Jeopardy! is one of the longest-running and most popular TV game shows; however, just like most quiz competitions, it has also received a lot of criticism from viewers and fans since 1964, when its first episode aired on NBC.
Following a recent backlash faced by the show, James Holzhauer, who is widely regarded as one of the most accomplished contestants in the history of Jeopardy!, has shed light on the reasons why fans of the show are getting angry. Holzhauer claimed that the frustration stems from undisclosed problems within the show’s crew operating behind the scenes.
Former ‘Jeopardy!’ champion, James Holzhauer says the show needs some changes
In an interview with TV Insider, Holzhauer revealed the potential alterations he would implement to the show if given the opportunity to be at the helm of affairs. “There has been a lot of turnover backstage, I will say. The whole production team has turned over, so you kind of see some of the things were lost when they changed hands there,” he said. “I think it’s still a great show, but it could use a little tweaking here and there. Some of the question writing could be a little sharper than it has been.”
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The former champion also stated that he would love to host Jeopardy! someday. “I think it would be fun. The role I have at The Chase where I am a personality but also a competitor is a great use of my talents,” Holzhauer confessed. “I hope The Chase continues for at least another 10 seasons, but if it doesn’t, I think that role of host would be great.”
James Holzhauer praised Ken Jennings’s hosting duties
Holzhauer, who had previously competed against Ken Jennings in Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time in 2020 also stated in the interview that Jennings is doing well as the show’s host. “I think he is doing the best job he can. It’s kind of an impossible role to replace Alex Trebek,” he confessed. “I think he is doing the best he can be Ken. Not trying to be like the one before him, but carving out his own role.”
He also further disclosed his interest to share the stage with Ken Jennings despite the latter’s recent hint that he has no more intention to compete. “It’s funny. I heard the backstage gossip that he didn’t want to be in the Greatest of All Time because he thought it would be too tough a competition for him,” he told the outlet. “Obviously, it wasn’t. I think he is still at the top of his game probably. It would be fun to have a rematch against him. I don’t know if the Jeopardy! rules would allow it.”