Is Something Wrong With Jeopardy?

[Mojochi]

1st off, I admit I could be overanalyzing this, like I do everything else on this message board lol, but Holzhauer 33 wins in season 35, Amodio 38 wins in season 37/38. Schneider 40 wins in season 38. That's 3 record breaking winning runs in the last 4 seasons. At this point I'm starting to think something's odd, & I'm on the lookout to see if another long run like these comes up in another season or so.

If it does, I have to start thinking there's been some changes that have caused this effect, like say if they've lowered qualification standards. Now I'm not saying we shouldn't be commending the skills of these champs. They're all excellent players, with interesting strategies, & vast knowledge bases.

What I am thinking though is that for these runs to have come so close together, it might suggest that much of the rest of their competition might be flooded with weaker players than use to be put on the show. This last episode with the guy who finally defeated Amy Schneider was utterly pitiful in comparison, with the contestants missing upwards of half the responses, including all of them missing the final one.

I'm not trivia adept at all, myself, & even I have begun finding a LOT of the daily questions to be much easier than they use to be. It's gotten to where I'm almost as good as many of the people on the show now... & I'm an idiot lol

Am I the only one noticing how the show seems easier, & the contestants are generally much weaker, & that when someone who actually is a good player shows up, they dominate unlike ever before? Anybody else feel like it's making the show less enjoyable?

 

[Starbreaker]

Since they removed the 5 win limit, it's becoming more common. Half of the games seems to be knowing how to work the buzzer, and it gets easier with several hours practice.

 

[BK613]

I don't know about weak but definitely timid. It seemed like that anytime that a player grabbed control of the board from Amy, they would roll back to the top of the categories instead of going for the bigger money clues. The librarian from Chicago was competitive because he played on the bottom half of the board more than most that had to play against her.

 

[Vanyel]

Yeah, playing from the bottom up is a winning strategy, if you get enough right it makes the other players have to really win those low scoring questions to just catch up. That was the strategy that guy that was a gambler used and it paid off big. I also have to agree with Starbreaker, learning to work the buzzer quickly is very important. I don't know how many games they shoot a day but a winner can get a good feel for the buzzer in a game or two.

 

[dupersuper]

So you're saying that Jeopardy may be in...trouble?

 

[Mojochi]

So you're saying that Jeopardy may be in...trouble?

Well, I doubt it's going anywhere, even though they're in some kind of anomalous host situation, where Jennings is referred to as "Hosting" & Bialik has been called "The Host" by the announcer, even though we hardly ever see her, & some viewers might be a little frustrated by it being a bit boring with dominators & sheep being the new dynamic. My only concern might be that the show possibly dumbing down could be at the center of it, but I agree with posts above that mention how getting a feel for the game rhythms, buzzer, betting, searching daily doubles etc... after having gotten a couple wins & some experience could also be playing into it too

 

[the G-man]

Slightly off topic but: They need to stop stunt casting hosts and admit that Trebeck worked because he was professional broadcaster with a strong resume and solid presence, not a Superfan actor or former champ.

 

[tomalak301]

I think James broke the game and pretty much told everyone how it's done. If you're smart and practice at the buzzer, it makes the game easier. Also, there's been a lot of talk lately about how to bet Final Jeopardy and that might have a lot to do with it, but one of the things I noticed with Amy was how Final Jeopardy didn't really matter because she was so far ahead most games.

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

So you're saying that Jeopardy may be in...trouble?

Ohhhhh, I see what you did there. You're asking if Jeopardy is in.....peril?

 

[Aragorn]

I don't know how many games they shoot a day but a winner can get a good feel for the buzzer in a game or two.

They shoot five episodes in one day.

 

[JirinPanthosa]

Short of bringing back the 5 win limit I'm not sure what they could do but somehow fix it so being good at buzzers isn't such a huge advantage.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

Ohhhhh, I see what you did there. You're asking if Jeopardy is in.....peril?

The show's in jeopardy, baby. Oooooo, oo ooooo ooooo

 

[Ar-Pharazon]

The show's in jeopardy, baby. Oooooo, oo ooooo ooooo

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[Mr. Laser Beam]

Will Ferrell should be the new host. /thread

 

[Amaris]

Will Ferrell should be the new host. /thread

This is the only reasonable solution.

 

[JoseNoodles]

Moral of the story: Don't give the hosting job to a conniving weasel who creates a huge power vacuum when he's overthrown shortly after.

 

[Schlegelmilch]

They could go back to the old rule that allowed players to buzz in while the answer is read. The original host,
Art Fleming thought the current rule gave players too much time to think and respond correctly.

 

[UssGlenn]

https://www.theringer.com/tv/2022/1/6/22869689/jeopardy-season-streaks-amy-schneider-matt-amodio

This is an excellent article on what has changed to cause all these super champs.

Highlights:
Clue jumping and daily double hunting pioneered by Arthur Chu and perfected by Holtzhouer.

In February 2020 the qualification test went online anytime. Previously computer tests were scheduled, and if you passed you had to travel to a city on a certain day to test in person. Now all auditions are via Zoom. The effect of this is to vastly increase the number of people trying out. Which means the top scores will be slightly further up the bell curve.

The internet has resources that allow for more refined preparation, but not everyone goes to that trouble.

The Pandemic also caused a backlog of elite players not from California, the article goes into more detail on that.

 

[Mr. Laser Beam]

This is the only reasonable solution.

I actually meant that, BTW.

Not in character as Trebek - that would be disrespectful. I genuinely believe Ferrell would make a great host.

 

[the G-man]

Will Ferrell should be the new host. /thread

Only if Darrell Hammond is installed as a permanent center panel contestant.