With the news of Alex Trebek's passing on November 8 comes memories of some of the all-time best "Jeopardy!" moments in history. America knew him as the quintessential quizmaster and host.
Now, we're showcasing some of the best, little-known secrets about the iconic quiz show.
Even if you’re a "Jeopardy!" superfan, even if you have a tattoo of Ken Jennings on your back and you’ve practiced saying “Let’s make it a true daily double, Alex” into the mirror thousands of times, even if you haven’t missed an episode since Trebek sported a mustache, there’s still a lot of things you probably don’t know about TV’s greatest quiz show.
There's a lot more to this beloved game show than the glorious crowning of all-time champions.
Here are 7 facts about "Jeopardy!" every fan deserves.
Five shows are taped per day
It may seem as if ‘Jeopardy!’ follows your daily schedule, but that’s all a clever illusion worked up by showrunners. In reality, Trebek hosts five games per day, meaning the host only puts in 46 days of work per year (what a life!). Writers insert timely comments into Trebek’s opening monologue about holidays or events to make each episode feel current, while Trebek and winning contestants must change outfits between every taping.
Alex Trebek’s name isn’t Alex
The actor was born George Alexander Trebek, which leads to only one question, “Who is Alex Trebek?”
Trebek wasn’t always the host
Before the affable Canadian took over hosting duties for the show in 1984, Art Fleming asked the questions around the stage. Announcer Johnny Gilbert was also preceded by Don Pardo and John Harlan.
The show has aired 8,000 episodes
With 35 seasons in the bank, ‘Jeopardy!’ has aired an immense amount of TV. Just think of all the questions Trebek has asked over all those episodes.
There has been no winner in only seven episodes
Seven times in the show’s history, all three contestants have ended the game with no money, usually after all missing Final Jeopardy! When this happens, the next episode features three new contestants.
The show has earned 33 Daytime Emmy Awards
Forget the contestants who win. The show itself has scored an immense amount of awards at the Emmys, plus a Peabody Award.
The internet loves the way Trebek says ‘genre’
Earlier this year the Jeopardy-verse was abuzz when one fan compiled clips of the host putting his finest Canadian accent to work on the word “genre.” Just listen and let it melt all over your ears.
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