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 long-lasting recreation present.
Buzzy Cohen on the set of “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc
Buzzy Cohen, a music govt from Los Angeles, gained $164,603 in a nine-day streak on “Jeopardy!” in 2016, then gained the 2017 Event of Champions. He returned to the Event 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 taking a look at how we obtained so far the place ‘Jeopardy!’ is an establishment, not only a recreation present, not only a quiz present,” he instructed Insider. “There’s one thing for the ‘Jeopardy!’ followers, but in addition for people who find themselves simply keen on 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 exhibits — a whole week’s value — day-after-day.
Buzzy Cohen competes on “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc.
“Jeopardy!” winners change outfits between tapings to offer the looks of competing on a unique day, when in actual fact 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 could be.
“That’s definitely one thing that I believe persons are stunned 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!” does 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 residence.
“What’s sort of stunning is how little you are perhaps on-screen, however you’re 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 sort of like, ‘Okay, take a breath, I’ll regroup right here.’ However when you’re the host, you are in all of these moments.”
Along with operating the gameplay, Cohen says bringing the passion that retains “Jeopardy!” followers tuning in can be a vital job for the host.
“If you happen to’re not within the materials you are studying, it should come throughout to the individuals viewing it at residence,” 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 shouldn’t be as simple because it appears.”
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 speak in regards to the contestant standpoint,” Cohen stated. “There are contestant buzzer consultants. There is a man who we interviewed who’s written a guide 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 through Getty Photos through BI
Typically, a contestant will present a solution that requires additional deliberation, akin to questionable pronunciation.
“There’s plenty of visitors management stuff that good hosts make look simple,” Cohen stated. “I practiced so much to make it as simple as attainable, 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 generally known as a polarizing determine on the present for his tongue-in-cheek “Remaining Jeopardy!” solutions referencing “SNL” skits. Different “Jeopardy!” contestants, akin to 2018 Teen Event 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 parents at ‘Jeopardy!’ really need the followers to respect the contestants,” Cohen stated. “I am glad this present is taking extra of a ahead strategy, and I additionally love when my fellow contestants can leap in and sort of assemble the ‘Jeopardy!’ alum avengers to assist our fellow contestants.”
