The game was created by actor / singer / talk show host, Merv Griffin, in 1964. His wife, Julann, is credited with the idea of using the quirky answer-and-question format. Hosted by Alex Trebek (native of Sudbury, Ontario) since 1984, when it was launched in five-day-per-week ('strip') syndication, it is currently completing its 28th season.
Its format: Three Rounds: Jeopardy!, Double Jeopardy! and Final Jeopardy! In the first two, six answers in six categories are revealed on a big board of TV monitors, then contestants 'ring in' to supply correct … er, ah … questions orally within five seconds, and build up a money score by responses. They are penalized for incorrect responses. Contestants must wait until the host finishes the clue before ringing-in.
According to an extensive article in 'Wikipedia':
The subjects range from standard topics including history and current events, the sciences, the arts, popular culture, literature and languages, to pun-laden titles (many of which refer to the standard subjects), wordplay categories, and even sets of categories with a common theme.The producers often come up with clever category names: for example, a recent 'Jeopardy! Round' category was listed as 'Yo Yo Mah,' featuring info. on the famous cellist. In 'Double Jeopardy,' the category became: 'Yo, Mama,' about famous movie and TV mother characters!
My favourite category is: 'Before and After.' I offer two examples (both contributed):
-- Clue: 'This Chinese dish could be featured in a top-rated TV serial.'
Response: 'Egg Foo Young and the Restless.'
-- Clue: 'What folk singing band, famous for “Leaving on a Jet Plane”, acted in many silent films of the early 1900’s, and was given the nicknames “America’s Sweetheart,” and “The girl with the curls”?'
Response: 'Peter, Paul and Mary Pickford.'
Then, contestants can wager some or all of the sum on the final question. They have 30 seconds to write their reply, while viewers listen to Final Round theme song: 'Think!'
Viewers can easily play along -- if we can supply a response quickly enough!
But I know of some who record the programs, then hit 'Pause' as each clue is given. (Tsk! Tsk! TSK!)
The show presents many variations during special tournaments: 'Champions,' who have each won at least $100,000; College students; Teens; Reunions; and even a 'Celebrity Jeopardy!,' for celebrities, who donate their winnings to charity.
Want to audition … Dear Reader? Here's how.
Finally, for veteran 'Jeopardy!' viewers, here's a final (long) clue: 'This 74-time Jeopardy! champion has won a total of $3,172,700 on the show, and holds the all-time records for total game show earnings.'
Correct response; 'Who is Ken Jennex?'
No comments:
Post a Comment