‘Jeopardy’ Fans Can Expect New Changes For Upcoming Seasons

Jeopardy! is about to go into its 41st season. While the series fans know and love will still be familiar, a few changes have been announced, including ones made with the fans in mind. This has also got fans wondering if a few more changes to the show are expected in the upcoming seasons.

Fans Can Expect New & Familiar Hosts

Ken Jennings will become the show’s official host in the upcoming season. Technically, Jennings had hosted the entire previous season, so this change won’t be much of an adjustment for fans. That said, Mayim Bialik was technically the show’s co-host. She had also been kept on as part of the show’s website until this past summer.

Jennings will be the only host during the upcoming season, but fans can still see another new host in the near future. Colin Jost, of Saturday Night Live fame, will host the Pop Culture Jeopardy! spin-off for Amazon Prime Video. This has led to speculation from fans that Jost might one day have a more direct role within Jeopardy!

 

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Changes are even expected for the show’s official podcast, Inside Jeopardy! Hosted by Sarah Whitcomb Foss and Buzzy Cohen, the podcast recaps episodes and interviews prominent winners. However, the podcast is believed to be gaining a new co-host in its third year. This is thanks to Foss teasing listeners to expect “perhaps a new special guest” on the show.

The Show Is Also Cutting Down On Tournaments

There will be less tournaments this season, with most episodes featuring new players. Only four tournaments are expected for the upcoming season and they are set to air in one block. These will include a Second Chance event, a Champions Wildcard, the 2025 Tournament of Champions, and the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.

The first two events are expected to be shorter than in previous seasons. It’s believed this is a response to negative fan reception over how much the previous season used tournaments. That said, the amount of time dedicated to tournaments will take up around one-third of the upcoming season.

The tournaments will also move to the middle of the season. This is in contrast with the last two seasons that actually opened up with tournaments.

In a statement with The U.S. Sun, prominent contestant Sam Kavanaugh shared his hopes that the seasons will feature contestants from all walks of life:

“There’s a lot of latent talent out there; I hope that for everyone’s sake, the show is able to [find that balance] and continue to grow in that direction.”

“One of the joys of the show is, ‘oh, you’re a waiter,’ and you watch them do well, and it’s super affirming.”

Another change that has been teased is category names appearing above the clues when they appear onscreen. Fans hope that this will make staying within the category easier, both for contestants and fans playing along at home.

Are you excited for Jeopardy!‘s upcoming season? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.