‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Call Jake DeArruda ‘Most Annoying Contestant Ever’
It’s good news for comedian Hasan Minhaj, as Jeopardy! viewers appear to have found a new candidate for the “most annoying contestant ever.”
Delivery dispatcher Jake DeArruda is the contestant in question, as some fans have deemed him “unwatchable.” The Ludlow, Vermont native has been on a roll since knocking Troy Meyer off the winner’s podium last week and, as of Tuesday (January 31), has won three games in a row.
“Is it just me or does anyone else think Jake is the most annoying contestant ever?” one Twitter user commented after the latest episode, and others seemed to agree.
“I won’t be able to watch him much longer,” tweeted another viewer. “I’m normally pretty tolerant of the quirkier champs, but OMG this guy. Ugh.”
Alright, ladies. Drop a 🎩 in the comments if you agree with Ken! pic.twitter.com/sibY7zJSV5
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) February 1, 2023
I won’t be able to watch him much longer. I’m normally pretty tolerant of the quirkier champs, but OMG this guy. Ugh.
— Lorne Murphy (@Pr0gatr0n) February 1, 2023
Others seemed to be irritated by DeArruda’s facial expressions, with one person writing, “While Jake is champion I will just be listening to Jeopardy – cannot watch him.”
This isn’t the first time Jeopardy! fans on Twitter have made rash decisions over disliking a contestant. Former Daily Show correspondent Minhaj found out firsthand when he appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy last year, as he too was deemed the “most annoying contestant ever.” Minhaj even brought up the backlash during an appearance on The Tonight Show.
Recent super-champ Ray LaLonde also received hate during his time on the show, with fans criticizing how he swayed behind the podium. It was later revealed that LaLonde’s movements were because of a medical condition.
However, not everyone feels the same about DeArruda, as some fans seem to be enjoying the new champion. “I kinda like him,” tweeted one viewer, while another added, “Jakes Going To Be On The Tournament Of Champions!! Hes Awesome!!”
As we’ve seen in the past, even the most divisive contestants begin to win fans over the longer they last on the show, and right now, DeArruda shows no signs of slowing down.
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Conversation58 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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O
Totally agree that Jake DeArruda is annoying.!! He appears so arrogant and his condescending attitude toward other players is hard to watch. Also his mannerisms and facial expressions irritate me. I know that they shouldn't because everyone has his own personality; but, it drives me crazy. I dread watching Jeopardy while he is on but love the show so I hang in there. So glad that Patti won today!!!!!!
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I'm imagining what he was like as a kid, and how exasperated his parents must have been. He might have one of those alphabet conditions, and just can't control himself. But it's only 3 days so far, and I can't agree with him being the worst. I couldn't stand Matt Amodio and wish I didn't have to ever see him again.
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O
Aren't you so proud of yourself for spoiling tonight's outcome. Shame on you.
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Shame on you for being so unkind!
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O
How would you feel if you found out he has autism? It might be the case. Let people be! He’s an intelligent young man, it’s nice to see!
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O
He does have autism. He is high functioning.
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O
I think he has Asperger’s and some of those traits go along with that condition
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B
I agree. I tried to be tolerant in view that he might be on the spectrum.
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O
Yes he does. I think if anyone criticize him they are cruel.This man was cheated out of a lot with his life
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G
This could be my own hearing problems but I don't think Jake DeArruda responded to two answers in Weds Feb.1 game in the interrogative---which Ken let pass? Did anyone else hear that? I think the rules require "all contestant responses to an answer must be phrased in the form of a question," Fortunately, Patty won.
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B
Totally agree with everybody. He is the most annoying contestant. His facial expressions are killing me. He is so annoying when he loses then I will start watching otherwise I’m like everybody else I’ll just listen.
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B
I agree. But more important, why does Ken accept his answers that are not posed as questions.
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B
I can’t watch him either. He does something weird with his mouth, much less his face, when he gives his answers. His mouth is like mouths on the line of clowns at a sideshow where you have to get ping pong balls in their mouths
10 2
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O
He is so annoying. I am surprised that the staff did not ask him to tone it down.
10 2
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B
We don't know him....we see him on Jeopardy...Guess what...if you were on people might like you. Lighten up folks! PS it's a game show NOT a popularity show.
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R
I’m hoping he loses, can’t stand to watch him.
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P
I never criticize a player but totally can’t watch him… he is obnoxious
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O
I’m sooooo happy DeArruda lost today. He was so annoying!!!
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R
With Donna all the way, Jake was very annoying
5 1
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O
I couldn't stand him! He was SO annoying with those stupid facial expressions and leaning on his elbows was way too much drama. I jumped for joy when he lost tonight because I couldn't have kept watching the show.
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B
One underhanded comment about one of the hosts and immediately the hit pieces start roaring in. Can't say I'm surprised. Jake is a bright person and obviously skilled Jeopardy! player. He enjoys himself on that stage differently from the average player - whatever. Everybody has their own intricacies; it is not our place to judge.
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G
Has the same facial expressions as Mattea Roach
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I was thinking the same thing that he kinda reminded me of Mattea in his mannerisms both facial and body movements. I wasn't offended by him. It was just his way. But what did bother me is what happened in tonight's game. I thought I heard him miss 2 responses by not responding in the interrogative which Ken let slide. Not sure if I heard this or not?
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Agree. Mattea was even worse.
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O
Jake and Mattea, both so annoying and so similar!
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B
And she was one of the most annoying players. Hand waving, etc. The most recent multi-winner who talked about quiz bowl, Holzauer, etc. was really arrogant. Indian dude. Glad he lost after only 3.
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O
Clearly, Jeopardy! fans that respond to the comments here are some of the most easily offended people in the world. Does anybody really care if a contestant annoys you?? Lighten up. It's just a TV game show for crying out loud ....
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Oops. No, he isn't going to be on the TOC. I tried to give him a break, figuring he might be on the spectrum, but god was he annoying.
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G
He’s annoying, but I thought Yogesh was worse. Zero personality with that guy.
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O
I won’t be watching while Snoot face is on!
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G
Maybe it’s a medical condition like Tourette there are different signs of it
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B
Stop making articles based on 3 tweets. You can find 3 people on Twitter with virtually any opinion. It isn't news, it won't ever news.
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G
I'm glad I'm not the only one. Jake is unwatchable, as someone else said.
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R
He is extremely annoying with his over exaggerated facial expressions and hitting his closed fist hands together celebrating the ability to correctly answer a question. I hated him so much I looked ahead at when he would be defeated. If the research is accurate Wednesday will be his last day everyone has to endure his stupidity. Goodbye and good riddance to rubbish.
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Leave people alone!!
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G
3 and Out ! �
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O
This article is useless without a link to some video of him
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I think people should just be kind.
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G
I’m wondering if he has Asperger’s syndrome, Tourette’s syndrome, or Tardive Dyskinesia (side effect for mental health medications), or another anomaly. Maybe we should all try to be more accepting especially if we haven’t walked a mile in someone’s shoes…
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B
People are all so quick to judge. Could be a medical condition. Shame on you
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O
I think he has a right to be on jeopardy. This man has autism.and he is a lot smarter then most people that are criticizing him.. Thanks jeopardy for letting him be on your show. I think he did a wonderful job and so did you.
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G
Very irritating. Would think he is on the spectrum somewhere!
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R
I think being on the spectrum should be taken into consideration.
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O
I really liked him sorry he’s gone.
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B
Jake the Flake!! Has a ring to it !!!
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It was difficult to watch Jake!
1 1
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O
Feel good about yourself, Martin?
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P
Okay everybody let’s have a watch party woohoo!
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O
I think most annoying is hitting the nail on the head, although that Matea is a close second! (They are surely related someway to be so closely alike in their annoying actions)
2 2
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O
Not watching jeopardy until Jake is gone. Just like mattea too weird for words.
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I hope the writer was not paid for this unnecessarily mean piece.
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O
I told my husband that when he loses, he will cry. That's the reason I keep watching - and cringing
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Sounds like a bunch of internet bullies to me.
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C
I like the kid!
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G
I enjoyed watching him but oh well he lost tonight so pick on someone else now.I sure hope all these people are perfect.
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O
Wow, I can’t believe the hatred some of you have. You must have really boring lives. I personally like him a lot, as I do with any contestant that brings a little something extra to the show. Seriously, at the end of the day it’s just a game show.
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Just because you say that someone annoys you does not mean that you hate them.
You annoy me and I don’t hate you😂
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He’s brilliant and we should be proud of him and the network
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