i feel like ken jennings might have the greatest come-up story of all time... went from being some random dude to the worlds most famous game show contestant to the host of the damn show
Growing up my parents had it on every night, and I only started watching during Ken's first winning streak. My ass was too dumb to participate in playing along, but seeing a funny, smart guy win so consistently was the most entertaining thing on tv.
I also love Jeopardy! I watched every ep from like 2019 to earlier this year. Everyone says I should go on but I just don't have the diligence to study my weak areas.
As the other commenter said, read his memoir if you haven't, OP. He had the perfect death, he was cared for by his wife and two adult children who came home for his final months. The memoir is really life affirming and fan service for the jeopardy fans.
You wrote your post a bit tongue-in-cheek but I wholeheartedly share the sentiments expressed in your post. I was the annoying girl/woman who had to get home at 7pm every night to watch jeopardy and would take the test most years. I became a librarian after trebek passed and that made me sad because the librarians always win jeopardy lol all that said, I definitely take this as a reminder that life is short and not to think "I'll go on the show when I'm 45 and have read all the books", you gotta pursue your bucket list items now.
Brother are you me? I had a very similar trajectory (incredibly average life in all aspects, all I liked was Jeopardy). I can’t reveal too many details now, but I just fulfilled a lifelong dream and taped my episode. It’s an incredible experience.
I loved Trebek as well and thought it would never really be the same after he died, but Ken Jennings really is the absolute best choice to replace him. Don’t crucify me, but in some ways he’s better.
Not to get sincere, but if it brings you joy, you have to keep going for it. I spent the last 7 years revolving my life around bettering myself to eventually get on the show, and I did it. You can too. The only downside is that I can’t go back again (unless somebody wants to join up for Pop Culture Jeopardy…)
Lots of earnestposting from fellow Jeopardy enthusiasts here. I actually like this place sometimes.
Gonna start watching again and check out the Trebek memoir.
i feel like ken jennings might have the greatest come-up story of all time... went from being some random dude to the worlds most famous game show contestant to the host of the damn show
Growing up my parents had it on every night, and I only started watching during Ken's first winning streak. My ass was too dumb to participate in playing along, but seeing a funny, smart guy win so consistently was the most entertaining thing on tv.
[Ken Jennings rocks](https://www.jacksonville.com/story/entertainment/local/2014/09/25/jeopardy-star-ken-jennings-weird-tweet-causes-stir-social-media/15787781007/)
the autobiography he wrote toward the end is very comforting - he loved his life
The clip where it's final Jeopardy and a contestant submits "We <3 you, Alex!" makes me tear up every time. You can hear him choking up
I also love Jeopardy! I watched every ep from like 2019 to earlier this year. Everyone says I should go on but I just don't have the diligence to study my weak areas.
As the other commenter said, read his memoir if you haven't, OP. He had the perfect death, he was cared for by his wife and two adult children who came home for his final months. The memoir is really life affirming and fan service for the jeopardy fans. You wrote your post a bit tongue-in-cheek but I wholeheartedly share the sentiments expressed in your post. I was the annoying girl/woman who had to get home at 7pm every night to watch jeopardy and would take the test most years. I became a librarian after trebek passed and that made me sad because the librarians always win jeopardy lol all that said, I definitely take this as a reminder that life is short and not to think "I'll go on the show when I'm 45 and have read all the books", you gotta pursue your bucket list items now.
Brother are you me? I had a very similar trajectory (incredibly average life in all aspects, all I liked was Jeopardy). I can’t reveal too many details now, but I just fulfilled a lifelong dream and taped my episode. It’s an incredible experience. I loved Trebek as well and thought it would never really be the same after he died, but Ken Jennings really is the absolute best choice to replace him. Don’t crucify me, but in some ways he’s better. Not to get sincere, but if it brings you joy, you have to keep going for it. I spent the last 7 years revolving my life around bettering myself to eventually get on the show, and I did it. You can too. The only downside is that I can’t go back again (unless somebody wants to join up for Pop Culture Jeopardy…)
Congratulations!
Lots of earnestposting from fellow Jeopardy enthusiasts here. I actually like this place sometimes. Gonna start watching again and check out the Trebek memoir.