by Sam Juliano
Host: “Odds & Ends” for $2,00. Debuting in 1972, it is the longest running game show in history.”
Contestant #1: (Buzzer sounds). “What is Jeopardy?”
Host: “I’m sorry, that is an incorrect answer.”
Contestant #3: (Buzzer sounds). “What is The Price is Right?”
Host: “Right you are! The Price is Right has been running unabreviated for 45 years now.
Contestant Number 1 may have flubbed the most expensive question in the “Odds & Ends” category, but it is the answer most television fans would have given, all facts and perceptions considered. Entertainment business magnate Merv Griffin conceived Jeopardy!, which first aired on March 30, 1964. The show ran on NBC for eleven years before a cancellation in 1975 that had nothing at all to do with floudering ratings, but just a network desire to shuffle and bring some new shows aboard. That now legendary first incarnation of America’s favorite game show was hosted by the silver-voiced natural Art Fleming, who was introduced by the booming backstage announcer and erstwhile Saturday Night Live luminary Don Pardo – And here he is – the star of Jeopardy – Aaaart Fleming!! – who also handled any technical considerations that may have arision during the show’s half hour running time. The show attracted viewers of all ages and professions, was equally popular with both sexes and with those on either end of the sociological tracks, running the gamut from those with grade school educations to those with advanced college degrees. What it usually required was a competitive spirit and a hankering for boasting rites. Those wanting to engage could either request an audition to be on the show (most of us know at least one person who succeeded on that front) or buy there own Jeopardy! board game to be used with friends or family members. Or just tune in to the show. In the long if truncated run of this irresistible game show, several time slots were employed. In the late 60’s and early 70’s NBC ran it at noontime, but once it permanently went into sydication in 1984, it was seen in most markets at 7:00 P.M. In 1978 when it came back in primetime for a single year it was seen later in the afternoon.
The thing with Jeopardy! is that it was probably the only show in every conceivable genre one could watch just as attentively as a tardy observer as one who is tuned in from the opening seconds. That’s because the show by its very construction is challenging the viewer by the minute. Such is the nature of a question and answer program, where everyone can play along without any necessary cumulative rewards. The show’s famous deceit is of course that contestants are given the “answers” and are asked to provide the “questions.” While this method is basically a matter of semantics, contestants who don’t use the proper interogative statement are declared incorrect, even if they give the right answer. However, because the moderator gives the players a second chance to state their answer by the rules, the only time this bizarre occurance has actually cost players dearly is during Final Jeopardy, when they write their answer with a black marker on a slate. At that point there would be no possible way to grant a reprieve, what with answers being exposed to the audience.
Each show features three contestants who stand behind a lecturn, each with a mechanical device that allows them to buzz in as the moderator reads the clues off the master board, which is fully visible to the players and the audience. There are six categories with five answers behind dollar markers running vertically from top (the lowest denomination) to bottom (the highest). The boards vary from game to game and it would be rather miraculous if one board in either single or double jeopardy for any two to be the same, even years down the road. A typical board might display these categories: American History / Potpourri / Musical Anatomy / Tabloid Topis / Romantic Poets / Opera. The game is underway when the defending champion (who is situated to the extreme left for viewers) picks a category and a numerical amount. Unless time is running out and a player is rushing to catch the leader of remain in contention, most will simply begin by calling the categories out from top to bottom. The game comes down to having a little bit of knowledge in many areas and being fast on the buzzer. Yet, knowing when not to press the buzzer is also a key to success, and wrong answers with cost the players the same amount they’d win with a right one.
Behind one of the boxes in Single Jeopardy and two in Double Jeopardy are “Daily Doubles” which allow the beholder to bet part of or all the money he or she has accumulated to that point. Only the contestant who comes upon the Daily Double is allowed to answer it, and if a wong answer is given there isn’t an opportunity for others top try. A Daily Double could make or break a player, and has often allowed one far behind to catch or surpass the leader. Jeopardy is largely a game of skill and timing, but also as can be seen with the Daily Double, lady luck. After two hard fought rounds, each lasting about twelve minutes and abbreviated by a commercial break between the parts, a player is then clued in to the category of “Final Jeopardy.” As an example we have the category “Nineteenth-Century Democrats.” The three players -the defending champion and the two challengers- then secretly document on a slate hidden from everyone an amount they would like to wager, which can be all or part of their holdings. After another commercial break the host (since 1984 the Canadian-born Alex Trebek in a marathon run) then reads the “answer”: He said, “I am the last President of the United States.” The famed softy-bouncing Jeopardy “think music” theme – is heard as each player is given roughly 30 seconds to come up with the answer, which they are asked to etch on another slate, complete with the required question phasing. When time has expired Trebek will walk over to each starting with the one holding the lowest monetary total. The correct response of course is: Who is James Buchanan? After all three players are checked on and the money amounts are tabulated a winner is crowned. That person will return to defend his or her championship in the next game. In the early years of the show players were only allowed to return four times, meaning one could only win five times. The rules today are far less restrictive.
Trebek’s tenure on the show is legendary. In 2014 the Guiness World Book of Records honored him for having completed the most appearances for a game show host at 6,829. Trebek, with a laid back, gently humorous style is a perfect fit for a show that discourages extreme emotions of any kind, even spirited exultation. Despite his advancing age he holds a contract that insures he will be host of the show through 2020.
The question that needs to be answered is this: Though Jeopardy! is one of the greatest game shows -many say the greatest- does this translate to a truly great television program, one fully entitled to be considered alongside the great documentary, art house, cult, sitcoms, crime dramas and period pieces? Well, the 36 voters of this countdown made their position clear with this lofty Number 30 placement, and there are many other pollings on line and in forums that conclude with its inclusion on similar round-ups. The show’s reputation around the world, particularly in France, Britain and Japan has practically elipsed its high regard stateside. Television is an art form that is by its audience and aims is all-encompassing. it is way to easy and dismissive to take the position that a game show is low-brow or that a half hour playing a game of trivia is somehow anti-intellectual or cheap. My late colleague Allan Fish -a staunchcritic of American game shows because of their capitalist excesses- told me many times that Jeopardy! was a great show -the best of its kind- though he balked at awarding it a full essay in his still unpublished book. But his love for the show was rendered in unconditional terms. The reasons for the high regard is much the same as the reasons it has enjoyed such wide popularity over decades with no sign of diminishing even at the present day. People enjoy games where knowledge and intellect meet and feel with Jeopardy they can match their own grasp of so many subjects through the stored facts that make these subjects so fascinating in the first place via a television broadcast that allows they to job their brain cells in quickened tempo. For all the great shows in this countdown, there is something unique about Jeopardy in that it takes us to a different place for thirty minutes, one where we can play alongside the game’s protagonists, exercising our command of subjects we loved or were well versed in, and feeling an innocuous degree of intellectual fullfillment. Putting it in the most basic terms, the show is loads of fun.
I had the great privilege of being a very close personal friend of John Mountain, a fellow teacher who passed away of colon cancer in 1994 at the age of 54. Stricken with polio when he was working for the Peace Corps he was permanently in braces and walked with the aid of a cane. Though his forte was history (the subject he taught to Jr. High School students) his knowledge on all subjects was astounding. he was a trivia whiz who was a natural for Jeopardy! and after many of his friends urged him on, he appeared on the show in the mid 70’s, when he was about 34 years old. He won once and made a strong showing on the second day. Needless to say this long term Borough Councilman and civic servant spoke glowingly of his experience, and was always in front of the television screen for years afterwards as a living room player. A number of times I actually joined him, and we had a ball locking horns. I did quite well in my subjects – opera, literature, classical music and film- but overall I was no match for him.
Of course there is a reason why the ratings for the show remain at high levels. People continue to watch and engage. And plenty arrange their daily schedules to accomodate this half hour of intellectual bombast. Over the years, the producers have staged Tournament of Champions for adults and teenagers, and have brought back the most successful players like Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter for encore appearances. Even a gifted blind player, Eddie Timanes went undefeated in his initial run, and the noted philanthropist Trebek was credited with easing his handicap. I pose that Jeopardy! is an addition, an enriching and benign one, but an addiction nonetheless. I took this to obsessive heights back in the late 60’s when I created my own answer boards, serving as host and standing behind the brick wall at Fairview’s teenage lounge as one of my friends introduced me to the trip of players. Oh we kept track of win-loss records, statistics and feigned money totals. The winners almost always wound up with White Castle cheeseburgers and french fries. Ah, those were the days.
Post-script: My good friend Aaron West’s wife Andrea (another good friend I once met in Manhattan) was a one-day Jeopardy1 champion like my friend John whom I spoke about in the review: Here is Andrea on the show with Alex Trebek:
Sam, that’s an amazing story about your teaching friend appearing on the show! You can include me among those who have built their day around the show at one time in their lives. You ain’t kidding when you say it is an addition. I love your style and presentation with this as much as any other in the countdown. And how could this show not be part of any best television grouping? I remember that poor boy being rejected with the single letter mistake. Sad. When watching the show I often think of how the price points have increased since the 60’s. I was watching the show when that blind contestant came on too.
Some marvelous observations and very kind words there Celeste! Yes in regard to the money the numbers did skyrocket, but when inflation is included this had to happen. So you are another who penciled this in teh schedule, eh! Ha! Thanks again my friend!
A fantastic read! The show of course is an institution, though I see you tried to qualify it as art within the culture. What defines it? The show is tasteful, cerebral and a joy. I’m always checking my score. 🙂
Great comment Ricky! The term beauty is in the eye of teh beholder is one I’d apply to Jeopardy! appreciation though I’ve only come across a tiny handful who are only marginally impressed with it. Yes you and me both on the “score.” Ha! Thank you so much!
Excellent straight description of the how Jeopardy is played and how it is part of the lives of so many. I usually stop what I am doing when it is on. I keep track of the right answers I get and then brag to my wife. I also remember they ran a “Teacher’s” and “College Student” tournament. I liked Fleming, but think Trebek is a better all-around host. I’m sure the show will run long into the future.
Peter, thank you so very much. Ah yes, the Teacher’s Tournament (which I have watched r eligiously the the College Student edition are also great! I forgot to include them in the review. Most Jeopardy! fans would agree with you on Trebek.
We always got a lot of use out of the board game. I preferred it to Trivial Pursuit. The television game show is one of those miracles that defies description and boggles the mind with the amazing success it has enjoyed. This is a beautifully written and ordered appraisal of it coming from many directions.
I owned Trvial Pursuit as well Tim, though like you I found it inferior to Jeopardy. So tru what you say about the show as a miraculous. Thanks for the very kind words my friend!
When it ran during daytime it was my favorite show. I remember running home a few blocks from the school so I could spend my lunch hour playing along with the other three contestants. Most of the time I’d carry my sandwich and glass of soda into the living room. As soon as it ended I had maybe four minutes left to dash back to the school, but I always made it on time. I like Alex Trebek, but there wasn’t anybody to compare with Art Fleming. He was a gentleman and so positive and supportive. Sam, thanks for taking me down memory lane today with this terrific post. Funny, but this is one memory that is actually a current reality with the show still going as strong as ever.
Karen, I can’t thank you enough for that marvelous anecdote, which is quite at home on this thread! I remember a similar routine of taken advantage of my lunch hour when the show aired in that slot in the late 60’s when I was attending Lincoln School Jr. High a short way from the school. Yes the show is still going strong. Many from that period agree that Fleming was the ultimate JEOPARDY! host.
Another raise-the-bar post Sam. A great and satisfying show that usually leaves you fullfilled no matter how many wrong answers you come up with.
Succinct and accurate point there Frank! Thanks so much for the exceedingly kind words my friend!
This is a really wonderful examination of a show many would never think to include on a list of the all-time greats.
However, as Sam brilliantly explains, television is an art form created and maintained, generally, by the public demand. Who is anyone to say whether a quiz show is not art? While I could understand balking at hysterically screaming stuff like the PRICE IS RIGHT or THE HOLLYWOOD SQUARES, JEOPARDY, both in content and execution, presents itself more like a mature chess game.
I had JEOPARDY in my top 25 and I’m not afraid to admit it.
Tremendous comment here Dennis! Deeply appreciated. Like you I am less apt to unroll a red carpet for those wildly emotional and screeming game shows predicated on luck. While guilty pleasues they are so redundant. JEOPARDY! is the only game show to make the count (ah, wait, no WHAT’S MY LINE? has officially secured a spot on Part 2) and it has well earned this lofty designation for all sorts fo reasons I’ve tried to collar in the post. Many thanks my friend!
I’m more than happy to say it’s not art, unless of course when asked “what are the greatest novels” you list Encyclopedia Brittanica. It could be done, both then so can brushing your teeth with caulk.
The people that write, produce and host this show are well qualified, but I shudder to think of the person who flicks this on when in need of spiritual fulfillment. In a secular age, this is what great art does, while here we see a culture approximating a grocery list.
Oh well, I’ll go back to blasting out my eardrums with Lightning Bolt’s Fantasy Empire.
Great article. My husband and I are diehard Jeopardy! fans we Play it every night when we are home in New Jersey and as a traveling now from Florida back we still never miss a night from state to state to state. We are always able to find Jeopardy. Once with my brother was the live well out in California and went to an actual taping it was so much fun.
Susan, thank you so very much! Thrilled to hear you are and have always been a major adherent of this great television institution. You have taken the appreciation to the ultimate of course and even attended a taping!! Wow!! Love hearing about that state-to-state vigil as well!!! 🙂
Somehow I’ve been locked out of my WordPress account and unable to comment on this brilliant series, but thanks for including my wife. I’m a little biased, but yeah, Jeopardy is a pretty cool show. 🙂
Well Aaron, I may not have the same bias as you call it, but I still celebrate Andrea’s stellar performance on the show, an accomplishment to be cherished for a lifetime!! A pretty cool show indeed my friend!
Great summary Sammy. I voted for this one pretty highly as I think it’s the best example of a type of entertainment found on TV….the game show. This is a fun show that I enjoy playing along with at home whenever it’s on.
Thanks so very much Jon. I too believe the show has served as an endlessly engaing staple on network television, and all things considered it is truly teh best of its kind. It can indeed be enjoyed, anywhere, anytime.
Sam, what about the days on Grant St., when you would make up Jeopardy boards and be announced as Art Fleming. Categories like Suzie Eckel and Fairview firemen!
Hahahahahaha Jim! I have indeed made mention of that adolescent propensity, and the fond memories won’t ever be forgotten! Art Fleming was always the special host for me! 🙂
Well, the closest I’ve come to seeing this one was some clips playing in the background of ‘Groundhog Day’.
It’s a crazy world where this rests above ‘The Outer Limits’ but, saying that, you make a splendid case for this show as essentially a sort of crossword puzzle and have piqued my interest. Till now, I thought the only quiz show I’d have put here was the Graucho Marx vehicle ‘You Bet Your Life’, which was really an opportunity for great man to insult the guests in his inimitable manner.
Ok, so the very rare quiz shows – yes, but soaps never!
Well, we just had a soap opera—Game of Thrones—last week.
Jamie, I will respond to Bobby here soon, but a quickie to you. Yes, GoT is a soap opera for whatever the veneration posed by some including our dear Allan.
I believe another—Mad Men—is coming too?
I have yet to discover the adoration for Mad Men, but I am still listening.
Hi Jamie. When I think of soap operas, I’m thinking of the term in it’s historical definition, which came about during the advent of radio – something designed to appeal wholly to the female psyche – a never, never land of melodramatic shenanigans that usually leave the male perplexed.
‘Game of Thrones’, ‘Mad Men’, ‘Upstairs, Downstairs’, ‘Hill Street Blues’ have the strength of serialised drama – of characters growing and changing but not the sensibility of soaps. Otherwise, Shakespeare’s historical ‘War of the Roses’ plays would qualify. they were one of the inspirations for GoT.
The only soap I’ve loved was the parodic satire from 1977 on ABC. A truly great show.
Bobby, I wouldn’t read too much into the numerical placements at all. Dennis, who is enjoying this countdown immeasurably and is writing some marvelous pieces simply will not accept that THE SIMPSONS did not make Number 1 or even the Top 5. (it ended up of course at #28). Jamie has poked fun at some of the numbers and only last week thought that THE BEVERLY HILLBILLIES finishing a few spots ahead of the Berger documentary on Part 2 (launching in December) was beyond laughable. Jon Warner felt FRIENDS should have placed higher than it did -the aforementioned Jamie felt it should not even have made the count. Adam and Jamie thought THE WIRE should have finished higher; Dennis feels BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER should have finished much lower; FRAZIER has has had some complaining that it was too low, others too high. It goes on and on and on and is apt to do so when the results are fully cumulative and based on 36 ballots. We all will have our own issues. I certainly do. I also have THE OUTER LIMITS among my very top shows like you but I do recognize it is not everyone’s cup of tea. It only received two less points than JEOPARDY anyway so basically they were tied. As I stated on the phone to Dennis (and mentioned this to Jamie at some point) forget the numbers. They were just posed as a way and excuse to have essays written. The same numerical aberations will sometimes manifest themselves in Part 2 as well, but in the end I am happy and grateful we have many more great essays to come my friend. I think you will like Jeopardy! as much as Allan did. BTW one other game show has actually made it – “What’s My Line?” in Part 2. I would have loved to see the Groucho Marx too absolutely! Thank you for the exceedingly kind words my friend.
If we’re supposed to forget the numbers then why are they before the shows everyday? Why not just list 200 shows over 200 days in Alphabetical order?
Why you ask? To provide some organization for this project and to allow it to have some drama. Allan Fish did five or six coundowns and in every one he provided numbers as well to indicate why he had a preference at that particular time. What I am saying is that the numbers should not be taken for anything more than what they are: a communal result of 36 voters (in this case) who on a given day -the day they embarked on listing their favorites- put together a Top 60. The numbers from then and in our final tabulation adds some drama but the real bottom line for that moest thrill are the ESSAYS. The ESSAYS like today’s gem from Brandie Ashe are what we pose to generate meaningful commentary not nit picking on numbers to work against that end. I don’t care myself for example that THE NAKED CITY -one of my favorite shows of all time finished at Number 50 – I am far more concerned that my essay for it fueled some fantastic comments and even brought me in tune to the members of the Naked City Fan Club.
Numbers? Drama, a way to order it in the manner the essays unfold and in the end semantics.
ANY show that made either Part 1 or Part 2 is getting some serious and fascinating attention. I am too busy concerning myself with that than to worry about something else that means squat.
Allan and I were fully on the same wave length with the matter of numbers and there meaning. He preferred them too but didnt place too much overriding importance on them. I think nearly all particpants would much prefer out of curosity if nothing else to see where everything fell. To go alphabetically is fine, but less intricate, therefore for most less fun.
I’m in agreement with you, there is just this other guy that shares your name that is arguing the opposite above.
Hahahahaha, ah yes that guy. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!