20 surprising things you didn't know about 'Jeopardy!'

Marilyn La Jeunesse,Fiona ClairMar 22, 2021, 22:55 IST

Host Alex Trebek and competitors on "Jeopardy!" in 2012.Getty/Handout

"Jeopardy!" has been on the air for 37 seasons, but even avid watchers may not know these fun facts.
The current iteration of the show premiered in 1984, but the original show aired in 1964.
Ken Jennings holds the record for the longest winning streak at 74 games.

The show is technically 57 years old.

Art Fleming was the original host of "Jeopardy!" NBC

There's an unofficial fan-run archive that has nearly every "Jeopardy!" clue in history.

Prospective players can study old clues on the fan site. NBC

"Jeopardy!" has aired over 8,000 episodes.

The show films about 46 days a year. NBC

"Jeopardy!" has more Emmys than any other game show.

It's won dozens of awards over the years. Getty/Ben Hilder

As of 2016, there have been seven no-win games of "Jeopardy!"

A no-win "Jeopardy!" game doesn't happen very often. Kris Connor/Getty

Alex Trebek's given name isn't actually Alex.

Alexander is his middle name. Sony Pictures Television

Merv Griffin, the creator of the show, also wrote its theme song.

This popular tune has generated millions. Scott Gries/Getty

The man behind the voice of "Jeopardy!" is Johnny Gilbert.

Johnny Gilbert is a legendary announcer. Ethan Miller/Getty

The record for most consecutive games won is held by Ken Jennings, who won 74.

Ken Jennings won 74 games in a row in 2004. Getty

There's a team of people who make the video clues.

"Jeopardy!" video clues are created by a dedicated team. Kris Connor/Getty

Contestants didn't use to have to wait for the full clue before hitting the buzzer.

Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" Getty Images/Handout

Different things are happening behind-the-scenes during each commercial break.

The contestants don't really get a chance to rest. Courtesy Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

Contestants aren't allowed to make certain wagers, including $69.

There are five banned wagers on the game show. IBM

The show has been known to pull a few April Fool's Day pranks.

Alex Trebek walked on to an episode of "Jeopardy!" without pants. NBC

The lowest score in "Jeopardy!" history is $-6,800.

Stephanie Hull on "Jeopardy!" NBC

Even if they end up in the negatives, players always walk away with some money.

Brad Rutter, Larissa Kelly, and David Madden with Alex Trebek, winners of the first-ever "Jeopardy!" team championship in 2019. Carol Kaelson/Sony via AP

Contestants on the show's Tournament of Champions get to pick a movie to watch in the greenroom.

Arthur Chu competed on a "Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions." NBC

When Trebek was hosting, the show filmed a week's worth of episodes in one day.

Roger Craig on the "Jeopardy!" set with host Alex Trebek. Courtesy Jeopardy Productions, Inc.

The most someone could win on a single episode is over $500,000, but no one ever has.

James Holzhauer on "Jeopardy!" Jeopardy Productions, Inc./AP

In the wake of Trebek's death, the show is screen-testing a number of potential hosts.

Katie Couric guest-hosting "Jeopardy!" in 2021. NBC

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