Ask Matt: Is Amy’s Winning Streak Good for ‘Jeopardy!’?
Welcome to the Q&A with TV critic — also known to some TV fans as their “TV therapist” — Matt Roush, who’ll try to address whatever you love, loathe, are confused or frustrated or thrilled by in today’s vast TV landscape. (We know background music is too loud, but there’s always closed-captioning.)
One caution: This is a spoiler-free zone, so we won’t be addressing upcoming storylines here unless it’s already common knowledge. Please send your questions and comments to [email protected] (or use the form at the end of the column) and follow me on Twitter (@TVGMMattRoush). Look for Ask Matt columns on many Tuesdays and Fridays.
Does a Winning Streak Ruin the Fun of Jeopardy?
Question: I’ve been a big fan of Jeopardy! for many years. Do the producers have insurance coverage to pay for all these big winners they’ve been having? I think if this long string of big winners, such as the current Amy Schneider, continues, it will eventually destroy the program. I find myself starting to watch and when she pulls ahead, I just change channels or turn off the TV. What’s the point of watching if you know who the winner is going to be? It takes the enjoyment out of watching. I would think it would discourage people from becoming contestants on the program. I’m sure there must be a lot of other viewers who feel the same way. — Gordon L, Milford, CT
Matt Roush: Some of the same complaints were made during the long runs of Matt Amodio and James Holzhauer, although most of the comments I received were about peculiarities of their gameplay: Matt’s use of “What,” and James’ aggressive big-money strategy. So far my mailbag has been mostly quiet about Amy’s amazing streak, and while these are legitimate concerns, I respectfully disagree that the spectacle of watching a master of the game in action is anything but exciting. Current host Ken Jennings’ still unbeaten streak made him a pop-culture icon — which of course also tends to attract detractors as well as fans. Some of Amy’s games have been close enough to generate some suspense, but while others could argue, I find it thrilling when she goes on a run, the brainiac version of watching an athlete in their prime.
Most contestants, whether they win or lose, consider it an honor to be invited to play the game at all, and if going up against one of the legends may not be their first choice, at least they’re part of Jeopardy! history. I just know I can’t wait to see Amy go up against Matt, who she just surpassed as #2 in consecutive games, in this year’s Tournament of Champions.
Introducing the Host
Question: When Mayim Bialik hosts Jeopardy!, Johnny Gilbert announces her as “The host of Jeopardy!” Yet when Ken Jennings hosts, the announcement is, “Now, hosting Jeopardy!: Ken Jennings.” What is the significance of the different wording? — Judy
Matt Roush: I’ve had several viewers ask me about this, and when I reached out to the show, I received no response — and if the hosts have commented on this, I’ve missed it. The way I look at it is that the hosts have surely signed off on these introductions, and for Mayim Bialik, it reflects that her role is defined. She’s the host of tournaments and prime-time specials like the upcoming College Championship on ABC, and she fills in during the regular show when Ken Jennings isn’t available. Whereas with Ken, he’s serving as the daily host “for now,” and until or unless Jeopardy! names him the permanent host going forward beyond this season, that’s how it will stand.
Bad Feelings About These ‘Good’ Doctors
Comment: As if it wasn’t bad enough that a doctor on the autism spectrum was performing operations in a major hospital on ABC’s The Good Doctor, we now have father/daughter doctors feuding about their position as “Chief” on Good Sam. Neither of these situations could ever exist in real life, they are completely unrealistic and are very dangerous if people believe these things go on in hospitals. Interesting that both shows have the word “Good” in their titles. — Sue Y
Matt Roush: Let’s sidestep the neurodiversity issue for the moment to focus on the real issue: a show’s credibility. And while The Good Doctor does take its situation to extremes, it at least aims for an emotional realism in its depiction of an autistic savant trying to find his place in a profession he loves. Whereas I’m also off-put for the most part by Good Sam’s tiresomely sitcom-like squabbling between Drs. “Griff” and Sam Griffith, and I generally like both of those actors. But I get it. Knowing what we know about these characters, would we really choose to put our lives in any of their hands?
Are Non-Olympics Fans Out of Luck in February?
Question: Streaming has partially put an end to “sweeps weeks,” when networks traditionally offer their strongest shows. And for that reason, February has always been one of the biggest ratings periods of the year. But this year, the Olympics is set to take away eyeballs from other stations and I’m wondering: Are the two weeks of this year’s February sweeps going to be all reruns on the networks, who refuse to complete with the Games’ presumed ratings juggernaut? As someone who couldn’t care less about the Olympics, I get weary of having no new shows to watch on so-called “free TV” for two weeks. Is there any chance it won’t happen this year? — Aflem
Matt Roush: If you’re limited to the broadcast networks, your options will be limited but not altogether hopeless. It looks like Fox will continue airing some of its prime-time series (9-1-1: Lone Star and Thursday sitcoms), newer female-skewing shows like ABC’s Promised Land soap will stay on (following new episodes of The Bachelor) along with some of its sitcoms, and there will be alternative programming like ABC’s aforementioned Jeopardy! College Championship and a new season of Celebrity Big Brother on CBS. There may be other stunts and specials in the works, but generally, the networks aren’t going to schedule many if any expensive first-run episodes of their signature series against the Olympics, especially on big nights like figure skating.
Not Music to Our Ears
Question: After reading the article about how to hear television dialogue better, my questions are: Why can’t the television networks and producers record the background music at a lower level so that we, the watchers, don’t have to go through all sorts of machinations in order to hear what is actually being said? And if their point is to showcase the music, why even bother to have dialogue to begin with? Think of the money they could save by not having to pay writers! Any insight you can provide on this would be appreciated. — Anna C, Lititz, PA
Matt Roush: First off, I implore everyone for whom this is an issue — and they are legion — to read John Hogan’s valuable article. Loud or imbalanced background music is by far the #1 complaint about TV in my mailbag and rarely does a day or week go by without someone pointing to a new offender. (Anytime I address this issue going forward, I’m going to add a link to this piece.) So let’s just be honest. The producers aren’t going to stop milking the soundtrack in what they seem to believe is a way of enhancing the drama. As technology advances, they all see themselves as competing against ear-blasting video games, feature films coming to TV more quickly, and all those other streaming options. If you’ve been to a movie lately — or even before the pandemic — you know that big sound is a selling point.
From personal experience, I’ll second John’s point that adding a soundbar to whatever’s coming out of your TV can make a big difference — though we still often use captioning when streaming shows from the UK and Europe because of the pitch of accented dialogue. It may seem like conceding defeat, but I don’t see TV shows changing their stripes or sound anytime soon.
Sheldon’s Not-So-Happy Family
Comment: I have always enjoyed watching Young Sheldon, but for some reason this season has a foreboding undertone to it. I admit that some of my not-so-favorite scenes are the looks George Sr. and neighbor Brenda give each other. I am not sure where they are heading with this, but for me, it takes some of the enjoyment away from the show. — Laurie
Matt Roush: It’s called conflict, which any long-running series (comedy or drama) thrives on, and whether anything happens between these two, I don’t know and wouldn’t say if I did. Between George Sr.’s health issues and his inner turmoil over his encounters with Brenda, I agree the show is playing with some tricky material.
And Finally …
Question: Do you know if Nurses will be airing anymore in the U.S.? I know that it was renewed in Canada but have not heard anything about it coming back in this country at all. — Adam D
Matt Roush: NBC aired Nurses as part of a stopgap measure to fill prime-time slots left empty by pandemic production shutdowns. It’s no longer active on the network’s press website‑unlike another Canadian medical drama, Transplant, which NBC has picked up for a second season — a sure sign that NBC has moved on. With two other medical dramas on their regular schedule, New Amsterdam and Chicago Med, it’s not like NBC needs it anymore. If it shows up again on U.S. TV, it won’t be on NBC. (Maybe streaming?)
That’s all for now. We can’t do this without your participation, so please keep sending questions and comments about TV to [email protected] or shoot me a line on Twitter (@TVGMMattRoush), and you can also submit questions via the handy form below. (Please include a first name with your question.)
Conversation28 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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I can appreciate that Amy Schneider is smart. It’s Ken’s daily fawning over her that I find tedious, and disrespectful of her opponents. I also feel that the questions aren’t up to the usual Jeopardy! standards, especially in Final Jeopardy! Could the show be feeding into her popularity? I, too, find the runaway shows boring.
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Runaway shows are boring...this guy (Amy) seems to leave other contestants looking dumb when in fact they're smart too...does seem like Ken is playing favorites here..
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I quit watching. Boring!
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Already noted in some replies but yeah Jeopardy pays a winner every game. With Amy and other super champs, the daily payout can be higher because they’re often unbeatable going into final Jeopardy & wager as much as possible of an already high total.
When Amy (or Matt) is on a one-of-the-best-players-of-all-time level winning streak and regularly moves into unbeatable territory in Double Jeopardy, I’m not watching for the standard, regular competition. I’m enjoying watching a super player play the game at a high level. And, of course, waiting for the inevitable game when another good player ends the streak. In any case, I’m not ‘bored.’
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I need to say something about Ken Jennings. I was always a Ken-fan as far as who should permanently host Jeopardy. Watching Ken during this, his first months-long stretch as host, I’m utterly convinced. He’s settled in, found his groove and literally no one can touch him.
Mayim is a pro and ok for those prime time Jeopardy shows. I’ve become a Mayim fan generally and now watch her in Call Me Kat. Hosting Jeopardy sometimes is also one of the things she does. She’s uniquely talented.
Ken is Jeopardy. He should formally be made the permanent host of the daily show. Ken’s the best choice to carry on Alex’s legacy. Pretty sure he and Jeopardy know this. Hopefully they can make it happen.
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I enjoy watching a super champ to a point. When the game is no longer a competition, I stop watching. Matt, and now Amy, have over run their stay. With no competition among contestants, I find it boring and unfair. There should be dollar or time limit on how long these situations drag on.
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I agree .there should be time limit on wins..
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I enjoyed watching Matt and James but I’m not enjoying watching Amy. If she gets the Double jeopardy questions the other contestants might as well give up.
I think something is up with the questions because she can’t know so much on so many subjects.
She’s boring and so is Ken Jennings! Both need to go!
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Note that the opening of Young Sheldon has changed this year from the funny cow to an actually threatening bull. The family is facing serious danger.
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I gave up with Jeopardy... It has become so boring. SHe gets ahead and just steamrolls over the other 2 "so called contestants"... They never have a chance. They should be invited back to another show where they would have a chance of winning.....
And taxes - especially in Calif will take a huge chunk of her money...
Wheel of Fortune has also become a 'wonky' show.....
I watch Family Feud for Steve Harvey - I need some laughs.....
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COOL! He does remind me of Tony Randall!! Thank you!
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No olympics for me. I won't support a country or sponsors who are so abysmal when it comes to human rights.
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Young Sheldon is just following what was previously established on TBBT. Remember Sheldon's story about why he always knocks three times? IOW, we already know that George will have an affair and die. And Georgie will become a Tire King, and Missy's hair will go dark.
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I like my comedies with just comedy, thank you!
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I find it fascinating to read the comments about Jeopardy! We watch every night, not so much to see how the contestants are doing, but to see how WE are doing. One of life's little joys is when we correctly answer a Final Jeopardy question when none of the contestants do.
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The question would have had more merit when James was on and regularly winning over $100,000 an episode.
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Im tired of Amys run on Jeopardy; I do what the other person commented, when she pulls ahead so much I change channels.
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Gordon could be my twin... I too find long-term Jeopardy winners to be a little boring. And yeah, once a contestant's score is out of reach and can't be caught, the drama is pretty much gone; after all, the point of a game show is competition, to see "who's going to win." When that's no longer in doubt, why bother watching the rest of the game?
I'm not surprised that viewers are having questions (complaints) about Young Sheldon. I'm sure there has already been a lot of retconning. OG Sheldon has said his father was a drinker, philanderer, and died when he (Sheldon) was a child. In all honesty, the father should probably already have died, and viewers should already have seen Mr. Cooper have various affairs. But no, they have to sanitize and rewrite things that have already been established on TBBT. That's one of the problem with prequels.
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According to the timeline established in TBBT, George's affair and death both happen when Sheldon was at a specific age that on Young Sheldon he has not yet reached. It hasn't happened yet. They are sticking with the timeline on TBBT and not sanitizing anything.
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That freak show of a dude crossdresser ruined jeopardy for me I don't care how smart that thing is, it's disgusting to me.
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"Sweeps" always seemed like a con job to me. The networks use them primarily for the benefit of small-market stations where it's not feasible to measure ratings all 12 months. But they schedule blockbuster programming during that time, generate high ratings, and then use the temporary highs to set rates for the non-blockbuster programming. The Super Bowl and award shows get to be included, but you don't have a Super Bowl the rest of the year.
I'm sure everyone involved (including the advertisers) knows this, but they swear by it anyway.
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I look forward to Jeopardy and Amy every week ,she is an amazing contestant
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Jeopardy is boring now. I’ve had enough of Amy.
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Go Amy!
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There is something I really like about her.
I love the expression on her face when she gets asked the Daily Doubles.
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I think that Mayim was named one of the Original new co hosts of Jeopardy at the start of ther current season, however, the main guy, who was the Executive producer, was of course unceremoniously dumped. Ken Jennings has filled in, alternating with Mayim. Mayim will stay and may go back to her original duties and the new host is supposed to be named by the start of next season in the fall and will be the second and main host.
I gather that's why Mayim and Ken are credited as such this season on Jeopardy
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He has been on long enough the program is not fun to watch
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I still don't like Ken Jennings. Probably never will. I quit watching in December when he was guest hosting every night. Won't watch again until he's gone. It's too bad & I miss Jeopardy but he's not a good performer, no charisma or knowledge of how to act or relate to a camera. Bring back Mayim.
As for Amy, good for her but I agree there should be a limit as to dollar amount won or number of days you can be a contestant. There's such a thing as retiring gracefully. It's no fun to watch her or Matt Amodio trounce people night after night.
I turn off football games when the score becomes too lopsided - same principle applys here.
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I’m ready for Amy and Ken to gooooooo
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