Drew Goins Helps ‘Jeopardy!’ Soar To Top Ratings

Drew Goins, a journalist from Hawaii, became a fan favorite during Jeopardy!‘s Champions Wild Card Tournament, which aired from January 20 to January 26, 2025. His entertaining personality and unforgettable moments on the show helped boost Jeopardy!‘s viewership, pushing the game show to the top spot in syndicated programs that week, surpassing Wheel of Fortune in ratings.

Drew Goins First Appearance

Drew first appeared on Jeopardy! During the Second Chance Tournament, it was his return to the Champions Wild Card Tournament that truly captured the audience’s attention. Fans loved Drew for his humor, his unique style, and his memorable moments—such as the wardrobe malfunction where the outline of his nipples was visible through his sweater, making viewers laugh and adding a fun, unexpected twist to the competition.

During the tournament, Drew went head-to-head with other strong contestants, including Mehal Shah, a software engineer from Seattle, and Will Yancey, a history lecturer from Banquete, Texas. The intense competition led to high stakes during the Final Jeopardy! Round, where Drew’s wit and charm helped keep the audience engaged. In a memorable moment, Drew was seen dancing along to the famous Jeopardy! Theme music as the contestants placed their wagers before the final clue was revealed.

The excitement surrounding Drew’s participation in the tournament contributed to Jeopardy!‘s impressive viewership. According to Nielsen, 8,430,000 viewers tuned in to watch the game show during the week of January 20-26. This was a significant increase, as Jeopardy! Outperformed Wheel of Fortune for the top spot in syndicated TV ratings. Wheel of Fortune garnered 8,111,000 viewers, while Jeopardy!‘s rating surge helped it surpass its longtime rival.

Drew’s Impact On The Show’s Ratings

Throughout the tournament, Drew’s lighthearted moments, such as his humorous wardrobe malfunction and his redemption of a Taylor Swift question he had gotten wrong in a previous episode, kept fans engaged and coming back for more. Drew’s personality played a big role in the show’s increased viewership, as his presence helped make the competition feel more fun and approachable for viewers. His ability to connect with the audience added a personal touch to the tournament, making it even more memorable.

By the time the final game of the tournament aired on January 24, 2025, Drew had become a beloved figure on Jeopardy!, and his impact on the show’s ratings was clear. Although Drew finished in second place behind Mehal Shah, his performance helped create a buzz around the tournament, and his fan following played a major role in the viewership spike. With Drew’s entertaining run and the high-stakes competition, Jeopardy! was able to capture the attention of millions of viewers, making the Champions Wild Card Tournament a major success.

In the end, Drew Goins proved that Jeopardy! is more than just a quiz show—it’s a platform where contestants’ personalities can shine, and their impact on the ratings can be huge. Drew’s unforgettable moments during the tournament helped Jeopardy! Achieve a new level of success, ensuring that viewers will remember their time on the show for a long time. How do you feel about Drew Goins raising the views of Jeopardy!? Was he your favorite player? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.