit · 8/10 · 8 February 2022]

I've been watching the show for decades, and Mayim Bialik hosting Jeopardy is tragically ruining one of greatest game shows on tv. Her interactions with the contestants is contrived and downright cringey.

Ken Jennings embodies all things Jeopardy. While no one will ever replace Alex, at least Ken cares about the show and players on the stage. Mayim is a C list actress (at best) with no business hosting a game show.

Make. It. Stop.

Best Game Show Ever

[TheExpatriate700 · 8/10 · 3 January 2012]

Jeopardy is arguably the best game show around today. Tougher and more competitive than Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, it is at once entertaining and educational. Alex Trebek is a classic game show host, whose mere presence adds to the show.

Whereas Millionaire has one set of questions that the player must go through one by one, Jeopardy adds an element of choice to the game, as players have to pick the category and prize level of their question. This element requires strategy on the part of the competitors, particularly when confronted with Daily Doubles where one can bet all one's winnings.

The questions (or answers as the case may be) are also crafted well. Whereas other quiz shows rely heavily on trivia for the most part, Jeopardy requires an expansive knowledge of obscure topics, with heavy doses of literary obscurities and arcane history. It is one of the few shows on today that should be required viewing for school children.

The show has slipped somewhat in recent years. The addition of the "Clue Crew" was a definite misstep, while the extensive use of video clues seems to be something of a distraction. Luckily, the producers seem to have gotten the message, and have cut down on the Crew considerably. (Although one could argue that having Trebek do video clues in costume only detracts from his dignity, which is part of the show's appeal.) Still, Jeopardy remains one of the truly great game shows.

You never realize till its too late sometimes

[moneypennycharley · 8/10 · 23 August 2021]

Never realized that Alex Trebek was the literal life force of this show. Now that's he's gone its just lost its kick, and currently everyone's too concerned about what skin color and sexual orientation the person who gets to read flash cards is. Who cares. How about just have siri or some other speech bot read them, then we can all be not represented equally.

The Greatest Quiz Show of All Time!

[consortpinguin · 10/10 · 10 May 2001]

Over the course of more than 50 years of television history, there have been many game shows. Some of them very good and some really awful. "Jeopardy" stands head and shoulders above any other game show ever made!

The reason I like Jeopardy is that it challenges the contestants both in the studio and watching at home. The questions are very intelligent and require some thought. I consider myself pretty smart and well-educated and I find it challenging. And it's very entertaining. It does not "talk down" to any viewer.

I don't get to watch Jeopardy very often because I'm so busy and don't watch a lot of TV. But we have had the home game for many years -- first as the board game, then as the DOS version computer game and now as the CD-ROM Windows 98/NT/2000 version with all the special effects. I have played this game with my children who are now teenagers and find it very educational. Without trying you can actually learn things about history, geography, music, art, and many, many other topics.

I like the college Jeopardy because it is geared for a younger generation and it is very challenging to the contestants. Middle aged folks like myself may not know all the new hip music and movies. The only variant I don't like is Celebrity Jeopardy because, like "Hollywood Squares" they can be just too cute to stomach. The "Saturday Night Live" parodies are a hoot!

Alex has been criticized by some of the other viewers but he keeps the show on track and on time, not an easy task.

I don't think I'd have the nerve to personally be a contestant on the real TV show, but I enjoy blurting out the answers at home with my family, and I play the home game.

Too many television shows are aimed at the "Lowest Common Denominator" of viewer, but Jeopardy is both entertaining and challenging to people even who have above average intelligence and education. I think it is the BEST game show EVER!!!!

Alex, you promised to fulfill your last 3 year contract but we forgive you and your angel wings await you at heavens gate

[Ed-Shullivan · 10/10 · 8 November 2020]

It was sad to hear that Game Show TV veteran and number one (1) quizmaster Alex Trebek passed away today after announcing earlier this year that he was diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. True to form Alex jokingly said "Truth told, I have to! Because under the terms of my contract, I have to host Jeopardy! For three more years! So help me. Keep the faith and we'll win. We'll get it done."

Jeopardy is one of those unique TV quiz shows that the contestants did not have to dress up in silly costumes to compete, but rather accept the fact that they may be dressed down by a question that most of the TV audience knew was a part of history and/or celebrity nostalgia. Jeopardy seemed to reach higher than normal TV audiences when a game show contestant was on a seemingly unbeatable day to day win streak such as with the recent Jeopardy special series titled "Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time" starring the top three past Jeopardy winners, Ken Jennings, Brad Rutter and James Holzhauer.

This series was watched by tens of millions of viewers decade after decade, and how many TV shows can state this record of longevity? I hope the producers entrust the continuation of Jeopardy! As a homage to the late great quizmaster Alex Trebek by replacing him with a worthy new host such as Ken Jennings maybe?

Trivia: Alex hosted an earlier quiz show in the 1960's targeted at high school aged students titled "Reach For the Top" which challenged two (2) high schools competing with a team of four (4) students per team and answering skilled questions under rapid fire, somewhat similar to the format of Jeopardy!

I give Jeopardy a 9 out of 10 but I rated it a 10 IMDB rating purely for the classy and loveable host Alex Trebek whose angels wings await him at heavens gates.

I'll take "The Best Game Show Ever" for $1,000, Alex.

[lee_eisenberg · 10/10 · 26 July 2006]

I guess that the reason that "Jeopardy!" is so great is that it really challenges you to think, and I've learned so many interesting facts from it. I hope to be a contestant one day. Obviously, Ken Jennings's winning streak was beyond impressive, and the "Celebrity Jeopardy!" spoofs on "Saturday Night Live" are priceless. But it all dates back to this show's premise of forming the answer as a question. It must be really fun coming up with the answers.

I will say that the Clue Crew is unnecessary. But either way, I still say that this is the best game show ever. Alex Trebek is one heckuva host. There will never be another show like this.

So which category to take now?

Love Jeopardy with Ken Jennings, not Bialik

[mamadragon-31923 · 10/10 · 9 December 2021]

I have been a jeopardy fan as long as I can remember, and think Ken Jennings is a great host. However, I absolutely will not watch episodes with Mayim Bialik, She is all about herself and her degree, not the contestants who make the show. She comes across as smug, conceited and self centered, know-it-all Makes me sad to miss episodes bit I can't watch her. My sisters agree.

R.I.P Alex trebek

[ethangentle · 10/10 · 8 November 2020]

Some of the best memories with my late dad are sitting around the TV and watching Jeopardy. Alex's wit and smooth talk make him an excellent host and it is somehow fun AND very educational, I regret that I stopped watching it for the past few months. All in all a fantastic program

New host

[sclovesyou · 10/10 · 11 November 2020]

My heart broke at the death of Alex Trebek. I was reading an article about a new host and read you were thinuking about Anderson Cooper. If you put him as a host I will never watch Jeopardy again.

one heck of a game show

[mattkratz · 7 December 2005]

This will be remembered as one of the best game shows of all time, bar none. They have the perfect host in Alex Trebek. I love the gimmick of revealing the answer and having the contestants guess the question to go along with it. I wish they hadn't discontinued giving prizes to the runners-up though. Those were cool. I love seeing how many of the questions I can guess correctly when I watch it. Perhaps the most recent thing it will be remembered for was Ken Jennings's amazing run of 74 straight wins. That was incredible. Here's to Ken! I also love the final jeopardy theme song. I also tuned in almost every day to the Ultimate Tournament of Champions, which was a great idea. I actually remembered a few of the contestants on that. Hats off to a truly great game show! *** out of ****

Cancel culture

[kmyra8 · 6/10 · 21 August 2021]

Once again, something great ruined by cancel culture. Anderson cooper is the worst shouldn't be allowed to speak in public, don't make him the host.

The top of the game show biz

[VetteRanger · 10/10 · 8 June 2009]

As a kid I watched Jeopardy in its first incarnation with Art Fleming, and it was always first on my list of game shows. It was disappointing to see it disappear, but exciting when it came back in 1984.

The 'new' Jeopardy was just as good as the first version, and Alex Tribek has always delivered a touch of class as the host. Somehow he manages to give the impression that he knows all this stuff, though of course that is patently impossible. Or maybe by this time he's seen all the material enough times that he DOES know it! LOL When it comes to the high concept game show, Jeopardy is pure. The only luck involved is how well a set of categories happens to match the individual knowledge of the contestants, and with 12 categories per game, that mostly averages out.

Measure your own success against the question at the BOTTOM of the board. If you can get 7 of those 12 questions and two thirds of the Final Jeopardies correct consistently, you should test to become a contestant.

Get a regular host

[louandbud-1 · 6/10 · 1 April 2021]

I will not watch another episode of Jeopardy, until you pick a regular full time host. You're first two hosts were fine,after that downhill!!

Another Classic Ruined by Executives who Know Nothing of its Audience

[ajgreer-20023 · 4/10 · 10 March 2023]

This show isn't intrinsically bad. The idea is great and the execution was excellent, until Miyam Bialik was made host. She constantly makes mistakes, like cutting people off when they're correcting themselves, or not accepting a valid answer. Before she was host, these types of things would only happen once in a blue moon. Now they happen almost every single episode. It hasn't gotten better since she was first host a couple of years ago either. Fan outcry hasn't slowed anything down or changed anything, as viewership and ratings always tank when she's on screen, but the producers and directors do not care one bit. If you can stomach the mistakes and Miyam's pretentious and condescending demeanor, then go ahead and watch it.

Hard but fun!!!!!

[sethn172 · 10/10 · 13 September 2006]

Merv Griffin envisioned another great show, and that was "Jeopardy!" The Alex Trebek version first aired in 1984, and it was a huge success. It was an even larger success in 2004 when, thanks to the change in rules stating that contestants can keep on playing as long as they keep on playing, it proved great for Salt Lake City man Ken Jennings!!!!! He has racked up over a million dollars in cash, and was happy to be on that show!!!!!

Anyways, the game consists of a large video board with seven categories. These questions are tough; I know we have to use the W-H questions to answer, but the questions are so tricky, we're like "OH !!!!!" when we find out that the question is actually easy!!!!! Here's an example: These two men found a very edgy bookstore. I could only think of Barnes and Noble, but that "edgy" part tricked me, as it was "BORDERS !!!!!" That's how funny this show can be. I also remember the Before and After category; "Larry King Kong" still cracks me up to this day!!!!! There was also "Gone with the Windshield," "Tinker Bell Curve," etc.

I don't watch this show anymore because it's always on at an inconvenient time!!!!! Grrrrr.... But still, this is a great show that is now High-Def!!!!!

10 stars

The best game-show ever!

[The_Light_Triton · 20 April 2005]

OK, so first of all, you have the answer, right? right. but what is the question?

Merv griffin had this idea a long time ago. so that's when he decided to create "what's the question?" but of course, it's not a flashy name. then, one fateful day, he was talking to some friends when the word "jeopardy" came up. Jeopardy. that's a word you don't hear everyday. so, the name jeopardy was the new game-show name. it was pretty awesome. Alex trebek, famous for "reach for the top", and "the wizard of odds", got hired to be the host of the show. and he's doing a pretty good job of it. some of the most interesting people have been on jeopardy. there was one guy in 1999, who was a one-day champ, named Ben Weiner. but oh man. no history in the history of history can remember that fateful day in June, 2004. the software engineer, from salt lake city, ken Jennings, went 79 days before being beaten. but he won 2.5 million dollars. personally, i like this show because the colors are flashy. that's why i began watching it when i was 3, but i always ran from the room when a daily double came off the board. for those of you who like game-shows, this is the best one ever.

We'll miss you Alex Trebek <3

[reckno · 10/10 · 11 November 2020]

Another legend is gone, and Jeopardy will never quite be the same without him. I loved watching this show with my family answering the question, but I think our favorite aspect was Alex Trebek himself. He was charismatic, kind, funny, and all around a great person who will be missed greatly.

Rest easy Alex. Thank you so much for 36 years of Jeopardy.

1940-2020

Jennings for host

[daxe-93690 · 10/10 · 7 September 2022]

A friend and I have recorded and competed every Wednesday for more than fifteen years. Not wanting to in any way show disrespect to her, I find Mayim as awkward when giving answers. She just blurts as opposed to prefacing with the interrogative like are the rules of the game. Somehow she may be over-degreed for the position. Never wanting to hurt her feelings, my opinion is she would be happier on some scientific research team worthy of her education. Will always watch it, anyway. I feel Ken was bred for the job. He just seems more comfortable and injects appropriate comments which may or may not be fed to him by the writers.

The Best Game Show on TV

[hfan77 · 10/10 · 13 February 2008]

After a slow start in it's debut year 1984,Jeopardy has evolved into the best game show on TV and my personal favorite. Merv Griffin did the right thing and went back to the original format from the Art Fleming era, this time with a video monitor game board and keeping the original "think music." Alex Trebek has become one of TV's best game show hosts and the show has no signs of going stale as the case may be with other long-running TV show. It's a game that everyone can play along at home and the degree of difficulty varies per category.

What has kept the show fresh over the years has been the addition of the "Clue Crew", who gives clues from remote locations, the various tournaments (teen, college, celebrity and earlier seniors) and the elimination of the five game limit for champions, paving the way for the game's greatest player, Ken Jennings. When he was on his unprecedented winning streak, I would tape each episode.

Now in it's 24th year, with a firm renewal through 2012, Jeopardy will remain the best game show on TV.

Worst 10 episodes

[QuackQuack · 10/10 · 20 March 2021]

Of the over 9200 episodes of jeopardy over the years. I found the worst ten. All ten had Katie Couric as the host. However I'm pretty confident that Anderson Cooper will top that... or bottom that.

Guest hosts

[fdbur · 6/10 · 31 July 2021]

I have watched all these guest hosts including lavar burton. LaVar Burton runs a close second to Anderson Cooper as bad. Let's get this over with . You have had several very good guest hosts Ie Buzzy cohen,Dr. Gupta,Ken Jennings, These are all very good at what they do. My personal number one is Ken Jennings however the others would certainly not be out of the question for me. There are several hosts that if they were made the permanent host I would no longer watch the show.

Ken Jennings should be the permanent host

[jmcd2007 · 8/10 · 17 February 2022]

I've been watching this show since the Trebek years. If Trebek were still hosting, I'd give "Jeopardy" an easy and solid 10/10, but the hosting fiasco they've had with this show since's Trebek's unfortunate passing has, in my opinion, been directly comparable to the Jay Leno - Conan O'Brien "Tonight Show" hosting debacle. Another embarassment for NBC. Trebek would be rolling in his grave.

For starters, Mayim Bialik is not that great of a host and she should just stick to acting. Her one sided feminist personality sometimes shows through. During one of the episodes, she once praised the very political Samantha Bee as a "funny lady" after a question came up about her, for example. Moreover, Bialik's hosting style and interaction with contestants also comes off as forced and lacks authenticity, almost as if she's there just to get paid. She never says "answer" before any of the the Daily Doubles and is now looking to leave her own mark on the show by referring to the first round as the "single Jeopardy round." What??

Ken Jennings, on the other hand, is the GOAT of the series and consultant for the show. Trebek himself once hinted that he'd almost prefer Jennings to succeed him. His hosting style comes off as professional and he interacts well with contestants. His hosting style seems more close in nature to how Trebek handled the show. You can tell that he really respects Alex's legacy. Because of that, I feel that Ken really deserves the permanent slot.

One thing I'm disappointed with is how Jennings and Bialik are both introduced. Bialik is introduced as "the host" while Jennings is introduced as "hosting Jeopardy." Both have been announced as hosts for the show this season, so why do they have two different intros? Doesn't make any sense. With that being said, I hope that NBC selects a permanent host soon because I'm not fond of how they're handling this situation at all. If they want to honor and show respect to Trebek's legacy, then make Ken Jennings the permanent host of Jeopardy!

Katie Couric

[marter2006 · 1/10 · 10 March 2021]

She said Trump supporters need to be de-programmed. I hope to God she doesn't stay long on this show. She's as phony as it gets.

God bless you Alex

[kurt7825 · 10/10 · 11 November 2020]

You were a good person. Jeopardy is a great show but it won't be the same without you

This show just is like your toughest college class.

[HermanSchafer · 8/10 · 22 May 2009]

Unlike shows like Wheel Of Fortune(where you guess one letter at a time) starring failed talk show comedian Pat Sajak and failed actress Vanna White, (Who's smile reminds me of Mr Ed the talking horse) or guessing the price on an item like The Price is Right starring ex-marine host Drew Carey and the bikini clad models. (Who men would have dreams about them and when they wake up a sticky mess would need to take a shower and be depressed.) Jeopardy is a show starring a very intelligent host Alex Trebek and the clue crew who do a great job at explaining the category at hand.

I like most of the show except for after the first commercial break when Alex asks each contestant such "unrehearsed" comments like (Alex:"You met your husband/wife doing what and contestant says:"While some driver drove by and splashed water at us.) after that when the contestants get done the player with the most money doesn't exactly win because then its Double Jeopardy and that player could end up 2nd or 3rd depending on the wager.

Jean Cui on April 30,2009 won the lowest score ever with only $599 but in 3 game her total was $14,100 which is a nice amount of money.

I like the end of the show too when Alex talks to all the contestants which shows that he has class.

I give this show a 87 out of 100.