‘Jeopardy! Masters’ Makes Big Change After James Holzhauer Shocker
James Holzhauer came into the second season of Jeopardy! Masters as the “Final Boss of Jeopardy,” but by the third episode, the nickname had disappeared. Now, shocked fans are wondering if this is because of his less-than-stellar performance in the tournament so far.
A viewer brought up the topic on the Jeopardy! Reddit forum after noticing the show had stopped doing the “occupation” intros starting with Episode 3. For comparison, in Season 1, the intros were still included all the way up until the semi-finals.
“I can’t help but wonder if this has to do with with James being the self-described “Final Boss” but (so far) turning in a less-than-dominant performance,” the Reddit user wrote. “That line doesn’t seem so funny under these circumstances and could even be interpreted as a little embarrassing.”
Holzhauer has used nicknames for his “occupation” intro before, including last year, when he went by the title of “self-described game show supervillain.” After winning the first Masters tournament, Holzhauer returned to Season 2 with the “Final Boss” moniker.
As some viewers pointed out, Holzhauer is a big pro-wrestling fan, and the nickname “Final Boss” is a nod to The Rock’s recent bad guy character in WWE.
However, some fans think Holzhauer might have asked for the occupation intros to be dropped after he’s failed to live up to the “Final Boss” title so far. Holzhauer currently sits in third place on the Masters leaderboard with 5 points, but he was completely shut out on Friday’s (May 10) game by board leaders Victoria Groce and Yogesh Raut.
“I wonder if either James or the producers said “let’s stop that line” and they had the choice of either changing James’ occupation (which is a bit like admitting he is no longer the Final Boss) or eliminating them altogether,” the original Reddit poster continued.
“It might be for the best long-term. You could argue James has almost locked himself into trying to come up with a more clever name every time and it’s hard to keep one upping yourself. Maybe he could go with “bon vivant and man about town,” replied another, making reference to Sam Buttrey‘s occupation in the Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament.
“Or they could have just told him to knock off the smart ass intro and just announced him as a professional gambler or whatever he does,” added another.
“Maybe part of it. It’s also becoming awkward because they don’t want to say “Professional Jeopardy/Trivia Celebrity” which is what you do for a living once you’ve won enough,” suggested one commenter.
“After a few episodes, we know their occupation. It’s not like they are going to change jobs during Masters,” another argued.
Another added, “I think it definitely has something to do with James. If you look at last year’s masters intros he looks really smug and arrogant but in this year’s intro he looks completely dejected and kind of angry.”
“I think the producers have decided making James the equivalent of a wrestling heel has run its course,” said another.
What do you think? Should Holzhauer drop the nicknames permanently? Or should he come up with something new? Let us know in the comments below.
Jeopardy! Masters, Night Five, May 13, 8/7c, ABC
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I have been watching jeopardy for many many years . I have really enjoyed James Holtzhauer. Don't take anything away from someone who is so gifted and intelligent. Everyone has bad days where they don't do well but thats not a reason to start criticizing them.
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I still think James is the star of the tournaments. He’s stumbling right now, but you can’t win every game. If he wasn’t in it, I wouldn’t even watch. That Rogesh Raut is annoying as hell. Between doing whatever he does with the buzzer and his arrogant attitude, I can’t even watch him. That buzzer thing has got to be distracting to the other contestants. It’s NOT necessary. It’s almost as if he’s trying to say that his buzzer is malfunctioning. Victoria is sweet and she and James work together on The Chase. Unfortunately, I think the executives have placed too much emphasis on tournaments.
Come on James! I have faith in you!
105 2
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Yeah that thing he does with the buzzer is annoying and distracting.
5 1
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I Think Schneider is annoying. That smug look on his/her face.
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Yes I am tired of the tournaments, let’s go back to regular people. And have tournaments once in a while.😄
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They are back to regular people. This is the primetime show, so it's not affecting the syndicated show at all.
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I am definitely rooting against Rogesh. He talked bad about Jeopardy. His buzzer thing is quite annoying. He's trying so hard to be likeable that it's pathetic. He and Amy are the ones I am rooting against. I just thought Amy shouldn't have been in the tournament.
27 5
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Totally tired of all the tournaments! Now that the season is almost over we’re seeing regular games!
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I never really paid attention to the nicknames I just think Victoria is probably the best player to ever come along either that or she's got the fastest buzzer thumb or finger ever. James seems to have lost part of his edge.you know professionals do have slumps
52 4
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I think that James is a very generous, smart, funny guy and you all need to quit picking everything apart like you all seem so fond of doing. He has proved himself many times and does not need to impress anyone.
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I love james. I believe he could win if he wanted to. I don't think he wants one person to win. He wants to share.
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James Holzhauer often comes off as arrogant & self-obsessed, but indeed, he's entertaining, displays profound confidence & possesses rapier wit.
45 2
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Why is everyone picking apart all the contestants. It's a game, people! I find it fun to watch & they all seem to get along with each other. If you don't like it then don't watch it. They're all intelligent people & may the best man or woman win.
39 2
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I have never been a fan of James although his intelligence and knowledge of trivia is admirable. And his demonstrable love of his family is sweet. I think he’s probably a really nice person. That’s why I wish he hadn’t adopted the persona he chose. Whatever. Nicknames based on prior or even current winning status are going to grow old. As for his occupation, what is it? Facts matter. State whatever it is.
32 4
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It's not accurate to call it "trivia" - it's actually a wide and deep knowledge of many topics, from history to anatomy to pop culture and everything in between.
17 4
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I am not enjoying the completion. The tension is not enjoyable nor seeing people having to keep competing. The producers need to rethink the concept
25 4
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I agree. Enough with the previous winners. They have enough money. Give new people a chance.
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I wonder about the ratings. The same people keep making more money and this season has been mostly tournaments. Most of the tourney people have great senses of humor but James has gotten too snarky. Finally we are seeing regular series games and new players.
23 5
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Love James! He's AMAZING!
GOOOOOOO JAMES...
19 3
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Please stop inviting Mattea Roach to compete. She is the MOST annoying gameshow contestant of all time in the history of television. Her endless prattle and facial contortions are unbearable. James Holzhauer & Co. make for a great show.
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"Bon Vivant and man about town" is Sam knowingly or unknowingly quoting Felix Unger from the TV version of "The Odd Couple".
11 1
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Love Sam! I’ve thought he could actually become a great Jeopardy host.
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Without Victoria Groce and James Holzhauer, this Masters tournament would be a train wreck. The other contestants are extremely annoying to watch, in particular Mattea Roach. Jeopardy! producers, please stop inviting her to appear. I cannot watch the matches she competes in. As for Mat Amodio, lovely screen presence but he has been struggling and poses no competition threat to the others.
13 4
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There are some strange acting people appearing on Masters whose presence is as annoying as water dripping on a tin roof 24/7. They likely don’t care and Rogesh doesn’t either!
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Most of the Jeopardy Masters make their living on game shows, so it doesn't make sense to have an occupation.
11 2
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I love your response. It makes me laugh.
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James H is impressively knowledgeable yet I am not a fan of James ; he's too arrogant and smug.As is Rausch (sorry probaly misspelled)
Ken Jennings is a fantastic host, it's because of him that I still watch the show.
16 7
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I hate the whole concept of Jeopardy masters! Just play the regular game.
10 3
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I don’t know what the other viewers are talking about. I enjoy watching the competition.
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James is great, but "pride goes before the fall." I would really like to see Brad Rutter and Roger Craig again.
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Agree. The current producer has single-handedly destroyed what people loved about the show. It’s become a joke that’s not funny… making up tournaments to dig up players is ridiculously lame. I, for one, do not think any of this would sit well with Alex.
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Is this all you can write about? It’s the luck of the buzzer. They are all brilliant.
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Win or lose, I enjoy watching James. He is a gambler and has a great family. His charitable donations make me bel8eve he is not just 'in it for himself'. I would have liked to see him or Buzzy as Jeopardy hosts.
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He's incredible and he knows it. He's always the first to shake hands with his competitors. And what has he done with his money? Given tons to charity. He can do whatever he wants, in my opinion.
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You should bring back Mayim as host. At least I can understand her. James is one of the better contestants!
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Jeopardy does not express which one is the actual smartest. Just who is fastest with the button and how the betting goes.
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There was also a comment from Amy in one of the earlier masters episodes where she responded to Ken some remark regarding running out of intro stories to tell. So I don't think it's all because of Holtzhauer.
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I think James is a reason to watch Jeopardy. His amazing knowledge of a broad variety of facts is daunting. His game finesse and buzzer quickness has put him in a category all his own. His calm “betting it all” has been a bonus behavior act. It seems other players have followed his path. It’s a game of knowledge and chance. You’re in it to win it. From day one, he’s been an interesting contestant. Let it go.
Let’s just play the game.
If anyone has mastered being shallow and self absorbed it’s Ken Jennings. I think many would agree.
9 7
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I would not bring someone like boastful, conceited James home to meet my mother. No humility in that person.
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So if you do watch why make dumb comments?
4 2
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Leave him alone...whatever name or nickname James wants to be called. He is extremely intelligent and fun to watch.
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His posture and demeanor this year is way off from last year. His hunched shoulders suggest his getting old or unfortunately ill. I think he's absolutely great and the only reason to watch this tournament. His way of playing from the bottom up is everyone's norm now. He is a game changer and always wiil be. GO JAMES!
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I am tired of the tournaments! We have seen these same people over and over and we, the fans of Jeopardy, are well aware of their memory skills and intelligence. Give some other people a chance to make a lot of money!
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James needs glasses
He looks like he can't see.
2 1
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Love James Holtzhauer who has been an awesome & exciting player. I think we all can see the tongue in cheek as well as humble aspects of James throughout his Jeopardy career. James has changed the game forever with his daily double wagers & made his appearances appointment TV!
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Only current viewers are permitted to comment? I wasn't aware that was a rule. (Because it's not. What's it to you why someone posts?)
3 2
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James made the show fun.
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First of all, I have loved James since he first appeared on the show. Am I the only one who thinks he may very well be laying back so that someone else has a chance to win for a change? He’s too smart to have missed some of the questions that he missed in the last tournament. I also think he is somewhat shy and the cockiness is to cover that up. I say that because I tend to be the same way. If nothing else, we all have to remember his charitable work outside of Jeopardy.
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Pride cometh before a fall. Consider him humbled!
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He's snug and cocky, and he can't handle that he really isn't "the best". Plus, he needs to look in the mirror, and he's NO The Rock, more like one of the jobber wrestlers.
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You got to know when to hold'em, know when to fold'em, know when to walk away, know when to run. Just sayin.
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He should grow up!
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Hmmm. I wouldn't be surprised if the WWE/TKO issued a "cease..." due to the fact that "The Final Boss" has recently (as 2024) been registered as a trademark of Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.
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Jeopardy has a whole 'team' that creates the questions and answers for Jeopardy. Every team member has knowledge of players strengths and weaknesses. They have the capabilities to lean one way or the other. Seems strange to me that James is doing so poorly. He is seemingly the most likeable and will potentially be the down fall of ratings, if he continues to lose, at least as far as I'm concerned.
1 1
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I think the contestants often display playful banter and have a genuine admiration for the knowledge of their competition. The nicknames are just part of the fun and games.
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Believe it's rigged. He's been told not to win.
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Anyone else a little freaked out that James H. wagers in numbers that spell out his daughter's birthday? For the rest of her life, it's not like she can change it for security purposes.
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Who cares?
3 3
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He's easily the least likeable of all.
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We really enjoy James! I think the “Hi Nora” is annoying. The daily double seems rigged for her. It’s always an easy question, and the others get something stupid. Very ‘women’ friendly program.
1
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Personally I am tired of James' attitude and cockiness. He's very intelligent for sure but also very boring
1 2
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I think the director should show Raut how to use a buzzer. It was so annoying to watch I don’t watch the show anymore plus the Canadian gal is a nervine.
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I think life is judgement but its a u turn from the most intel recipricators with love to make it freewill
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O
Screw the nicknames. Why isn’t Holzhauer playing as aggressively as he did previously? I enjoyed watching him then but now not so much. It seems like he’s missing a lot as well.
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He is bad for Jeopardy?
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I stopped watching Jeopardy once it was hijacked by the same people who make a living playing and winning Jeopardy. I also include Ken Jennings in that bunch. It is an example of the one percent getting 99 percent of wealth.
7 9
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Gosh I really don’t care
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I think he's a self centered jerk
3 8
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Personally I think that Jeopardy should have called it a day after Alex Tribek passed away. They could have gone out on top but not now.
2 11
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I've stopped watching Jeopardy since Alex passed away. I always thought James was very arrogant & smug.
5 17
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James didn't appear until after Alex passed away.
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James played during Alex's last season.
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If you stopped watching, hiw would you know how James is? He wasn't on until Ken took over.
11 2
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James was on before Alex passed away.
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Can't stand james!
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