“Jeopardy!” is an iconic show, and now “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” a spinoff, is in the works. What is the new spinoff about? Who is hosting? Both of these “Jeopardy!” phrased questions will be answered.
A history of “Jeopardy!”
“Jeopardy!” has been iconic for a long time. Even in class some instructors have students play “Jeopardy!” as an alternative and fun studying method. Even if someone has never watched it, they most likely have heard of it.
According to Britannica, “Jeopardy!” began in 1964 and after some time, it was airing on different TV networks until 1979. Alex Trebek was the host when “Jeopardy!” relaunched in 1984. Trebek hosted from 1984 until 2020, the year he died of stage 4 pancreatic cancer.
Eventually, Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings took over as co-hosts. Some of the TV shows Bialik has been in include “Blossom” and “The Big Bang Theory“, where she played Amy. Additionally, “Beaches” is another movie she has been in. Aside from acting, Bialik also has a PhD in Neuroscience. On the other hand, Jennings has been a “Jeopardy!” contestant himself. According to Britannica, he has won 74 consecutive games, winning around $2.5 million.
According to Today, Bialik made a post on Instagram on Dec. 15, 2023, stating that she is no longer hosting “Jeopardy!” and expressing her gratefulness. The following is what Bialik said in the Instagram post:
“As the holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news. Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy! I am incredibly honored to have been nominated for a primetime Emmy for hosting this year and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of the Jeopardy! family. For all of you who have supported me through this incredible journey and to the fans, contestants, writers, staff and crew of America’s Favorite Quiz Show, thank you,” Bialik said.
Who is the host of “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”
Colin Jost will be hosting this “Jeopardy!” spinoff. He is a member of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) and does “Weekend Update” with Michael Che, a segment of SNL. Jost wrote a memoir called “A Very Punchable Face.” Additionally, according to IMDb some of the movies he has been in include “Tom & Jerry,” “Coming 2 America,” and “How to Be Single.”
According to Variety, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” will be on Prime Video. Below is a quote from Variety regarding what Jost had said about being the host.
“What is: I’m excited,” said Jost.
What is “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” about?
According to the “Jeopardy!” website, contestants will be answering questions in the form of a question, just like the original does. In addition, some categories might include Gen Z, MMA, and Alternative Rock. Overall, anything that has to do with pop culture could take place. Unlike the original, the spinoff will have teams of three people instead of competing individually. One needs to know who their team is before the individual takes the Anytime Test, which is a quiz one takes online for the chance of being on “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” The individual needs to make their team, a team is not made for them. Once a team is made, there are additional steps that need to take place which can be found on the “Jeopardy!” website.
“Pop Culture Jeopardy!” sounds interesting to Sarah Carson, a Lecturer in Communication and Media Studies at NCC. She likes that “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” contestants are in teams. She likes this because one person can’t know everything about every topic. When talking about “Jeopardy!” Carson said the following:
“I used to record it every day,” said Carson.
All in all, a spinoff of an iconic show is in the works. Will “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” follow in the steps of “Jeopardy!” as an iconic, long-running show? We will have to wait to find out.
