When Ken Jennings first won “Jeopardy!”: Flashback

Ken Jennings (left) and Jeopardy! Host Alex Trebek developed a rapport over Jennings’ line. Jennings served as guest host in 2021 following Trebek’s death and was named permanent host in December.

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Ken Jennings was initially puzzled by the national attention his record-setting act brought him Danger! Run happened 20 years ago.

now Danger! Host, Jennings was a software developer at a healthcare staffing facility in Salt Lake City when he and his former college roommate headed to Los Angeles to audition for the long-running game show Jennings had loved since childhood.

Jennings did not learn until a year later that he had secured a place in the competition and was expected to film within three weeks. “There were reruns in our market, so I was able to watch Danger! 12 times a week, and I took this very seriously rocky “Training mode where I stand behind a chair that I pretend is a podium for the racer,” he says. Hollywood Reporter.

Between testing it and recalling it, Danger! It dropped its rule that contestants must exit after five wins – meaning the show was in uncharted territory when it began its unparalleled streak of 74 consecutive wins.

Jennings’ first appearance aired on June 2, 2004, and he recalls becoming more comfortable as the stretch went on, with host Alex Trebek also becoming more flexible with him as the two developed a relationship. Jennings was convinced no one would notice, but the show clearly benefited from its success, as the July episode in which it crossed the million-dollar threshold saw a 5 percent week-to-week increase in the show’s ratings, along with a 36 percent increase. An increase compared to the previous year.

Among the standout moments in the series was Jennings’ answer to a clue about the name of a gardening tool which can also mean “immoral pleasure seeker”; Select “What is a hoe?” Instead of the favorite question “What is a rake?” The clip went viral. “I still feel like I got a job,” Jennings joked.

His final episode aired on November 30, 2004, in which he got the Final Jeopardy answer wrong to a clue referring to a white-collar company where most employees work four months a year. Opponent Nancy Zerg hit the nail on the head: “What is H&R Block?”

Jennings — who walked away with a $2.5 million gain — remembers feeling relieved and adds that it all ended well for multiple reasons: “H&R Block quickly sent me a letter offering free financial services for life, and they’re still paying my taxes. This year.”

This story first appeared in the May 29 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. Click here to subscribe.