For over 60 years, Jeopardy! has been a mainstay of American television—a quiz show where intellect reigns and trivia lovers thrive. But with the shifting tides of media consumption, the iconic franchise is now poised to reach fans in a whole new way.
First launched in 1964 by TV innovator Merv Griffin, Jeopardy! made an immediate impression with its unorthodox format: answers are given, and contestants must reply with the correct questions. That clever twist became a defining feature of the series, distinguishing it from its peers and cementing its reputation for being one of the smartest shows on television.
Central to that success was Alex Trebek, who began hosting in 1984. Trebek brought a sense of grace, wit, and authority that defined Jeopardy! for generations. Until his passing in 2020, he guided the show through thousands of episodes and earned multiple Daytime Emmys, all while elevating trivia to an art form.
In the wake of Trebek’s death, Jeopardy! entered a transition period, experimenting with a rotating lineup of guest hosts including Anderson Cooper and LeVar Burton. Eventually, the show tapped two familiar names to carry the legacy forward: former champion Ken Jennings and actress-scientist Mayim Bialik.
Jennings, beloved for his record-breaking run, took over the syndicated version permanently. Bialik hosted primetime editions and specials until her exit in December 2023, leaving Jennings as the franchise’s singular host.
Meanwhile, the Jeopardy! universe has grown substantially. Alongside its flagship show are spin-offs like Celebrity Jeopardy!, which brings Hollywood stars into the game for charitable causes, and Jeopardy! Masters, where elite players battle it out on a tournament leaderboard. Younger audiences have been drawn in by competitions like the High School Reunion Tournament and National College Championship, which spotlight rising trivia talent.
This week, Sony Pictures Television revealed another milestone moment: next-day streaming for both Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune will soon become standard. That means viewers can catch the latest episodes online the day after they air.
As Variety reported: “Sony Pictures Television announced the multi-year, co-exclusive, national next-day streaming licensing deals on Tuesday. As part of the deal, Sony said this is the first time that in-season syndicated episodes of Jeopardy! and Wheel would be available on national streamers; library episodes of the shows will also be available.”
Despite ongoing legal disputes with CBS, Sony expressed optimism about the path forward. “These deals will expand Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune’s reach to a new generation of viewers while ensuring that existing fans can enjoy their favorite shows with greater accessibility, deepening the fandom overall for these formidable franchises.”
While Jeopardy! continues to air on traditional ABC affiliates, viewers can also find reruns and past specials across streaming platforms such as Pluto TV, Hulu, and Netflix. Specials and spinoffs often find a home under the Disney-ABC Television banner.
With over 9,000 episodes produced and more than 40 Daytime Emmys to its name, Jeopardy! is more than just a game show—it’s a cultural institution. And with the leap to streaming, the show is making it clear that it’s ready to keep evolving, without forgetting the legacy that brought it here.
Are you excited for this new way to watch Jeopardy!? Drop your thoughts in the comments.
