This text initially appeared on Business 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 govt from Los Angeles, won $164,603 in a nine-day streak on “Jeopardy!” in 2016, then received 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: “This is Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favorite Quiz Show.” 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 up to now 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 additionally for people who find themselves simply fascinated about 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 present the looks of competing on a special day, when in actual fact 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 could be.
“That’s actually 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 demise in 2020. Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images 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 type of shocking is how little you are possibly on-screen, however you’re studying the clue, calling a contestant, making a ruling, asking them to pick,” Cohen mentioned. “Whereas when you’re a contestant and another person has a every day double, you are type 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 also be a vital job for the host.
“In the event you’re not within the materials you are studying, it may 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 will not be as simple because it appears.”
A person named Michael Harris manually controls the “Jeopardy!” buzzer.
Ken Jennings holds the “Jeopardy!” buzzer. Getty Pictures through BI
Harris, who can also be a researcher on the present, sits on the judges’ desk offscreen. When the host finishes studying a clue, Harris flips a change and allows 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 mentioned. “There are contestant buzzer consultants. 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 allows the buzzer, and we discuss concerning the rule that made the buzzer what it’s at the moment.”
Often, manufacturing pauses for rulings by the present’s judges.
The “Jeopardy!” board. Eric McCandless through Getty Pictures through BI
Typically, a contestant will present a solution that requires additional deliberation, comparable to questionable pronunciation.
“There’s a number of site 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 once 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 through Getty Pictures through BI
Nicknamed “Mr. Character” by Alex Trebek, Cohen turned often called a polarizing determine on the present for his tongue-in-cheek “Final Jeopardy!” answers referencing “SNL” skits. Different “Jeopardy!” contestants, comparable 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 neighborhood is there for each other.
“The parents at ‘Jeopardy!’ really need the followers to respect the contestants,” Cohen mentioned. “I am glad this present is taking extra of a ahead method, and I additionally love when my fellow contestants can soar in and type of assemble the ‘Jeopardy!’ alum avengers to assist our fellow contestants.”
Supply: Entrepreneur