LeVar Burton’s ‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Branded ‘Most Annoying Ever’ By Viewers

Martin Holmes
40 Comments
Jeopardy! Matt Amodio contestant
CBS

Jeopardy! is rolling on with LeVar Burton at the helm this week, but it’s current champion Matt Amodio who is getting fans talking.

The Phd student from New Haven, Connecticut, is currently on a six-game winning streak and has earned the respect of many viewers for his trivia knowledge. However, Amodio has a certain quirk when answering questions that is starting to get under some people’s skin.

Everyone knows that the format of Jeopardy! requires contestants to answer in the form of a question, but Amodio seems to have a problem differentiating his “what’s” from his “who’s.” For example, when the answer is a person’s name, like Anna Faris or John Cleese, which we saw on Wednesday’s show, Amodio said “what’s Faris” and “what’s Cleese” rather than “who’s Faris” or “who’s Cleese.”

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'Jeopardy!' Contestant Gets Lowest Score Ever on LeVar Burton’s Hosting Debut

“I am impressed with Matt on Jeopardy but he uses “What’s” regardless of if the answer is a thing or a person — for a few nights now. Shouldn’t a person always be “who”?!?” said one frustrated Twitter user. Others went as far as to say Amodio was “the most annoying contestant ever” for this bad habit.

However, not everyone seemed to mind Amodio’s approach, as fans were just happy to see such an impressive champion. It’s been a while since a contestant has gone on a run like this, and so the New Haven native received high praise for his Jeopardy! skills.

“Y’all better get used to and get over hearing “What’s” because I think Matt’s going to be on Jeopardy! for a while. And I’m here for it,” tweeted one viewer.

Who, or what, will be able to beat Amodio? Jeopardy! continues weeknights. Check your local listings.

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  1. G

    GreenCloud

    I think he's terrific. I was an English professor, and "what's" as a generic answer. Do you insist on "where" for a geography question? And there is nothing wrong with a contraction instead of "what is." Get a life, folks!

    31 3

  2. C

    CyanPin

    I think that Matt is amazingly smart and maybe a little awkward, but who cares? I'm happy that he remembers to phrase his answers in the form of a question as opposed to those who continually forget that rule. By the way, Jeopardy is recorded in five games in one day. A week's worth of episodes all in one day! Not many could survive such a challenge. Who, what, when, where, or why.... I'd say he's doing a great job.

    26

  3. P

    PurpleSubmarine

    Why does the post have to site Levar Burton when talking negatively about the current champion. What does Mr. Burton have to do with the champion's use of "what is" and there are more important things in this world to obsess over. I think Mr. Burton and the Champion are doing fine.

    27 3

    1. G

      GoldHammer

      They are just putting it into context for the reader. Not all of us are watching these shows but we like to keep up. The only winner I want to see is Levar Burton. Reading Rainbow!

      2 3

  4. G

    GreenLobster

    It’s a good trick to avoid messing up. It also keeps him from having to think of who/what choice and focus on what comes after who/what. I think it’s a deliberate trick

    16

  5. R

    RedApple

    Congratulations Mat ! Wishing you continued success. You are an inspiration. Ignore the critics

    They breed negativity and perhaps jealousy.

    15 1

  6. G

    GoldCar

    I think Matt is answering just fine. People, quit looking for fault. I don’t care for LeVar Burton as host but I appreciate his effort. One thing that has to go though is the earring. Not professional!

    17 8

    1. G

      GreenGoggles

      This thing about Matt is so stupid . I am more impressed with his winning streak and how much money he has accumulated .

      4

  7. G

    GoldPizza

    I think it's a correct usage. The question he's answering is "what is the name?"

    8 1

  8. C

    CyanCandy

    I think he is great

    5

  9. A

    Antonio Montealegre

    Well, at least Matt's not that unlucky contestant on Monday who kept losing money (in fact, probably the most money according to one posted article on EW.com) because he kept giving wrong answers in the form of a question, barring him from Final Jeopardy...

    6 1

  10. G

    GoldCocktail

    Lavar Burton is driving me crazy with his YES response so loud he scares me each time. He seems so forced...

    4

  11. R

    RedApple

    I like this champion and yes, it's great to see a "champion" who can actually win more than 1 to 3 days!!! THIS GUY is a great one for the record books in the making.

    As far as permanent hosts, I'm a traditionalist and I'm for Ken Jennings, at this point, and second choice is Mayim. The show exec was good, but let him stay behind the scenes and keep Jeopardy! the classic icon it has now been for decades. I thought Dr. Oz, the Black news guy, Savannah Guthrie, Dr. Gupta and Katie Couric were pretty atrocious. I did not become a Buzzy fan. Too sarcastic and arrogant for me. I liked Robin Roberts and even Anderson was fairly passable. Aaron Rodgers had a ball and made it fun for us, too. What I do like about Levar is he has good, rapid fire timing and pacing that moves it along and that keeps us, the audience, interested. But I think Ken will do the show and memory of Alex Trebek right and will soon be very polished and as comfortable as Alex became. Anyway, I hope we see this current champ accumulate many days and lots of money because it's been way too long. 3 days and $55,000 does not really make for the kind of champs we want on the Tournament of Champions. At least I don't.

    6 2

  12. O

    OrangeLamp

    Who cares. “what’s” as part of his answer. As long as he has the correct information he is still winning. Not whining like everyone else. I would hate to see some of these people with a real problem. OMG!

    4

  13. C

    CyanBike

    He's winning what difference does it make? Leave him alone. So many grammar know-it-all's!!! Why don't you go on jeopardy then, if y'all have the answers. Geeezzzzzz lighten up, people.

    4

  14. G

    GreenPalmtree

    Matt's doing great! Just about all the contestants have done the same thing. Always bothers me, but not enough to be a Karen.

    No to Burton....he's the annoying one.

    10 6

  15. P

    PurpleGlasses

    Matt also only gives last name of a person. No advantage to giving first name and maybe making a mistake.

    3

  16. G

    GreenQuill

    People are so quick to criticize eachother and negatively judge other people's differences and choices. Isn't that a verbal form of bullying? To note that Matt's choice choice to wear his earring is unprofessional is neither here nor there. He isn't applying for some corporate position. He's playing a game. What difference does it make if he's interchanging "who" and "what"? His answers are correct. If it's so painful to hear there are other shows to watch. How about Family Feud. I'd hate to hear some of the perfect people's comments on that show. Who or what, I'm still learning some cool facts.

    4 1

    1. A

      Antonio Montealegre

      One correction: I think the previous commenter was referring to LeVar's wearing an earring.

      7

  17. O

    OrangeCandy

    Most winners have been obnoxious. Mr Burton,stop yelling & read sentence as a sentence not each word as a sentence. Jimmy or Sarah from "Clue crew" should become the new host.

    3

  18. G

    GoldBattery

    I think Matt might be on the autism spectrum.

    3

  19. G

    GoldFlame

    He’s not as obnoxious as LaVar Burton! Those eyes are creepy!

    11 8

    1. G

      GreenWrench

      Those eyes ARE creepy! .. and bring on Mayim .. she's awesome!

      1 2

  20. P

    PurpleLeaf

    Matt is an awesome player. He’s fun to watch I hope he continues winning….. As for Lavar👎🏻

    2

  21. O

    OliveBoomerang

    Personally, I think the champ is doing fine. He's got a heck of a memory and you can tell he is obviously very well-read. On the other hand, I do not care at all for out guest host. I know he is new on the job however, there have been other gifts host who came into the position and we're immediately well-rehearsed and as comfortable as anyone could be. There are nine of us who watch Jeopardy together on a rather constant basis. Not one, in the nine, care for LeVar. We would respectfully nominate Robin Roberts or Ken Jennings. Either would make us feel respected and entertained to the point that we couldn't wait to tune in to the next Jeopardy telecast.

    2

  22. J

    Jena

    I find Matt annoying, and not just for his lack of "Who's." Even so, he's definitely not THE most annoying-- not by a long shot.

    4 2

  23. O

    OrangeBucket

    I wonder if Matt has mild Autism? That may explain his quirks in coming up with the questions- like using "what" constantly and his slow, deliberate delivery.

    It also may explain his genius level knowledge (he's a pH.D candidate who wants to work with WATSON), superior wagering ability, and he's close to being on the same level as Jennings, Rutler and Holtzhauer.

    1

  24. R

    RedCupcake

    Nit-picking & judgemental criticism, he is certainly not "most annoying" by any stretch. The guy is amazing! Why are people so quick to judge others?

    1

  25. R

    RedCupcake

    While you are correct pronoun usage is important, the rules say only that the answer must be in the form of a question.

    1

  26. O

    OrangeWeights

    I dare any of Matt’s critics to stand in front of huge cameras under hot lights for five shows taped in one day and answer using perfect grammar! Give the guy a break! His strategy and vast warehouse of trivia knowledge is really impressive!

    2 1

  27. G

    GoldCocktail

    I find Mr. Burton annoying and think that Matt is just nervous. Who wouldn’t be? I also find it comical that many of the negative comments about Matt contain bad grammar. Of course, just like every other commentator, my opinion is just that - my opinion.

  28. G

    GoldPizza

    We haven't been able to watch Jeopardy since the Olympics have been on in it's space. It's my favorite show and I sure miss it.

  29. C

    CyanRaindrop

    I don't mind the fact that Matt uses WHAT all the time. It took a bit of getting used to but I have seen contestants get flustered looking for the applicable phrase and blow the answer. He avoids that completely. He is extremely smart and I hope he has a long run. The lady with the "quirky" facial expressions was much more annoying. And there have been many more obnoxious people in the past.

  30. O

    OliveDice

    What cares that he says "What's" instead of "Who?" Er, I mean "Who" cares? Those of you who complain about it are probably just annoyed because he gets more answers right than you do. Don't like it? Don't watch.

  31. R

    RedPalmtree

    I've been watching Matt since his first win and really never noticed the what's. He is using it as a quesfion, as he should. And as far as Lavar Burton, geeze, leave the guy alone. He's articulate and doing a good job

    Nobody is Alex Trevek. Anyone who has the courage to be on national tv gets my respect.

  32. P

    PurpleWheel

    I hate the present champion. He is not humble or classy as Ken Jennings.

    1 1

  33. R

    RedBulb

    LeVar Burton is the most annoying jeopardy! Champion??? This headline is poorly worded . What writes this crap ???

    1 1

  34. R

    RedWrench

    I’m done watching until he’s off … literally cannot stand him

    4 5

  35. R

    RedApple

    He has taken Jeopardy right to the slums. He is disgusting.

    2

  36. O

    OrangeRaindrop

    What I find annoying is that he doesn’t give the whole category title or dollar amount even at the beginning of 5he board play. I can understand at the end where there may be one category left, but come on, get with the program!

    1 3