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‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Buzzy Cohen shares backstage secrets


This article originally appeared on Business Insider.

“Danger!” Champion Buzzy Cohen “This is Jeopardy!” Hosts a new podcast called About the history of the iconic game show.

“Jeopardy!” Buzzy Cohen on the set of Jeopardy Productions Inc

Buzzy Cohen, a Los Angeles music executive, Won $164,603 in a nine-day streak “Danger!” In 2016, then won the 2017 Tournament of Champions. He returned to the Tournament of Champions in 2021, this time as a guest host.

Now, he’s the host of a new podcast that explores the show’s history and continued success: “This is Jeopardy!…The story of America’s favorite quiz showProduced by Sony Music Entertainment in partnership with Sony Pictures Television, the first episode will premiere on April 26.

“In the podcast, we’re really looking at how we got to this point where ‘Jeopardy!’ is an organization, not just a game show, not just a quiz show,” he told Insider. “There’s a Thing for ‘Jeopardy!’ fans, but also for people who are just interested in American culture and entertainment.”

Cohen also shared behind-the-scenes insights from his time on the show that viewers at home didn’t get to see.

“Danger!” Tap five shows — an entire week’s worth — every day.

Buzzy Cohen “Jeopardy!” competes on. Jeopardy Productions Inc.

“Danger!” While the shows are in fact taped back-to-back, the winners change outfits between tapings to give the appearance of competing on a different day.

Cohen, who played 10 consecutive games on two back-to-back taping days, said he didn’t expect how “grueling” the schedule would be.

“It’s definitely something that I think people are surprised by,” he said. “It really makes the fact that people can be more dominant on these long runs because it’s endurance as well as mental and physical endurance.”

“Jeopardy!” The host of the show doesn’t have much screen time, but is busy during every moment of the show.

Alex Trebek

Alex Trebek wrote “Jeopardy!” was hosted. From 1984 until his death in 2020. Eric McCandless/ABC via Getty Images via Business Insider.

“Danger!” The hosts wear an earpiece to communicate with the producers as they juggle many tasks unseen by viewers at home.

“It’s surprising how little you’re on screen, but you’re reading the clue, calling the contestant, making the judgment, asking them to choose,” Cohen said. “Whereas if you’re a competitor and somebody else has a daily double, you’re like, ‘OK, take a breath, I’m going to regroup here.’ But if you’re the host, you’re in all those moments.”

In addition to driving gameplay, Cohen says to bring the excitement that “Jeopardy!” Tuning in fans is also a crucial task for the host.

“If you’re not interested in the stuff you’re reading, it’s going to reach people watching at home,” he said. “It was something to really be in it and really commit to it Alex Trebek Made the look very simple, and I think it’s not as simple as it looks.”

A man named Michael Harris himself controls “Jeopardy!” Buzzer

The Ken Jennings crisis

Ken Jennings wrote “Jeopardy!” Getty Images via Buzzer BI

Harris, who is also a researcher on the show, sits offscreen at the judges’ table. When the host finishes reading the key, Harris flips a switch and enables the buzzer. If contestants buzz before the host finishes reading the key, they are locked out for a quarter of a second, making buzzer timing a key strategy for winning the game. The Ringer’s Claire McNear reported.

“It’s Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favorite Quiz Show” devotes an entire episode to Buzzer.

“We talk about the competitor’s point of view,” Cohen said. “There are competitor buzzer experts. There’s a guy we interviewed who wrote a book on buzzers. He does buzzer workshops at trivia events. And then we also talk to Michael Harris, who enables buzzers, and we Talk about the rule that made the buzzer what it is today.”

Occasionally, production is paused for judgments by the show’s judges.

The “Jeopardy!” plank Eric McCandless via Getty Images via BI

Sometimes, a contestant will give an answer that requires further discussion, such as an interrogative utterance.

“There’s a lot of traffic control stuff that good hosts find easy,” Cohen said. “I practiced a lot to make it as easy as possible, but when you’re just watching the show you don’t really think about it.”

The “Jeopardy!” The alumni community is a close-knit group.

Left to right: “Danger!” Champions James Holzauer, Ken Jennings and Brad Rutter. Eric McCandless via Getty Images via BI

Nicknamed “Mr. Personality” by Alex Trebek, Cohen became known as a polarizing figure on the show for his tongue-in-cheek. “Final Crisis!” Answers referencing the “SNL” skit. Another “Danger!” Competitors, such as the 2018 Teen Tournament Champion Claire Sattler and 40-game champion Amy Schneider“Jeopardy!” has spoken about experiencing online harassment after her appearance.

Thankfully, says Cohen, “Jeopardy!” There is an alumni community There for each other.

“The guys on Jeopardy!’ Really want the fans to respect the contestants,” Cohen said. “I’m glad the show is taking a more forward-thinking approach, and when my fellow contestants can jump in and say ‘Jeopardy!’ Alum Avengers to support our fellow contestants.”


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