This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.
“Jeopardy!” champion Buzzy Cohen hosts a brand new podcast referred to as “That is Jeopardy!” concerning the historical past of the long-lasting recreation present.
Buzzy Cohen on the set of “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc
Buzzy Cohen, a music government 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 bought so far the place ‘Jeopardy!’ is an establishment, not only a recreation present, not only a quiz present,” he informed Insider. “There’s one thing for the ‘Jeopardy!’ followers, but in addition for people who find themselves simply eager about American tradition and leisure.”
Cohen additionally shared behind-the-scenes insights from his time on the present that viewers at dwelling do not get to see.
“Jeopardy!” tapes 5 exhibits — a whole week’s price — daily.
Buzzy Cohen competes on “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc.
“Jeopardy!” winners change outfits between tapings to present the looks of competing on a special day, when the truth is exhibits are taped one after one other.
Cohen, who performed 10 consecutive video games in two back-to-back taping days, stated he did not anticipate simply how “exhausting” the schedule can be.
“That’s actually one thing that I believe persons are shocked by,” he stated. “It actually makes the truth that individuals 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 screen time, however is busy throughout each second of the present.
Alex Trebek hosted “Jeopardy!” from 1984 till his dying in 2020. Eric McCandless/ABC through Getty Photos through Enterprise Insider.
“Jeopardy!” hosts put on an earpiece to speak with producers as they juggle many duties that are not seen to viewers at dwelling.
“What’s type of stunning is how little you are perhaps on-screen, however you might be studying the clue, calling a contestant, making a ruling, asking them to pick out,” Cohen stated. “Whereas when you’re a contestant and another person has a every day double, you are type of like, ‘Okay, take a breath, I will regroup right here.’ However when you’re the host, you are in all of these moments.”
Along with working the gameplay, Cohen says bringing the passion that retains “Jeopardy!” followers tuning in can be an important job for the host.
“When you’re not within the materials you are studying, it’ll come throughout to the individuals viewing it at dwelling,” he stated. “Actually staying in it and actually being dedicated to it was one thing that Alex Trebek made look really easy, and I believe is just not as straightforward because it seems.”
A person named Michael Harris manually controls the “Jeopardy!” buzzer.
Ken Jennings holds the “Jeopardy!” buzzer. Getty Photos through 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 discuss concerning the contestant perspective,” Cohen stated. “There are contestant buzzer specialists. There is a man who we interviewed who’s written a e book on the buzzer. He does buzzer workshops at trivia occasions. After which we additionally discuss to Michael Harris, who permits the buzzer, and we discuss concerning the rule that made the buzzer what it’s at this time.”
Sometimes, manufacturing pauses for rulings by the present’s judges.
The “Jeopardy!” board. Eric McCandless through Getty Photos through BI
Generally, a contestant will present a solution that requires additional deliberation, corresponding to questionable pronunciation.
“There’s plenty of visitors management stuff that good hosts make look straightforward,” Cohen stated. “I practiced loads to make it as straightforward as potential, however you do not actually give it some thought while you’re simply watching the present.”
The “Jeopardy!” alumni group is a close-knit group.
From left to proper: “Jeopardy!” champions James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings, and Brad Rutter. Eric McCandless through Getty Photos through BI
Nicknamed “Mr. Persona” by Alex Trebek, Cohen grew to become often known as a polarizing determine on the present for his tongue-in-cheek “Remaining Jeopardy!” solutions referencing “SNL” skits. Different “Jeopardy!” contestants, corresponding 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 group is there for one another.
“The oldsters at ‘Jeopardy!’ actually need the followers to respect the contestants,” Cohen stated. “I am glad this present is taking extra of a ahead method, and I additionally love when my fellow contestants can leap in and type of assemble the ‘Jeopardy!’ alum avengers to help our fellow contestants.”