This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
“Jeopardy!” champion Buzzy Cohen hosts a brand new podcast referred to as “That is Jeopardy!” in regards to the historical past of the enduring sport present.
Buzzy Cohen on the set of “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc
Buzzy Cohen, a music govt from Los Angeles, received $164,603 in a nine-day streak on “Jeopardy!” in 2016, then received the 2017 Match of Champions. He returned to the Match of Champions in 2021, this time as a visitor host.
Now, he is the host of a brand new podcast exploring the present’s historical past and enduring success: “That is Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favourite Quiz Present.” Produced by Sony Music Leisure in partnership with Sony Photos Tv, the primary episode premieres April 26.
“Within the podcast, we’re actually how we acquired so far the place ‘Jeopardy!’ is an establishment, not only a sport present, not only a quiz present,” he instructed Insider. “There’s one thing for the ‘Jeopardy!’ followers, but additionally for people who find themselves simply fascinated by American tradition and leisure.”
Cohen additionally shared behind-the-scenes insights from his time on the present that viewers at residence do not get to see.
“Jeopardy!” tapes 5 reveals — a whole week’s value — on daily basis.
Buzzy Cohen competes on “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc.
“Jeopardy!” winners change outfits between tapings to offer the looks of competing on a distinct day, when the truth is reveals are taped one after one other.
Cohen, who performed 10 consecutive video games in two back-to-back taping days, mentioned he did not anticipate simply how “exhausting” the schedule can be.
“That’s definitely one thing that I believe persons are shocked by,” he mentioned. “It actually makes the truth that folks can go on these lengthy runs much more spectacular as a result of it is endurance in addition to psychological and bodily stamina.”
The host of “Jeopardy!” would not have a lot display time, however is busy throughout each second of the present.
Alex Trebek hosted “Jeopardy!” from 1984 till his loss of life in 2020. Eric McCandless/ABC by way of Getty Photographs by way of Enterprise Insider.
“Jeopardy!” hosts put on an earpiece to speak with producers as they juggle many duties that are not seen to viewers at residence.
“What’s type of shocking is how little you are possibly on-screen, however you might be studying the clue, calling a contestant, making a ruling, asking them to pick out,” Cohen mentioned. “Whereas should you’re a contestant and another person has a day by day double, you are type of like, ‘Okay, take a breath, I will regroup right here.’ However should you’re the host, you are in all of these moments.”
Along with operating the gameplay, Cohen says bringing the keenness that retains “Jeopardy!” followers tuning in can be a vital job for the host.
“When you’re not within the materials you are studying, it is going to come throughout to the folks viewing it at residence,” he mentioned. “Actually staying in it and actually being dedicated to it was one thing that Alex Trebek made look really easy, and I believe just isn’t as simple because it appears.”
A person named Michael Harris manually controls the “Jeopardy!” buzzer.
Ken Jennings holds the “Jeopardy!” buzzer. Getty Photographs by way of BI
Harris, who can be a researcher on the present, sits on the judges’ desk offscreen. When the host finishes studying a clue, Harris flips a change and permits the buzzers. If contestants buzz in earlier than the host has completed studying the clue, they’re locked out for 1 / 4 of a second, making buzzer timing a key technique to profitable the sport, The Ringer’s Claire McNear reported.
“That is Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favourite Quiz Present” devotes a whole episode to the buzzer.
“We speak in regards to the contestant standpoint,” Cohen mentioned. “There are contestant buzzer consultants. There is a man who we interviewed who’s written a ebook on the buzzer. He does buzzer workshops at trivia occasions. After which we additionally speak to Michael Harris, who permits the buzzer, and we speak in regards to the rule that made the buzzer what it’s right this moment.”
Often, manufacturing pauses for rulings by the present’s judges.
The “Jeopardy!” board. Eric McCandless by way of Getty Photographs by way of BI
Typically, a contestant will present a solution that requires additional deliberation, comparable to questionable pronunciation.
“There’s a number of visitors management stuff that good hosts make look simple,” Cohen mentioned. “I practiced rather a lot to make it as simple as potential, however you do not actually give it some thought while you’re simply watching the present.”
The “Jeopardy!” alumni neighborhood is a close-knit group.
From left to proper: “Jeopardy!” champions James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings, and Brad Rutter. Eric McCandless by way of Getty Photographs by way of BI
Nicknamed “Mr. Character” by Alex Trebek, Cohen turned referred to as a polarizing determine on the present for his tongue-in-cheek “Remaining Jeopardy!” solutions referencing “SNL” skits. Different “Jeopardy!” contestants, comparable to 2018 Teen Match champion Claire Sattler and 40-game champion Amy Schneider, have spoken out about experiencing on-line harassment after their appearances on “Jeopardy!”
Fortunately, Cohen says, the “Jeopardy!” alumni neighborhood is there for one another.
“The oldsters at ‘Jeopardy!’ actually need the followers to respect the contestants,” Cohen mentioned. “I am glad this present is taking extra of a ahead strategy, and I additionally love when my fellow contestants can bounce in and type of assemble the ‘Jeopardy!’ alum avengers to assist our fellow contestants.”