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Heartbreaking News: “Jeopardy!” Champion Mike Dawson Shares Devastating Personal Update

‘Jeopardy!’ Champ Mike Dawson Reveals Sad Personal News After Defeat

Jeopardy, Inc!

Recent Jeopardy! champion Mike Dawson saw his three-day winning streak come to an end on Wednesday night (April 9), and, unfortunately, the bad news didn’t stop there.

Dawson, a 6’7 technology manager from Portland, Oregon, amassed $57,000 across his first three games, but it all came crashing down on Wednesday’s episode. The fan favorite was knocked off the winner’s podium by Andrew Hayes, a law student originally from Tupelo, Mississippi, and finished the episode with just $2.

After the episode aired, Dawson took to the Jeopardy! Reddit forum to share his thoughts on his experience and also revealed some sad news regarding his job status.

“Well, it was fun while it lasted! Big congrats to Andrew for being lightning-fast with the buzzer and extremely strong in a wide variety of topics. Hats off to Courtney [Martin] for being the only one to get a tough Final Jeopardy clue!” Dawson wrote.

He continued, “Getting on Jeopardy was an 18 year journey for me, but in the end, it couldn’t have come at a better time. My occupation for the show was listed as “Technology Manager,” but as Anise [K. Strong-Morse, a fellow contestant] alluded to in her post yesterday, there’s much more to the story than that.”

Dawson explained he’d been “working in tech-focused roles for international nonprofits in the aid and development sector for more than a decade, when just a few weeks before taping, my job and the jobs of thousands of my then-current and former colleagues all disappeared overnight with the elimination of USAID.”

The Jeopardy! contestant was referring to the cuts made by President Donald Trump and Elon Musk‘s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), which, in February, ended nearly 10,000 USAID and State Department contracts and grants.

“I’ll forgo getting into the politics of it all, despite the sudden loss of my career being inherently political, but I’m incredibly grateful to have my Jeopardy winnings to help carry me through this transitionary period,” Dawson added.

He concluded his post by writing, “If anyone has any leads on remote opportunities for internationally-focused roles of all kinds and/or managerial roles related to cybersecurity, feel free to reach out! Thanks again to the Jeopardy community for all the support as I finally got to achieve this lifelong dream.”

Fans replied to Dawson’s post with support, with one commenter writing, “Mike, you’re a great player and you seemed so calm during your run and looked like you were having a good time! I think you’re going to do well in Champions Wildcard. Hoping that everything works out for you!”

“I enjoyed your run on Jeopardy and I am distressed at your current position in life. I wish you all the best!” said another.

Another added, “From a Fed currently mired in all this as well, my deepest condolences, and congrats on your spectacular play despite the circumstances. At least you’ll have something great to put on your resume!”

“Wishing you the best of luck! Thank you for all the work you’ve done to make the lives of so many people better,” wrote one commenter.

Former Jeopardy! contestant Josh Weikert added, “Great watching you play, Mike, and I’ll keep my ears open for opportunities. I work in government and my wife and I both have a lot of exposure/networking in international education programs/organizations.”

“Aw im heartbroken for you Mike- you were incredible and so fascinating to watch,” wrote another.

Jeopardy!, Weekdays, check local listings

Shocking Bad News Sends “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy!” Fans Reeling. Prepare for the Unthinkable

‘Wheel of Fortune’ and ‘Jeopardy’ Legal Fight Intensifies as Sony Moves to Take Over Distribution Rights From CBS Amid Lawsuit

CBS counters to station partners that Sony’s letter a ‘false, inappropriate and ineffective’ strategy to control of profitable shows

Sony Pictures Television

UPDATED with CBS statement and CBS’ contract with Nielsen

Sony Pictures TV aims to take over full distribution of “Wheel of Fortune” and “Jeopardy” as early as next week the studio battles CBS in a lawsuit over their longstanding partnership on the syndicated game show stalwarts.

Sony Pictures sent CBS a formal letter on the morning of Feb. 3 exerting that it will take over responsibility as early as next week for getting new episodes to the 200-plus TV stations around the country that carry the top-rated game shows. But CBS is fighting the move, creating a tug-of-war around the shows between Sony Pictures Television and CBS’ sales and distribution company.

Sony Pictures has also amended the lawsuit filed in October alleging that CBS’ owes Sony money from past distribution deals, and it claims that CBS has overstepped the boundaries of its distribution contract with licensing deals that it has set up in Australia and other overseas markets. Sony filed suit against CBS in Los Angeles Superior Court in October; CBS countersued in November.

“To facilitate an orderly transition of the distribution functions for the Shows, on January 27, 2025, Sony Pictures delivered to CBS the episodes of the Shows to air the week of February 3 through February 9,” the letter states. “We expect CBS to take all necessary steps to ensure that the episodes are properly delivered to broadcasters. Sony Pictures will begin delivery of episodes of the Shows to broadcasters starting with the episodes scheduled to air the week of February 10.”

CBS responded in the wake of Sony’s move with a letter of its own to station affiliates of both shows, which include Disney and ABC’s three largest O&O stations in New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. CBS flatly asserts to station operators that Sony has “no rights” to assume control of distribution.

“We are aware Sony has informed you that it has purported to assume the distribution functions for Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!, and that it has terminated CBS’s distribution arrangement.  This communication is false, inappropriate, and ineffective,” CBS said. “Sony has no rights under the distribution agreements to terminate them, and CBS remains the distributor for the Series, notwithstanding any communications from Sony to the contrary.  Any contention by Sony that it has reclaimed the distribution rights is subject to ongoing judicial proceedings, and CBS will be seeking immediate relief from the appropriate courts.  All business should continue in the usual course.”

Sony’s amended complaint slams CBS for ending its business contract with ratings provider Nielsen, which Sony asserts is hurting the profitability of “Wheel” and “Jeopardy” because the lack of ratings data is handicapping the show’s advertising sales. CBS and Nielsen part ways on Oct. 1 over a dispute about the high cost of Nielsen’s services and the expansion of alternate audience measurement options.

“Following the lapse of the Nielsen agreement, CBS has essentially operated blindly: Effectively fulfilling advertising sales obligations requires evaluation of rigorous, accurate ratings data on a daily or near-daily basis,” the Sony complaint states. “Agencies transacting with CBS are now also operating without ratings data needed to price advertising, heightening the risk that advertising for the Shows will be sold at rates completely divorced from the rates that the Shows could command if dependable ratings data were available. Sony Pictures continues to be harmed by this lack of data every day that passes in the scatter market, and the informational deficit under which CBS and agencies are operating will prove even more harmful come ‘Upfront’ sales, when the majority of advertising for the Shows is sold.”

Sony’s complaints asserts that CBS’ lack of Nielsen data to provide advertisers has cost “Wheel” and “Jeopardy” advertising commitments from Procter & Gamble, the consumer products giant that is historically one of TV’s top-spending marketers. Later on Feb. 3, CBS parent company Paramount Global unveiled a new agreement with Nielsen that restores the company’s access to ratings that remain the universal currency for most TV advertising deals.

In late October, after Sony’s initial suit was filed, CBS strongly defended its rights until a more than 40-year-old agreement struck by “Wheel” and “Jeopardy” creator Merv Griffin with King World Productions in 1982 and 1983. Sony acquired Merv Griffin Entertainment in 1994 while King World was scooped by CBS in 2000. CBS maintains Sony has no right to ‘terminate’ the terms of the original agreement.

“Our contract is clear that we hold the distribution rights to these series in perpetuity. We strongly refute any claims by Sony that we did not use our best efforts in distributing the programs or otherwise failed to abide by our obligations under the agreements. Sony’s claims are rooted in the fact they simply don’t like the deal the parties agreed to decades ago,” CBS said in a statement in October.

Disney’s ABC-owned stations could wind up caught in the crossfire. ABC-owned WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles and WLS-TV Chicago are among the top station affiliates of “Wheel” and “Jeopardy,” as the shows are sold in first-run syndication not via a network but to local TV stations on a market-by-market basis. Sony Pictures TV handles production of the episodes while CBS handles all syndication sales, national barter advertising sales, marketing and physical distribution matters.

Sony has asked CBS to provide copies all domestic and international licensing agreements related to the shows as well as all advertising contracts.

“The Price Is Right” Host Drops Shocking Marriage Confession! Drew Carey Opens Up About Marrying a “Price Is Right” Contestant, Leaving Fans Stunned!

Drew Carey loves to have fun with the contestants on The Price is Right. These moments usually come organically for Drew, and the word is that he mostly improvises the moments when they happen. That happened this week on the show when he brought up a contestant.

Drew Carey Brings Up A New Contestant On The Price Is Right

Drew Carey got a chance to share the stage with a new player this week on the popular game show. Of course, the big draw for a game like The Price Is Right is that anyone in the audience has the chance to “come on down” for some big money. However, Drew noticed something else about a player recently.

One player had the exact same name as him, kind of. After the bidding was won, a new contestant came up onto the stage with the name “Carey” on his name badge. Drew saw this and, smiling, started up some banter with the contestant.
The Price Is Right: Drew Carey
“I love your name,” he said, as he shook hands with the older man, asking, “What’s your last name?” The man responded his name was Carey Klingfas. Drew kept the humor going when he mentioned that they could get married.

He said they would be “Drew Carey Carey Klingfus.” The contestant laughed as well. When the show shared this moment on Instagram, announcer George Gray played the moment up as well, calling them “love birds.”

This then led to Carey Klingfus getting a chance to play the game Freeze Frame, which gave him a chance for a special vacation win if he chose the right four numbers that matched the cost of the trip.

Carey Wins A Big Vacation On The Price Is Right

Carey then played the Freeze Frame game. He turned to the crowd and let them tell him what to do with the spinning numbers, and when he stopped the wheel, he got the big win. He won a big trip to Playa del Carmen in Mexico.

 

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Bài viết do The Price Is Right (@therealpriceisright) chia sẻ

Here is a look at some of the fan comments about Carey when he won his trip, as well as the fun moment with the two “Careys” on the stage together at the same time (via Instagram).

“I am really glad he won!”
“I’m ready to meet Drew too!”
“Carey must never turned to the audience for help”
“But of course! Double fresh, double smooth, double delicious for you…I think I heard that somewhere”

What are your thoughts on Carey’s big win on The Price is Right? Do you enjoy it when Drew Carey starts having fun in these moments? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Breaking News from Jeopardy! Prepare for a Game-Changing Announcement That Will Leave You Speechless!

Jeopardy! is coming to bars across America as iconic game show could become next night out

When it comes to winnings, there will be a big difference between what players will win on the Jeopardy! broadcast and what competitors will take home from their local bar game

Jeopardy! will soon be played in bars in America(Image: Jeopardy!)

Those who love to tune in daily for Jeopardy! and secretly wish they could be a contestant might get their chance sooner rather than later.

Within the next year Jeopardy! fans will be able to compete in their favorite trivia game at a bar near them. Possibly even get to appear on the televised game show. The Jeopardy! Bar League will kick off nationally in 2025, which means “America’s Favorite Quiz Show” will take place in bars. A partnership between Sony Pictures Television, bar trivia operator Geeks Who Drink, and interactive entertainment technology company TimePlay, enables the Jeopardy! Bar League to come into effect.

Similar to other bar trivia events, competing teams can “engage with the game in real time, using their mobile devices to respond to clues, track their scores, and see live leaderboards within their bar,” Sony said in a press release shared Monday.

Jeopardy! Bar League will mirror the TV version, including clues and categories from the program.

The Jeopardy! Bar League will soon launch(Image: Jeopardy! )

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“Bringing ‘Jeopardy!’ out of the studio and into the real world is a major focus for us at the show,” Jeopardy! Executive Producer Michael Davies said. “We already know that many people, including me, watch and play along with our show in bars, and we know that many of our contestants come from the thriving culture of bar trivia, so it seemed only natural for us to combine these elements into ‘Jeopardy!’ Bar League.”

When it comes to winnings, there will be a big difference between what players will win on the Jeopardy! broadcast and what competitors will take home from their local bar game.

“Winners of future tournaments will have the opportunity to qualify to become contestants on the televised version of ‘Jeopardy!,’” according to Sony’s press release.

Come December 2024, a “limited first-run” of Jeopardy! Bar League will launch as a way to round out the 60th anniversary of the show, which debuted on TV on March 30, 1964.

It hasn’t been released where the limited run of Jeopardy! Bar League will happen.

According to information available on the “Jeopardy!” Bar League website, teams of one to six players will be allowed to participate in what will be a weekly event.

“Price Is Right” Fans Slam Drew Carey for “Unacceptable” On-Air Insult Toward Beloved Model!

Drew Carey is known for making jokes in his role as host of The Price is Right, notably when he recently asked to marry a contestant. During a recent episode, Carey made a joke concerning one of the show’s models. However, his comments ended up rubbing some fans the wrong way.

One Price Is Right Contestant Got A Chance At A New Car

Throughout the show, the models help to reveal prices and celebrate with contestants. Some of the current models on the show include Manuela Arbelaez, Amber Lancaster, and Rachel Reynolds.

In one recent episode, a contestant got to try her luck with the “Let ‘Em Roll,” getting the chance to win a new car. Similar to Yahtzee, the game involves five dice. Contestants get one roll with the chance to earn more by guessing the relative price of grocery items.
Drew Carey – YouTube
The player can win a car if the dice reveals a car symbol. However, they can also earn cash amounts. After landing on cash, one contestant, Michele decided to roll again instead of walking away with the money.

This spurred Carey to reveal a little about one of the show’s models. “She’s gonna roll again. Thank you, Manuela,” said Drew as the model collected the dic. He then revealed, “Manuela used to work in a casino in Colombia…when she was young.” He also joked that she couldn’t talk about it.

In the end, Michele ended up winning the new car she wanted after all. Drew congratulated her and even high-fived Arbelaez.

Some Fans Came To Manuela’s Defense Online

On social media, some fans took issue with Carey talking about Manuela’s previous line of work. As one fan suspected on instagram, “He has beef with Manuela.”

Another wrote, “For real! ‘When she was young,’” pairing it with a skull emoji. One commenter also replied, “People need to stop making fun of Manuela Arbelaez when she’s on TPIR.”

 

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As another shared, “This man just roasting Manuela for no reason.” One commenter especially came to the model’s defense, saying “Manuela is a SAINT! He needs to show some damn respect!”

As noted by Monsters & Critics, Arbelaez was born in Colombia and has since become a naturalized American. Back in 2008, she competed in The Price Is Right Model search. She didn’t win, but made such an impression on the production that she became a permanent model for the show anyway the following year.

Did you see this recent episode of The Price is Right? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest TV and celebrity news.

Drew Carey on Retiring From ‘Price Is Right’ & His ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Advice for Ryan Seacrest

Monica Schipper/Getty Images

While Pat Sajak is retiring from Wheel of Fortune next month, Drew Carey has no intention of giving up his The Price Is Right hosting duties any time soon, if ever!

Carey took over the The Price is Right in 2007 following the retirement of legendary host Bob Barker, who passed away at the age of 99 last August after a battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a role the 65-year-old comedian still cherishes and hopes to hold onto forever.

Speaking to Entertainment Tonight at the CBS Fall Schedule Celebration last week, Carey was asked how much longer he thinks he’ll stay on as Price Is Right host.

“I’ll say, for the record, I wanna die on stage with a microphone in my hand,” he said, confirming that he doesn’t intend on going anywhere.

Drew Carey and Bob Barker on ‘The Price Is Right’ Season 41 in 2014; Sonja Flemming/CBS/Everett Collection

“I think Bob made a mistake by retiring. I’m not gonna make that same mistake,” he continued. “As long as my heart is ticking and they want me to be on the show, I think I’m gonna do The Price is Right. I just love it. I think I was made for it.”

In the meantime, Sajak’s final episode of Wheel of Fortune will air on Friday, June 7, ending his 40-year-long role as host. American Idol‘s Ryan Seacrest will step into Sajak’s shoes for the 42nd season.

When asked if he had any advice for Seacrest, Carey joked, “Do I have any advice for billionaire Ryan Seacrest? Who hosts everything all the time? No.”

“‘Bro, I think you got it. I think you know what to do. I think you know how to host things. Don’t worry about it. You’re going to be fine,’” he added.

As for his own hosting style, Carey previously told ET about how watching Barker helped prepare him for the part.

“He was so good at relating to people and getting them to be relaxed and be themselves,” Carey explained. “You watch his demeanor and his attitude. He never seemed stressed.”

He added, “I’ve learned to relax while I’m onstage and not be so uptight about what’s going on. I just have to own the show and make it like my living room, because [Barker] was so comfortable in front of a camera.”

The Price Is Right, Weekdays, CBS

“The Price Is Right” Outrage: Fans Explode Over “Stupidest Bid Ever” – Did This Contestant Just Break the Game?!

‘The Price is Right’ Fans Slam ‘Stupidest Contestant Ever’ After Ridiculous Bid

Price is Right/YouTube

The Price is Right viewers weren’t amused during Tuesday night’s (May 7) episode after one contestant wasted his opportunity on a “stupid” joke bid.

As reported by The U.S. Sun, Tuesday’s episode saw a contestant named Nicholas called down from the audience to try his luck at winning some big prizes. However, Nicholas ended up shocking viewers and host Drew Carey with an outlandish bid.

He and three others had to guess the price of a set of workout equipment, which included a spin bike and a vertical knee-raise station. As per the usual Price is Right rules, the winner was the bid closest to the real price without going over.

Nicholas was asked to make his bid first, to which he said, “I’m gonna say $1 million.”

The usually noisy studio audience fell silent as Carey looked baffled. “Seriously?” the host asked.

“Yeah, it looks like some nice equipment,” Nicholas continued.

“We can put one million on there if you want us to,” Carey added, seemingly giving another chance for Nicholas to change his mind.

Price is Right/YouTube

The bold contestant decided to stick with his answer, and Carey accepted it (though the production team was unable to display the $1 million guess on the podium as the number was too large).

Obviously, Nicholas’s ridiculous response didn’t pay off. The workout equipment’s actual retail value ended up being $1,798.

Later in the episode, Nicholas received another shot at moving onto the main pricing games. This time, he gave a more realistic response and earned himself a spot on the stage. While talking to Carey, he explained his $1 million bid was the result of losing a bet.

“Oh, no, no problem,” Carey told him. “You gotta pay off your bets.”

Even after his explanation, viewers were still mad at Nicholas for what many deemed an “attention seeking” move.

“Whoever made him do the bet just got him a spot as the “stupidest contestant ever.” And basically exposed him on television,” wrote one commenter on the Price is Right Reddit forum.

“He wanted the internet attention that he is now receiving, particularly on Reddit,” added another.

“I don’t get it!! Why waste a bid like that??” said another.

“This is another production screw up. They are picking some of the worst players. This could’ve been drawn out in a pre show interview,” added one user.

Another added, “The best part was that audience just sat there in silence. They recognized a clown when they saw one.”

“Feel bad for everyone in the audience whose dream was to come on down,” wrote one fan.

“Bruh I was “yelling” at my TV Screen over this. $ 1 million for an exercise bike? Come on,” added another.

What did you think of Nicholas’ crazy bid? Let us know in the comments below.

The Price Is Right, Weekdays, CBS

The Price is Right drops major news about famous game show’s future and leaves loyal fans divided

FANS have become emotional after The Price is Right dropped major news about its future.

The Instagram account of the popular show announced a new change ahead of the upcoming season.

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Bob Barker pictured on The Price Is Right set in February 1978Credit: Getty

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Drew Carey revealed The Price is Right has filmed its last episode at Bob Barker Studio 33Credit: Instagram/thepriceisright

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Drew took over as host after Bob retired in 2007Credit: Getty
In the short video, host Drew Carey, 65, revealed the CBS show filmed its last episode at Bob Barker Studio 33 in Glendale, California.

The comedian said: “We’ve been here for 51 years in this historic stage. I used to tell people there was magic in the wood because of all the good vibes in this studio – all the laughs, all the fun.”

Drew continued: “Now we gotta go and start a new place and put our own vibes in the new place.”

The last episode from Bob Barker Studio 33 airs on June 26.

THE COMMENTS

In the comments section, viewers were unsure about the new move, especially since the studio honored the retired host Bob Barker, 99.

One critic of the move said: “I’m not too happy about this decision to move out of where both hosts Carol Burnett and Bob Barker called this place ‘home’ on Hollywood.”

A supporter of the move added: “If they are going to a new studio, there needs to be a full audience, just like before COVID. That’ll make me happy.”

Another critic argued: “I personally think @therealpriceisright should stay where they are and go back to having a packed audience.”

A second supporter wrote: “I hope the new home will be something special and I still will continue to watch this great show.”

A commentator chimed in: “Aww…bittersweet! I was ‘raised’ in the Bob Barker studio!

“Congratulations on this new chapter! I hope to be able to come on down to the new studio!”

REMEMBERING BOB BARKER

When the popular program debuted in 1972, Bob served as the host for over thirty years.

After Bobs retired from hosting in 2007, Drew took over the reins.

After his retirement, Barker made a few guest appearances from time to time and briefly returned to his hosting duties for an April Fool’s Day prank in 2015.

INJURED ON SET

Recently, contestant Henry arrived on set with his right arm limp and his wife by his side.

While celebrating his big win at a game of Bonkers, Henry dislocated his shoulder on stage.

Drew shared: “Henry was celebrating and going ‘Woo,’ and he dislocated his shoulder.”

“So, he’s not going to be able to spin the wheel, but Alice is going to spin the wheel for him.”

A viewer recalled another incident in 1998, during Bob’s hosting run, “when a contestant named Scott hurt his knee while playing the Dice Game!”

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Fans are excited for the move to a new studio, but will miss the old oneCredit: Getty

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Bob Barker posed in front of The Price is Right set in June 2007Credit: Getty

Crisis on the “Jeopardy!” Set? Loyal Fans Are Up in Arms, Vowing to Boycott the Show!

Jeopardy! fans threaten to boycott show after ‘sore winner’ Drew Basile receives honor for winning streak

MOST Jeopardy! viewers tune in to the show to test their general knowledge, but some have also started to turn on the show’s current ongoing champ.

Survivor 45 alum Drew Basile may have racked up over $100,000 in winnings from his days-long Jeopardy! streak, but he’s also garnered a handful of online haters along the way.

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Jeopardy! fans and viewers have called out Drew Basile, the show’s reigning champ, for his ‘obnoxious’ behavior like pumping his fists when he’s declared the winner each nightCredit: Jeopardy

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Some fans have labeled Drew Basile’s behavior as ‘disrespectful’ and have asked him to tone down his ‘bro-ish’ attitude on the showCredit: Jeopardy

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Jeopardy! isn’t Drew Basile’s first foray onto reality television, as he previously appeared in the 45th season of Survivor, which aired from September to December 2023Credit: Jeopardy
On Wednesday, June 27, 2024, the official Jeopardy! Instagram account formerly announced Basile was the newest addition to the game show’s Tournament of Champions.

“Watch out, there’s a new ToCer on the block and it’s @SurvivorCBS alum Drew Basile! #Jeopardy!” the show captioned the post.

Jeopardy! also announced the news simultaneously on X.

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Reigning champ Drew Basile flexes his muscles and flashes a grin as he poses for his Tournament of Champions announcement, revealed one day after his fifth consecutive winCredit: Instagram/Jeopardy
Basile had already tweeted a message thanking his fans and viewers for their support on his journey to the Tournament of Champions.

“Honored to make the ToC, thanks for all the support from Jeopardy fans as well as the Survivor community,” he tweeted.

“They’re not kidding when they say it’s a family. And special shoutout to @anthonyd46 for all the content, screengrabs, etc,” he added.

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Jeopardy!’s Ken Jennings was previously scolded by fans for throwing Drew Basile off his game after letting him know Survivor host Jeff Probst was watching, and rooting for him on the showCredit: ABC

DREW NOT DISTURB

Even before the announcement, Jeopardy! viewers had already shared their thoughts on Basile, and they weren’t pretty.

“Drew doesn’t know what being a humble winner is. Instead he’s an obnoxious winner,” commented one Instagram user.

“Someone please break his streak… Please. I was really hoping he wouldn’t make it to the ToC,” commented another user.

“Can anyone see through the fake humility of him? Waiting for a new winner,” wrote another user.

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings leaves Drew Basile speechless with Survivor news before alum’s ‘over-excited’ 5th win-
“If obnoxious bragging winning was a person,” tweeted one user.

“I could do without his “bro” posturing, but maybe he’ll outgrow it by winter,” added another user.

Some Jeopardy! fans even vowed to boycott the show until a new champion takes Drew’s place.

“I’m a regular viewer, but I’m done until Drew is gone,” one user tweeted.

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On Wednesday, June 19, 2024, Drew Basile managed to beat then-reigning-champ Adriana Harmeyer, who won a total of $351,600 during her 15-game winning streakCredit: Jeopardy
“He’s arrogant and full of himself. So unpleasant. Hopefully his run will be short and his defeat will be glorious.”

Still, Basile has managed to turn a few viewers into die-hard supporters, or at the very least, lukewarm believers.

DREW CREW

“Go Drew. Hated you in Survivor but I like you in Jeopardy!” wrote one X user.

“Shocking to see a Twitter post about drew and not seeing all the comments hating on him,” tweeted one user.

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Drew has acknowledged the haters on his social media, saying it was time to “prove them right,” regarding those who called him a “know-it-all”Credit: Jeopardy
“Our Survivor legend and Jeopardy kingggg,” commented one user, alongside a crown emoji.

“I think he’s just very competitive and can’t hold it in,” wrote another user.

“How else could you survive Survivor for that long?”

“Listening to his interview about all sorts of students skipping 7th period to watch Jeopardy with him, the Class Officer, he seems well liked and respected by those who know him,” they added.

“Think about that before you lay into such a great player.”

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Drew Basile has drawn some criticism from Jeopardy! viewers for fist-pumping, clapping, and outwardly celebrating his wins, big and small, on the showCredit: Jeopardy
“Drew is one of my personal top 5 favorite Jeopardy! contestants!” exclaimed another user.

Even Survivor got in on the action, commenting three clapping hands emojis from their official Instagram, @survivorcbs.

BASILE THE DEAL

Any Jeopardy! contestant who wins at least five games in the show’s current season are eligible to compete in the Tournament of Champions.

Basile, who was featured on Survivor’s 45th season, has won six consecutive games as of Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

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Drew Basile was last seen on Survivor’s 45th season, pictured here in an episode titled Brought a Bazooka to a Tea Party, but ended up leaving the island just 3 days before the finalsCredit: Getty
“It’s not my first rodeo, Ken,” Basile told host Ken Jennings during his first Jeopardy! interview.

“I had the privilege of being on Survivor recently,” he continued.

“So I lasted out there for 23 days of 26 with no clothes, no shelter, no food.”

“[It] affected the noggin a little bit, but I’m hoping to, you know, be back on the horse for Jeopardy.”

“Survivor’s pretty hard on the body, but Jeopardy’s tough on the mind,” he added.

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Drew Basile has now won over $100,000 during his six-game winning streak, and secured his place in the show’s spin-off, Tournament of ChampionsCredit: Jeopardy!
Tournament of Champions typically airs after the show’s regular season has wrapped.

The game show’s 40th season set to finish on July 26, 2024, though fans shouldn’t expect TOC to air immediately in August.

The majority of the show’s past tournaments have aired in November, with the last TOC running from February 23 to March 19, 2024.

The Survivor alum is faring slightly better on the trivia game show than he did on the survival competition show, though time will tell if he can beat his 23-day streak on the island.

Jeopardy! Universe

Jeopardy! first aired in 1964 until 1975. Then the nighttime version began in 1974. Since then, many spinoffs of the game show have emerged. Here they all are:

Jeopardy! – (syndicated) 1974 to present, weekdays on ABC at 7 pm ET.

Tournament of Champions – 1984 to present, features the top champions who have appeared on the show since the last tournament.

Second Chance Tournament – 2022 to present features hand-selected non-winners from the season prior, where the prize is entry into Champions Wildcard.

Champions Wildcard – 2023 to present, features all one, two and three-day champions from the season prior worth entry into the Tournament of Champions.

Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (syndication) – 2023 to present, features past greats invited by producers to vie for a slot in Masters.

Jeopardy! Masters (primetime) – 2023 to present, features the six highest-ranked Jeopardy! champions competing against each other.

Celebrity Jeopardy! (primetime) – 1992 to present, has celebrities compete against each other to raise money for charity.

Pop Culture Jeopardy (streaming) – 2024 to present, will feature teams of three tasked with pop culture trivia on Amazon Prime, host and airdate TBD

Jeopardy! has done away with specialized tournaments like its College Tournaments, Kids Week, and Professor’s Tournament to gear towards a more sports-like model, with Masters being the top of the Jeopardy pyramid.

Other versions of Jeopardy! have fizzled out throughout the years as well, like Sports Jeopardy!.

“Jeopardy!” Star’s Desperate Call! Ken Jennings Turns to Drew Carey for Assistance

Ken Jennings seeks approval from host Drew Carey as show mistakes could prevent ‘long-term’ contract with Jeopardy!

KEN Jennings is counting on the approval of fellow game show host Drew Carey to bolster his reputation at Jeopardy!, The U.S. Sun has been told.

Former champion Ken, 50, took on sole hosting duties after co-host Mayim Bialik was let go in December.

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Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings sees Drew Carey’s approval as ‘important,’ a source sharedCredit: Jeopardy!

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Drew Carey’s takeover of The Price Is Right ‘is the model for a smooth game show host transition’Credit: Getty Images – Getty
Initially, then-executive producer Mike Richards was named the new Jeopardy! host in 2021.

He was forced to resign after a mere week when sexist comments he had previously made on a podcast resurfaced.

Now, Ken has ambitions to replicate his hero, Alex Trebek, and his decades-long run on the beloved quiz show.

It appears he has a supporter in his corner in The Price Is Right presenter Drew, 66, which is crucial as Ken looks to do what Drew has done.

‘DREW HAS COME AROUND TO KEN’

A colleague of the big-hearted CBS star said, “Back when it was an open seat and an open job, Drew was fiercely in his friend Mike Richards’ corner.

“He felt that Mike was the best prepared to replace Alex and keep the franchise going.

“But that’s because Drew and Mike were friends.

“Now that Mayim has bowed out, Drew has really come around to Ken, even though they are merely acquaintances and colleagues.”

GOAT contestant Ken holds the record for the longest winning streak in Jeopardy! history with 74 consecutive wins in 2004.

Since becoming sole host, some fans have questioned his charisma, while others have called out instances where he can be too harsh in his rulings.

Ken Jennings called out for denying partial answer about famous film as Jeopardy! fans question if game rules are ‘real’
Meanwhile, veteran entertainer Drew has been hosting The Price Is Right since 2007 after taking over from the legendary Bob Barker.

He’s also worked with Jeopardy!’s parent company, Sony Pictures Television, presenting their game show Power of 10 between 2007 and 2008.

That gig set him up for his now-long-running role at The Price Is Right, which he’s held for nearly two decades.

‘MODEL FOR SMOOTH TRANSITION’

Ken wants longevity on Jeopardy!, and it’s why he wants Drew’s approval- that, and Drew has sway at Sony.

To Sony, Drew epitomizes a modern-day game show host who took over for an iconic previous host and has since won over audiences.

“The perception inside the Jeopardy! bubble right now is that Ken needs all the help he can get,” The U.S. Sun’s source said.

“Drew does see Ken as a guy who fought for the job, proved his worthiness, and deserves a fair shot from audiences.

“What’s important about Drew’s approval is that it really does resonate with the executives at Sony.

“He is taken incredibly seriously at that place, and his takeover of The Price is Right is the model for a smooth game show host transition.”

Despite Drew’s weight in the entertainment world, the insider believes Ken still has a battle on his hands, with or without his backing.

The source said, “Is an endorsement from Drew enough to give Ken the kind of lifetime tenure that Alex enjoyed in the job?

“Not quite, because Ken still has a balancing act to perform when it comes to keeping the ratings steady while dealing with the vocal army of Jeopardy!-obsessed fans on the internet who pick over his every syllable looking for mistakes.

“Sony listens to Drew, but they’re also monitoring the fan community incredibly closely.

“Ken has to keep the fans hooked without outraging them, and it’s not easy.”

Jeopardy! fans are vocally protective of the show’s legacy, regularly calling out the smallest of mistakes online.

But most feel it wasn’t a mistake to hire Ken as host, and the consensus is that he’s doing Alex and the trivia show proud.

HOST HAVOC

Ken’s vision to capture Alex’s longevity on Jeopardy! comes after a scandalous transitional period to replace him.

Alex hosted the show’s modern iteration from 1984 until November 2020 after losing a battle with pancreatic cancer.

After his death, things got a bit chaotic, as viewers know all too well.

After a series of guest hosts, officials announced that producer Mike Richards and actress Mayim would be taking over as co-hosts.

However, in August 2021, Richards resigned over sexist resurfaced comments and Ken stepped in to split hosting duties with Mayim.

In July 2022, it was announced that Mayim and Ken would continue to host together for Season 39 by switching off.

However, after the show’s summer 2023 hiatus, it was revealed that Jennings would take over as the permanent host for Season 40.

Mayim announced in a personal Instagram message in late December 2023 that she would “no longer be hosting” the show.

Jeopardy! Host Timeline

Jeopardy! has had a tumultuous history regarding hosts after the death of the iconic Alex Trebek in 2020. Here are all of the hosts since the game show’s inception in 1964.

Art Fleming – 1964 to 1975, he was the original host of the daytime version of Jeopardy! on NBC.

Alex Trebek – 1984 to 2020, the late, great Alex hosted Jeopardy!’s modern iteration for 36 years until his death from pancreatic cancer.

Guest hosts – 2020 to 2021, Jeopardy! tested out a series of guest hosts for week or two-week stints, including Anderson Cooper, LaVar Burton, and Aaron Rodgers.

Mike Richards – 2021, he was named host for one week before resigning amid controversy. He was the show’s executive producer at the time.

Mayim Bialik – 2021 to 2023, when Mike was announced as the show’s new host, Mayim was chosen to host tournaments and primetime specials.

Mayim and Ken Jennings – 2022 to 2023, 74-time champion Ken (the longest-winning contestant ever) joined Mayim as a guest host and they split hosting duties.

Ken Jennings – 2023 to present. Last December, Mayim announced on Instagram that she would “no longer” host Jeopardy! after a lengthy hiatus, having stood with the writer’s strike, and Ken was named sole host.

Ken now helms all editions of Jeopardy! including Celebrity Jeopardy!, the nightly show, and other primetime specials like Masters.

“As the Holiday break begins in Hollywood, I have some Jeopardy! news,” she began her post.

“Sony has informed me that I will no longer be hosting the syndicated version of Jeopardy!”

Jeopardy! cobbled together a similar-looking Instagram message an hour later, and it has since been reported that Mayim broke the news without consulting the show first.

Ken later said he “understood” the decision as shows “don’t have two hosts.”

HAPPY WITH ‘LESS MONEY’

Ken is reportedly tied to a $4 million contract now that he’s the singular host of the series.

The U.S. Sun previously reported that his contract isn’t long-term just yet.

“He still has no long-term Trebek-style contract, and the President of Sony TV can replace him at any time, on a whim,” a source previously shared.

However, Ken is happy to take a pay cut to ensure he remains a host for decades to come.

“Jeopardy! is Ken’s religion; he lives it, and he breathes it, and despite all the outside pressures, he’s not going to mess this up,” the source revealed.

“What he really wants more than anything is to stick around and make this position work for the long run.

“And if that means making less money to ensure his longevity, you can bet your life he’d be game.”

Ken made $2.5 million from his record 74-game run as a contestant and $4.3 million including tournaments.

Alex reportedly made $10 million a year by the end of his 36-year tenure.

‘KEN KNOWS HIS ISSUES’

As Ken grows into his seemingly permanent role, he’s also well aware that his biggest pitfall is not being a natural-born TV presenter.

Ken never had another major TV role to his name, but he’s not letting that stop him as he grows into his role for the long haul.

“Ken is self-aware and knows his issues are always going to be how his personality reads on camera,” a source also previously claimed.

“And not his proven expertise with trivia or with the Jeopardy! game itself.

“Ken knows this, Sony knows this, and everybody knows this is the reason he was never the first choice to replace Alex Trebek,” they claimed.

“He got this job because the other candidates didn’t work out, and Ken is at peace with that.”

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Ken Jennings is determined to host for the long haul much like Alex Trebek, and like Drew has done with Price is RightCredit: Getty

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Ken Jennings reportedly makes $4 million as host and is growing into one of TV’s biggest rolesCredit: Getty