Why Jeopardy is Still on the Air

Why Jeopardy is still on the air is a question routinely discussed even among its millions of fans. Since 1984 this show has been in syndication and based on the shows own records it pulls in some 9 million viewers on average each day. Not bad for a quiz show. There is of course no one reason why Jeopardy is still on the air
or why it is likely to continue for years to come. There are many. Some of the most significant reasons why Jeopardy is still on the air are reviewed here. Interesting in themselves, one might also say that these reasons could help would be game show producers along the trail to success.

One major reason why Jeopardy is still on the air is because of its utter simplicity. Jeopardy is not loaded with gimmicks. Anyone turning in the show for the very first time does not need a lot of advanced coaching in order to understand what is happening. At rock bottom Jeopardy is an information centered quiz show that asks contestants to accept the challenge of giving their answers in the form of a question. Other than that the show is pretty straight forward.

The questions are organized according to categories which allows both contestants and viewers to more quickly locate answers within their own memory bank and response. The regular use of these categories is possibly a second major reason for why Jeopardy is still on the air. The question categories are diverse and really cover the entire realm of human knowledge. While these categories demand that contestants have more than just specialized knowledge in one area, they also open the door wide for viewers at home to chime in when with answers when the category is to their liking.

Which leads to the third reason why Jeopardy is still on the air. These days it is difficult to find any half hour program that is suitable for viewing by the whole family together. "Jeopardy" passes the family test with flying colors, no off color stuff here. But besides not being objectionable in part for somebody, Jeopardy many categories even invite the participation of the young who often know answers in categories like music, pop culture, kiddy lit and a host of other topics, leaving parents with their mouths wide open. Of course parents, while enjoying the fact that the whole family can settle down together for a half hour in peace are also delighted that while it is game, Jeopardy is also a bit of teaching tool.

Real 8 a.m.-3p.m. teachers haven't missed out on this point either. One reason why Jeopardy is still on the air could be the educational value that it possess while still be entertaining. Teachers at many grade levels have discovered ways to hi-jack the basic dynamics of Jeopardy and put them to work in the class room. This of course only increases the popularity of the TV game at home.

Perhaps the biggest reason why Jeopardy is still on air is the fact that it gives the impression that anyone can come on this show and win, if they have the smarts. The contestants are normal everyday people who viewers get to know briefly during the half hour. They have jobs and families. They are not all college professors in fact they seem to come from every imaginable profession or are still on the hunt for their true career. The fact that Jeopardy offers everyone a chance to try out for its shows makes the show seem within reach of the common man. The results of Jeopardy's talent search has been a great flood of potential contestants who whether they make it on the show or not ( and most of course don't ) feel that they have been fairly tested and are now a part of the Jeopardy family and like two of my own family members ( who didn't make it ) ambassadors of good will for Jeopardy.

Finally it would be wrong not to include Alex Trebek as one of the reasons why Jeopardy is still on the air. Mr. Trebek is a success at his job because he takes it seriously. He never gives the appearance of a stand up comic on his way to becoming something else. Alex Trebek is the host of Jeopardy and he loves it or is awfully good at making you think he loves it. For lots of people Alex Trebek has become like a long lost uncle who they gladly welcome into their home whenever the family schedule allows.

The success of Jeopardy really isn't that hard to decipher. Start with a simple, well defined idea, that is family friendly, educationally sound , open to one and all and bound together by a pleasant and familiar professional and you have a winner. Now if I could just put that answer in the form of question I would be all set. .

Source:
www.jeopardy.com