Liam Starnes has captivated the attention of Jeopardy! fans. The game show has long celebrated intellect, but every so often, a contestant stands out for more than just their wits and wins. This is undoubtedly the case with Liam Starnes, a 20-year-old University of Chicago student, who recently wrapped a six-game winning streak and became a surprising fan favorite.
Starnes debuted during Season 41 of Jeopardy! and quickly proved himself a sharp and strategic player. As his quiz-show prowess turned heads, many viewers were equally awed by his resemblance to another young genius, Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
Liam Starnes on ‘Jeopardy!’ had fans thinking the contestant looked like Sheldon Cooper
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Liam Starnes has proven that geniuses still exist in our time. Throughout his six victories, he accumulated an impressive $126,584 and earned a spot in the upcoming Tournament of Champions. His quick responses, calm demeanor, and intelligence earned praise from fans, but his personality—and his haircut—stirred online comparisons to the physicist from CBS’s hit sitcom, The Big Bang Theory.
Fans on social media noted these similarities as reminiscent of Sheldon Cooper’s presence. The comparison peaked when a clue about Sheldon appeared during one of Liam’s episodes, yet neither Liam nor his fellow contestants answered it correctly. The coincidence amused and surprised viewers, further fueling the comparisons and online discussions.
The final game
Although Liam’s seventh appearance on the show ended in a loss, it was not without its standout moments. He competed against new contestant Erin Morin and fell short during the Final Jeopardy round, ending his streak. But he later revealed that this episode had unexpected tension behind the scenes.
Jeopardy! shared Liam’s experience in a Reddit community where he noted a “somewhat frostier reception” from his competitors during the final taping day. After hearing about his winning streak, the other contestants appeared more reserved. Still, Liam said he approached the day with his usual confidence, even calling it one of his best games despite the outcome. In a moment of reflection, Liam shared that his Jeopardy! experience, while surreal, was unforgettable. Though disappointed initially, he later embraced the pride of being recognized by fans around the University of Chicago and beyond.