ABC to air Jeopardy GOAT tournament

[colonial]

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2019/11/18/jeopardy-james-holzhauer-ken-jennings-brad-rutter-duel-abc/4201669002/

— Each episode consists of two full games, whoever wins the most points in each episode wins the match.

— First to win three episodes wins $1M.  Runners up get $250K each.

— starts January 7 and can run from 3-7 days. Airs every night but Monday, as “The Bachelor” cannot be pre-empted for any reason (at least that’s what fans told me ).


JD

[BrandonFG]

— starts January 7 and can run from 3-7 days. Airs every night but Monday, as “The Bachelor” cannot be pre-empted for any reason (at least that’s what fans told me ).

Having worked for an ABC affiliate, I can confirm this is true. You don’t mess with their Bachelor or DWTS.

[TLEberle]

Well then, there's your answer as to the next mega-duel. They couldn't wait another four years?

[snowpeck]

The shows tape early next month. My question is how will they keep it from becoming a spoiler by simply knowing how many episodes it runs?

[colonial]

Well then, there's your answer as to the next mega-duel. They couldn't wait another four years?

Sorry to sound.grim, but there's a part of me wondering if this tournament will be Trebek's swan song, and he will announce his retirement at the end of the tourney?

JD

[Loogaroo]

That's my thinking too. Ideally you wait a year or so, but I don't think they really have that luxury with Trebek at this point.

[jjman920]

The shows tape early next month. My question is how will they keep it from becoming a spoiler by simply knowing how many episodes it runs?

My guess is that like the World Series (or other best-of-7 playoff series), the episodes will be scheduled "if needed."

I'll bet these tapings will be closed and the audience will be by invite only, similar to the All-Star Tourney.

[BrandonFG]

I also took it as Alex’s farewell tour, esp. given his recent interview regarding his health.

[weaklink75]

I think the combination of the network primetime slot, Alex's health, and James winning the ToC last week was too much to resist for them doing it now...

And I wonder how far along they're in the regular season tapings? If Alex does have to leave in the middle of the season, do they have enough of a buffer to announce a replacement (I suspect they've had some unofficial talks with people) and get them up to speed with everything?

[PYLdude]

Check out James' Twitter. That's all I'm gonna say.

[Neumms]

Check out James' Twitter. That's all I'm gonna say.

I did. Now what was the point?

[Neumms]

I know they do two-game total score for scheduling reasons and have for years, but I think it mucks up the game play. Since this tourney is open-ended, I'd rather they played two regular games each show (doubleheader day!) and increase the games needed to win.

It does seem easy enough to plug in Press Your Luck or whatever to fill the time slots they don't use.

[clemon79]

I know they do two-game total score for scheduling reasons and have for years, but I think it mucks up the game play.

Unsurprisingly, I disagree wholeheartedly. I think it makes the first FJ wagering really interesting, because it is distinctly different than the wagering strategy for a single game, which at this point has been reduced to a simple math / second guessing exercise.

[PYLdude]

Check out James' Twitter. That's all I'm gonna say.

I did. Now what was the point?

You missed it, I suppose.

But maybe you're not the intended audience (I mean that in a noninsulting way, seriously).

[trainman]

Sorry to sound.grim, but there's a part of me wondering if this tournament will be Trebek's swan song, and he will announce his retirement at the end of the tourney?

I can't imagine that he (or the producers) would want to take the focus off the winner at the end of the final episode of the tournament.