‘Jeopardy!’ Fans Growing Bored With ‘Dumb’ High School Reunion Tournament
Jeopardy! is currently in the middle of its High School Reunion Tournament, but some longtime viewers are becoming tired of the drawn-out format and are missing the regular show.
A user on the Jeopardy! Reddit forum recently started a thread griping about the new tournament structure, which now stretches over three weeks or more.
“This is taking away opportunities for regular people to get their chance to play Jeopardy,” they wrote. “Two weeks with five semi-finalists and four wild card slots is a great setup. Most of the contestants get to play at least twice, and the tournaments form a nicely contained narrative arc. This new format is unwieldy, interminable, and confusing.”
The current High School Reunion Tournament kicked off on Monday, February 20, and will run until Thursday, March 9. It features 27 former teen contestants competing for a $100,000 grand prize and a spot in the Tournament of Champions.
“I’m finding it particularly galling for such a clearly recycled gimmick as this high school reunion tournament,” the fan continued. “Because Jeopardy rewards quick reflexes as much as knowledge, it already tends to skew youthful. And now they are disrupting the regular season for almost a month to celebrate young, pretty, successful people who have already had their chance.”
They also suggested bringing back the Seniors Tournament, which saw contestants over 50 competing in a two-week event. This Seniors Tournament used to be held each season between 1987 and 1995 before it was ultimately dropped in 1996.
Many agreed with the user’s complaints, with another Reddit poster commenting, “While this post definitely has strong “old man shakes fist at cloud” energy, I’m tempted to agree as someone who finally made it through all the testing/audition parts and is still waiting for The Call!”
“HS Reunion is dumb,” wrote another. “If it was from multiple seasons or had some other logic I might be into it. But “We gave these folks a shot a few years ago, so here they are again” …ok?”
Some fans found the questions to be too simple, “That’s my beef with this tournament, the questions have been easier than regular games.”
Another viewer suggested “putting all tournaments, including the TOC, in prime time and have them solely hosted by Mayim [Bialik]” and then “the syndicated show is nothing but regular shows hosted by Ken [Jennings].”
However, not everyone agreed, with others sharing that they’ve enjoyed the High School Reunion tournament.
“Personally I’ve enjoyed the Reunion tournament but I would have liked to have seen more participation across Teen/High School tournaments instead of the one or two tourneys they’ve plucked these folks from,” wrote one fan.
“I was following you at first, but the piece about “young, pretty, successful people” makes you sound a little resentful of their youth,” said another.
Others also suggested why a new Seniors Tournament might not happen.
“For the same reason they’re having more tournaments for young people. Advertisers will pay more to buy time on shows that appeal to younger audiences,” stated one Reddit poster.
“They’re working to attract a younger audience, a new generation,” explained another. “Again, ratings. Gotta look at it from that perspective if you’re trying to understand why TV producers make the decisions that they do.”
What do you think of the High School Reunion Tournament and Jeopardy! tournaments in general? Let us know in the comments.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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I mostly disagree with the commenter's suggestion that the Tournament of Champions goes into primetime with Mayim hosting. While Mayim should not host the syndicated version, she should be nowhere near any edition in which significant stakes are involved for the highest-caliber players. College or celebrity, fine, but absolutely not ToC or Masters, which would be a disservice to those contestants and the home audience.
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The irony in the host saga is actually quite absurd. Jeopardy, and quiz shows in general, has/have been a popular format because they reward excellence. By eschewing the traditional process and aiming to hire the best, the show chose one of the most mediocre candidates they could and are standing by that decision against the will of the fanbase. It's no wonder that longtime viewers are abandoning the show en masse.
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Very well said!
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They're not abandoning the show, let alone en masse.
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Oh yes we are , I am tuning Jeopardy off until nKen Jennings returns ……..as are the masse !
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It took about seven or eight minutes before my dad had enough and took the remote to switch it to something else. And my parents have watched Jeopardy every night since about 1986 or 1987
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It's a pointless premise for a tournament that seems to be a front for introducing Mayim to the syndicated edition against the majority of the fans' wishes. They had a lot of courage trying this stunt during sweeps. I'm sure the advertisers won't be too thrilled once the ratings come back substantially lower.
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The National College Championship wasn't renewed for another season so the producers had to figure out a manner of incorporating something similar into the regular edition. As you said, it probably didn't work out the way they intended given the negative response.
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Majority? Well if you think social media is real life, then maybe.
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In my house, the "high school reunion tournament" is "Family Feud for three weeks until Ken Jennings comes back"
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I'm sure I (or even the larger general audience) would be more amenable to the format changes if the host wasn't so off-putting.
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Truthfully this is my first time learning about the format because I'm not watching this episode out of my aversion to Mayim. Why change the proven tournament structure that had worked for 40 years? This tournament doesn't even end on a multiple of five games, which makes the flip flopping of hosts even more jarring.
The executives are clueless regarding how to properly extract the maximum value out of this franchise and will run it into the ground. Never forget the overexposure of the Millionaire franchise, often with similar format changes, that led it to its demise. Coincidentally (or not?) Michael Davies was in charge of that show as well.
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They really tried to give Jeopardy the "Marvel" treatment 😂
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I have been watching Jeopardy since the very beginning. (As a matter of fact I've taken and passed the test 3 times,but that was many years ago) But I'd just about given up watching entirely, because personally I CAN'T stand Mayim Blailik and I decided to just give it up, but then thank goodness you brought Ken Jennings in as the permanent host, and I strongly suggest you keep it that way.
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Amen!
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Damn Right Sister!
Miasma B. is an Arrogant, Snippy, wierd syntaxing Rude Disaster of a host?...
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I agree.
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But he’s going to be gone far too long………….I have tuned Jeopardy OUT til they bring Ken Jennings back !
PS ………..whoever is Maxim’s DRESSER need be fired …………her style of clothes is from the neighborhood THRIFT SHOP !
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That's an extremely generous interpretation of the situation. Formats have changed in the past. What the audience really doesn't like is the switching of hosts for a show that had been incredibly consistent for 38.5 seasons. And I honestly can't say I disagree.
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"Jeopardy Producers Taken Aback that Unpopular Host and Format Changes Upset Viewers"
There, fixed it for you.
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Unpopular? Only if you think social media is real life.
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Get rid of Mayim. Boring, smug, unfunny, false.
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Perfect. Alex Trebek was constantly accused of the same things.
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Yes, Yes, a Million times Yes!!!👍🙄
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I don't hate bialik at all. I just don't enjoy her as a host. So many odd head movements...quite distracting. Ken is really good. Celebrity jeopardy is unwatchable.
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That head bobbing & weaving drives me crazy. Plus she takes too long to say whether an answer is right or wrong. I'm sure she's trying, but way too animated for me!
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iI agree. the head and shoulder movements are distracting, just as some of the contestants.
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Waste of time. They already had their shot. Move on. And boot Mayim
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The producers wanted to turn the show into a sitcom but instead turned it into a joke.
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At some point, one has to wonder if Mayim Bialik's hiring (and Mike Richards' for that matter) was some sick joke by an undercover plant from Fremantle to tank Jeopardy's ratings against Family Feud.
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The show and format may have fallen flat on its face but at least the producers have an easy out by accusing the dissenters of misogyny.
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Right On...
It isn't Misogny,if it's demonstrably True!
Any Human being who is Rude, Smug, Snippy like a 18th century school Marm, doesn't desrve a spot on that Revered Stage.
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I think Ken should be the permanent host, I stopped watching until he comes back. I do not enjoy listening to Mayim, she comes across as condescending and self righteous.
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I wouldn't know, I've not been watching, nor will I until Ken is back at the podium. Went back to watching vet shows during that time slot.
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If Not Alex...Then its Only Ken!!! And BTW, how about ditching all the low brow alternative formats and sticking to the Basic show that I have been watching for 50 some years.
It wasn't broke...why are you guys trying to meddle with a perfect format?
Art Fleming, and Alex Trebek are sppinning in thier graves watching this format manipulation nonsense.
It is a degradation of "The perfect Form!
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Jeopardy producers are DESTROYING OUR FAVORITE SHOW !
Bring back Ken and send MAYIM Back to being a brilliant scientist…….out of the limelight.
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I think it’s a waste of time - I’ll be back when it’s over
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Maximum is simply not my cup of tea - too forced, not as natural as Ken. That said, I don't mind the format of this tournament at all. It is simply Mayim that irritates me. The producers MUST have ratings that tell them she is not the answer for a second host, but for some reason (??) They simply won't listen!
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PLEASE get rid of Mayim……
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I'm tired of Mayim and her weird body language and pauses. Get rid of her! Ken is more professional and makes the show enjoyable
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Love Ken Jennings and the regular Jeopardy! This current program of college students is really 😴
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As a long time Jeopardy fan, I hated seeing these smug little young adults play jeopardy with dumbed down questions. I've stopped until the regular season is back.
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Glad to see this story. I thought I was the only person who is disappointed and finds this tournament a waste of time. Who cares about these kids?
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I wonder if Jeopary is diluting their brand by having so many special events. I know they would have some regulary but nowadays, it seems like they have far more.
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Michael Davies absolutely loves tournaments.
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I agree the HS tournament is not too good. My wife and I retired in another country and chose not to own a TV. We watch Jeopardy every night online. It's the only TV we watch.
We are ready for real Jeopardy to return.
The only thing worse than this tournament is when they schedule celebrity tournaments. The questions they ask the celebrities are so easy, it's insulting.
I guess they have to dumb it way down so the celebrities look less stupid.
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I am so not intetested in watching Mayim Bialik or this fabricated teen tournament that I can't even bring myself to waste my time turning it on. The Celebrity tournament was bad enough, but to follow it with this new fabrication is too much. Watching Jeopardy has been my ritual for years, but I just can't make myself watch this tournament. Maybe if it aired in the summer, when there is nothing new on I could do it but now I haven’t even been able to force myself to turn it on.
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What is YOUR problem, Kay? I've been watching Jeopardy since it started (so...not 12), have nothing against a woman as a host (I'm a woman), enjoy Ken as host, and have been a left-wing progressive my entire long life. I do dislike anti-feminists like Mayim Bialik, who has a very public history of shaming other women and their clothing choices, etc. Ken has also made derogatory, unbecoming comments in the past. Both have apologized (regardless of how qualified her "apology"was.) But it's how bad her hosting is that drives me and most longtime Jeopardy viewers nuts.
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I miss the days when tournaments lasted the week.....9 contestants with the best 3 going at it on Thursday and Friday for a two day best. I also DO NOT watch when Mayim is hosting. She is great on celebrity jeopardy because she's interacting with others like her....not trivia aficionados like contestants and Ken.
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Always been a fan of Jeopardy, but since mayim Bialik has started hosting, I can’t hardly stand to turn it on. Her annoying habit of pausing before giving the correct answer or telling that contestant that they are correct or not and the fact that when she does, she has to correct them add to what they have said and wags her head back-and-forth like she knew it all along. I also don’t like them bringing People back for an unlimited number of days. Five days and you’re out. Then have a tournament with those people who have been there five days OK
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Hear Hear Brother, I agree completly... She has a script and yet speaks over people as if she is the font of all wisdom...NOT!
Time to Toss Frumpy, Arrogant, M. Bialyuck
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I'm finding the high school reunion tournament almost unwatchable. I do appreciate the cameras showing less of Mayim with her awkward movements and horrible outfits. 1 week of the tournament is long enough. Let others get on the show. Please bring Ken back ASAP. Thank you.
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Multiple thumbs up to you on this one. 10 years would be perfect, imo; 20 or more might frighten the children! 😂
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Good Answer KayBee!!
🙄
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Boring and juvenile.
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What we are getting board with is the current Jeopardy host , MAYIM BIALI is awful, maybe a brilliant scientist, stinks at Hosting Jeopardy. GET KEN JENNINGS BACK NOW !
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The only possible reason for this rather boring tournament is for Mayim to be able to host a few meaningless shows. Most of the contestants are ill prepared while a few are very good. I'll be glad when Ken returns.
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I've watched Jeopardy since its early days and l like Mayim ok, but not on this show. The host should be more linguistic.
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It's dumb and very boring.
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I don't care for the format or the host.
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VERY BORING, IM USING FAST FORWARD FOR THE FIRST TIME WATCHING THIS JEOPARDY, GIVE ME MY OLD JEOPARDY BACK
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(Said tongue in cheek, at least for the first part) Jeopardy needs to hire another Canadian. Alex Trebek hosted 30 + years without the need of a co-host. That being said, this high school reunion tournament is awful. Mayim Bialik is a good sitcom actress bur a horrible Jeopardy host. The producers of Jeopardy are ruining the show and should be fired immediately. I'll take over as a producer because I'm clearly more qualified than they are.
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I'm not watching. Do not like the host or the simplified questions
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I prefer giving our high school alums another opportunity to enhance their future plans over the so-called "Celebrity" specials that give already successful grownups another opportunity to ingratiate themselves by allegedly giving their winnings to a charity that many times cause me to bristle with suspicions. I own this distrust, caused when, on Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Anderson Cooper chose an organization that provides bulletproof vests to police dogs. WHAT?! My point is the HS events are at least more admirable than the celebrity-often-excruciatingly-annoying events. Even so, me thinks we do protest too much lately.🤪
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Don't get me started!!
Celebrity Anything is just a stupid concept that only show what a vapid, self absorbed bunch of over the hill over entitled idiots lurk around California wasting oxygen best made available to far better Human beings.
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The questions give away the answers and the so called hostess is awful. Alex is turning over in his grave.
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I don't watch the children or the teens compete. I change the channel.
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That some of the contestants do not know simple history is a sorry commentary on U.S. grade school and high school education. A Harvard student who thinks John Wilks Booth received a pardon? Give me a break. Jeopardy has gone downhill after Alex passed. Most of the contestants are not enjoyable to watch. And I can only take some much of Ken Jennings and Mayim. Jeopardy needs a new, permanent host.
I am looking for something else to watch.
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Yes, I've tuned out while the high school.tournament is on.
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First world problems.
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"We Paid A Freelancer To Say A Thing You Like ls Bad Because The Google/Facebook Duopoly Ate The Whole Digital Ad Market And Now Harvesting Hate Clicks about Jeopardy! On the Daily Is The Only Viable Business Model For Online Media"
Fixed your headline.
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I'm sure it's a little of that and a little bit of actual dissatisfaction with the host change. The truth as usual will lie somewhere in the middle. But it's keeping the show in the headlines, which is what the studio wanted, for better or worse.
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This site knows that all they have to do is mention Jeopardy (or either host's name) in the headline, an millions of people will read, it will get lots of reaction. I mean, they actually did an article rating a host's ties. Talk about reaching.....
This article is simply clickbait.
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This tournament is truly boring. I now have extra time to do more kindle reading. These are at best the first losers in tournaments held years ago. Not memorable in anyway. And for some heavy on Indian players, who are rarely personable.
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I really don't care about the format, but have to say that some of these young folk aren't too smart plus the categories have been really weird.
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sigh This site is getting predictable: once a week or so they post an article (mostly non-informative) about Jeopardy, and watch the clicks and comments roll in. 🙄
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I've been a Jeopardy fan since long before Alex Trebek. The so called fans complaining about this tournament just don't like Mayim. Not everyone loved Alex at first either. If you don't like it... change the channel.
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We love the show!! Both Ken & Mayim are great announcers. The HS tournament is fun to go back and see what they looked like now & then. Keep up the good work.
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I think people should sit back and chill, omg, some people just want things their way or no way, grow up, jeopardy is for everyone, personally I enjoy watching truly gifted young people, after all, they are our future
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I enjoy the High School Reunion tournament. Just seeing the change in the appearances of the contestants over the past few years is interesting within its self.
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It has been a fun contest to watch. Mayim has done a good job. She seems so fun!
As you know some people just love to complain. They don’t have enough fun in their life.
Keep on with what you are doing.
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If the fans are bored with the show or the host they have the option of changing the channel. Those that like it are the majority, those whining are the minority...
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And your opinion is WRONG... Channeling M.BiNasty
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Omg! Get over it! Alex isn’t coming back! The show does not have to follow the exact way Alex did it! Don’t watch if you don’t like it! Geesh!
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Don't conflate an expectation of basic competence with wanting a second coming of Alex Trebek.
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Well said Sir!
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I still expect Johnny Gilbert to announce Alex... 😪. However, both hosts are okay. I'd much rather have dinner with Mayim though. And this tournament is irksome, particularly the antics when contestants are introduced. And I find some categories way too easy, then know nothing in other millennial oriented categories.
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Personally, I don't understand the beef with changing hosts. I like them both for different reasons. I do agree the High School Reunion thing is lasting too long and the questions are way too simple if these folks are supposed to be in college now. And it would be nice to have some of different ages and backgrounds instead of all the same year in high school. Jeopardy helps me keep my brain working and that's something we all need! 😀
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loving the High School tournament. Mayim Bialik haters gonna hate - give it a rest
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This "Jeopardy" fan is bored with other "Jeopardy" fans whining about everything under the sun.
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