Well, folks, Jeopardy!'s most anticipated event is officially back, and it looks like show history will be made as well.
After months of delay due to last year's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, the hit quiz show surprised fans on February 21 by announcing the return of the fan-favorite Tournament of Champions. As TVInsider reports, the contest is set to premiere on television this month, with the first match-up airing on February 23 and quarterfinals running through March 6. Then come the semifinals and finals, with the full tournament running through late March. Additionally, the show revealed a record breaking 27 former contestants will vie for the $250,000 grand prize, with Ken Jennings as the sole host for the competition.
"Don't mind us, we're just warming up for the ToC!" read the official caption from the video confirmation Jeopardy! posted on Instagram. "27 players return to the Alex Trebek Stage starting this Friday, 2/23. Check your local listings."
Given how viewers love to see former competitors go up against one another to show off their knowledge, seeing the news had fans screaming in excitement.
"OMG!!!!! So exciting!!" one person exclaimed on Instagram. "Can't wait! So excited. All of the contestants are super smart and delightful. I will be watching, for sure! Love Jeopardy!" another penned on Facebook. "This is fantastic!!!" a different follower added.
As fans may remember, the airing for Tournament of Champions was originally meant for sometime in 2023. But when the WGA and SAG-AFTRA went on strike, the show continued to premiere with former contestants and recycled clues. What's more, many of the competitors who qualified for the tournament stood in solidarity with the unions until the strikes were completely resolved.
As for who is set to compete on Tournament of Champions, current fan favorites Chris Pannullo, Hannah Wilson, Ben Chan and 2023 High School Reunion Tournament winner Justin Bolsen will be part of the group of 27 folks. And if that's not enough, Celebrity Jeopardy! season 1 winner Ike Barinholtz will make history as the first winner from the spin-off to try and claim victor.
We can't wait!
As the entertainment and news associate editor for Good Housekeeping, Adrianna (she/her) writes about everything TV, movies, music and pop culture. She graduated from Yeshiva University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in business management. She covers shows like The Rookie, 9-1-1 and Grey's Anatomy, though when she’s not watching the latest show on Netflix, she’s taking martial arts or drinking way too much coffee.
