‘Jeopardy!’ In-Person Audition Secrets Revealed

Ken Jennings YouTube

Jeopardy! Season 39 premiered on September 12, 2022, with a live audience after two years. The game show had stopped taking live audiences due to the rising COVID-19 cases. Now that things are falling in line, the show recently held its first in-person auditions after a duration of three years. However, it might also be the last one for the current season.

Jeopardy! In-Person Auditions Were Held On Sunday

As per reports, the next mega-champ for Jeopardy! has already secured the slot. However, there was a major glitch during the application process that almost jeopardized things for the participants. Last weekend, Jeopardy! held auditions at the Sporcle Con located in Washington, D.C. The Washington Hilton hotel was jam-packed with participants for three days. However, the auditions were held only on Sunday with a few dozen selected contenders.

Jeopardy! YouTube

[Source: YouTube]

This was the first in-person try-out since Mayim Bialik and Ken Jennings took over as the permanent Jeopardy! hosts replacing the late Alex Trebek.  The auditions were held behind closed doors with several rounds of simulated games alongside the show’s casting staff. The participants had to go through three rooms named the Jennings room, the Bialik room, and the biggest of them all, the Trebek room.

Jeopardy! Participants Have To Score In The Online Test To Qualify

However, one cannot simply walk in for the audition process. There are several stages through which the candidate is selected to finally become a part of Jeopardy! The applicants first have to score the online Anytime test. This is then followed by a group Zoom test. The third and final round is the walk-in audition.

As per The Sun, during the online test, there was a major glitch for 24 hours. Participants couldn’t submit their applications as the profile picture couldn’t be uploaded. However, the makers fixed the error in a day and communicated the same to participants.

Ken Jennings YouTube

[Source: YouTube]

Waiting in the audition line was one aspiring male candidate that said, “It was nervous energy but it was good- you could tell the people in the room were really bright.”

“After everyone finished their rounds and interviews the [the cast and other hopefuls] clapped,” revealed another potential Jeopardy! player.

“They liked us enough to say ‘hey come do the first in-person audition in three years because of COVID. But once you get on stage, it’s cut-throat. I’ve been trying to do this for 10 years and this is the first time they’ve said, ‘yeah, maybe!’” they continued.

Jeopardy! Introduces Second Chance Tournament For The First Time

This year, Jeopardy! has brought in a lot of changes to its format. In a recent interview, the show’s executive producer, Michael Davies, mentioned that he wishes to take things to the next level with the Tournament Of Champions.

Michael Davies YouTube Jeopardy!

[Source: YouTube]

He also explained that the makers wish to create a live version with this next-level master league. Moreover, this is also the first time Jeopardy! has introduced the Second Chance Tournament and their very own podcast Inside Jeopardy!

What do you think of these behind the scenes details of Jeopardy! auditions? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Allie Johnson

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