Fans of the popular game show Jeopardy! are disgusted and threatening to boycott over the show’s latest move.
As the Hollywood strike among writers and actors continues to heat up, it’s changing the entertainment landscape. But a new decision from the powers that be at Jeopardy! have fans seeing red. Read on to find out what the network has discussed doing, and why fans are so furious about it.
A Fan House Divided
If there’s one thing that all Jeopardy! fans agree on, it’s that they love the show. Beyond that, everyone has their own opinion on basically everything.
Never has this been more evident than in a new poll that asked viewers which current host they prefer. Legendary long-time host Alex Trebek died in November 2020. Since then, Jeopardy! has been trying out different host balances to find the right fit. For now, they’ve settled on a combination of former Jeopardy! mega-winner Ken Jennings and actress and neuroscientist Mayim Bialik.
A new poll from Newsweek sought to determine once and for all which of the two current hosts reign supreme in the world of the game show. However, it didn’t provide as much illumination as they hoped. They asked 1,500 Americans, “Which of the following individuals would you prefer to see host Jeopardy!?” 30 percent of respondents chose Mayim Bialik. 35 percent chose Ken Jennings. 21 percent of respondents said that they “didn’t know” which host they preferred. And 14 percent of respondents said that they “didn’t care” who hosts the show.
So even though there is a slight lean towards Ken, it appears that the world of Jeopardy! hosts has no clear winners.
Jeopardy! Fans Are Disgusted And Threatening To Boycott Over Network’s Latest Move
Unfortunately, the lack of a distinct host may be the show’s least problem right now.
Season 38 of Jeopardy! wrapped up last week. And Season 40 will kick off on September 11. Until then, the show is running re-runs to fill the evening slot. Producers made a controversial decision to ensure that Season 40 kicks off on time despite the writer’s strike. New episodes will all be made up of recycled versions of old questions from past years. Sony sent a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, which read in part, “Jeopardy! employs Writers Guild of America members, and the syndicated game show is planning to rely on material from prior seasons (39 years’ worth) as it begins taping shows for the 2023-24 season.”
Outraged fans took to the internet to blast the show for crossing the picket line. One fan wrote, “No writers, no show.” Another added, “No more Jeopardy until after the writers strike. I fully support a HUGE pay increase for all involved.” Others added demands that the show “pay your writers” and delay airing a new season until the writer’s strikes are concluded.
Do you think Jeopardy! is betraying its writers by airing the next season despite the strike? Or do you understand the necessity? Sound off in the comments. And catch Jeopardy! weekday nights on CBS at 7:30 PM EST.
