7 Behind-the-Scenes Secrets You Never Knew About 'Jeopardy!'

It may seem as if ‘Jeopardy!’ follows your daily schedule, but that’s all a clever illusion worked up by showrunners. In reality, Trebek hosts five games per day, meaning the host only puts in 46 days of work per year (what a life!). Writers insert timely comments into Trebek’s opening monologue about holidays or events to make each episode feel current, while Trebek and winning contestants must change outfits between every taping.

The actor was born George Alexander Trebek, which leads to only one question, “Who is Alex Trebek?”

Before the affable Canadian took over hosting duties for the show in 1984, Art Fleming asked the questions around the stage. Announcer Johnny Gilbert was also preceded by Don Pardo and John Harlan.

With 35 seasons in the bank, ‘Jeopardy!’ has aired an immense amount of TV. Just think of all the questions Trebek has asked over all those episodes.

Seven times in the show’s history, all three contestants have ended the game with no money, usually after all missing Final Jeopardy! When this happens, the next episode features three new contestants.

Forget the contestants who win. The show itself has scored an immense amount of awards at the Emmys, plus a Peabody Award.

Earlier this year the Jeopardy-verse was abuzz when one fan compiled clips of the host putting his finest Canadian accent to work on the word “genre.” Just listen and let it melt all over your ears.