Jeopardy! Faces Changes in Season 40 due to Writers Strike
In a major shift for Season 40 of Jeopardy!, the popular game show is undergoing significant changes as a result of the ongoing writers strike. Michael Davies, who took over as executive producer and showrunner last year, confessed that the strike has derailed many of his plans for the season and post-season episodes, putting the show in a “holding pattern”.
During an interview on the Inside Jeopardy! podcast, Davies expressed his admiration and missing of the writers, who he described as “beloved and valued members” of the Jeopardy! team. However, the strike has necessitated a “changed” Season 40.
Essentially, the new season will bring back previous contestants and utilize a combination of questions written by the writers before the strike, as well as recycled material. Davies explained that it would not be fair to have new contestants debut on the Alex Trebek stage with non-original or pre-strike material. Therefore, the decision was made to invite back players from Season 37 who initially lost their game for a second chance tournament, with the winners advancing to a Season 37 and Season 38 Champions Wild Card.
These changes come after plans to extend the post-season were scrapped due to the strike. Originally, the season was intended to kick off with post-season episodes, followed by a champions wild card tournament leading into a Tournament of Champions before transitioning into regular episodes.
Davies emphasized the importance of original material and top contestants, saying, “I understand that the best episodes that are possible are episodes that feature our writers writing original material and the very best contestants that we put on the air playing that original material.”
As for the return to regular episodes with new contestants, Davies admitted to having “no idea on timing”.
In another development, it was announced that the second and third place prize pots will be increased by $1,000. Second place will now receive $3,000, while third place will receive $2,000. This increase aims to assist contestants with the expenses of funding a trip to Jeopardy! amidst the complications of post-Covid travel.
However, no information regarding hosts for the show’s return in September has been revealed. In May, it was reported that Mayim Bialik, who was hosting in rotation with Ken Jennings, decided against hosting the final episodes of Season 40 due to the writers strike.
The changes to Jeopardy!’s Season 40 are sure to impact the show’s dynamic and fanbase, but viewers can look forward to the return of beloved contestants and increased prize amounts.