‘Jeopardy!’ Champion Buzzy Cohen Shares Backstage Secrets and techniques | Entrepreneur

This text initially appeared on Enterprise Insider.

“Jeopardy!” champion Buzzy Cohen hosts a brand new podcast known as “That is Jeopardy!” concerning the historical past of the long-lasting sport present.

Buzzy Cohen on the set of “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc

Buzzy Cohen, a music govt from Los Angeles, gained $164,603 in a nine-day streak on “Jeopardy!” in 2016, then gained the 2017 Match of Champions. He returned to the Match of Champions in 2021, this time as a visitor host.

Now, he’s the host of a brand new podcast exploring the present’s historical past and enduring success: “That is Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favourite Quiz Present.” Produced by Sony Music Leisure in partnership with Sony Photos Tv, the primary episode premieres April 26.

“Within the podcast, we’re actually how we received thus far the place ‘Jeopardy!’ is an establishment, not only a sport present, not only a quiz present,” he advised Insider. “There’s one thing for the ‘Jeopardy!’ followers, but in addition for people who find themselves simply thinking about American tradition and leisure.”

Cohen additionally shared behind-the-scenes insights from his time on the present that viewers at dwelling don’t get to see.

“Jeopardy!” tapes 5 reveals — a complete week’s value — on daily basis.

Buzzy Cohen competes on “Jeopardy!” Jeopardy Productions Inc.

“Jeopardy!” winners change outfits between tapings to provide the looks of competing on a unique day, when actually reveals are taped one after one other.

Cohen, who performed 10 consecutive video games in two back-to-back taping days, stated he didn’t anticipate simply how “exhausting” the schedule could be.

“That’s actually one thing that I believe individuals are shocked by,” he stated. “It actually makes the truth that individuals can go on these lengthy runs much more spectacular as a result of it’s endurance in addition to psychological and bodily stamina.”

The host of “Jeopardy!” doesn’t have a lot display screen time, however is busy throughout each second of the present.

Alex Trebek hosted “Jeopardy!” from 1984 till his loss of life in 2020. Eric McCandless/ABC by way of Getty Photos by way of Enterprise Insider.

“Jeopardy!” hosts put on an earpiece to speak with producers as they juggle many duties that aren’t seen to viewers at dwelling.

“What’s sort of stunning is how little you’re possibly on-screen, however you might be studying the clue, calling a contestant, making a ruling, asking them to pick out,” Cohen stated. “Whereas for those who’re a contestant and another person has a each day double, you’re sort of like, ‘Okay, take a breath, I’m going to regroup right here.’ However for those who’re the host, you’re in all of these moments.”

Along with working the gameplay, Cohen says bringing the passion that retains “Jeopardy!” followers tuning in can be an important job for the host.

“In case you’re not within the materials you’re studying, it’s going to come back throughout to the individuals viewing it at dwelling,” he stated. “Actually staying in it and actually being dedicated to it was one thing that Alex Trebek made look really easy, and I believe just isn’t as straightforward because it appears.”

A person named Michael Harris manually controls the “Jeopardy!” buzzer.

Ken Jennings holds the “Jeopardy!” buzzer. Getty Photos by way of BI

Harris, who can be a researcher on the present, sits on the judges’ desk offscreen. When the host finishes studying a clue, Harris flips a change and allows the buzzers. If contestants buzz in earlier than the host has completed studying the clue, they’re locked out for 1 / 4 of a second, making buzzer timing a key technique to profitable the sport, The Ringer’s Claire McNear reported.

“That is Jeopardy!…The Story of America’s Favourite Quiz Present” devotes a complete episode to the buzzer.

“We discuss concerning the contestant viewpoint,” Cohen stated. “There are contestant buzzer consultants. There’s a man who we interviewed who’s written a e-book on the buzzer. He does buzzer workshops at trivia occasions. After which we additionally discuss to Michael Harris, who allows the buzzer, and we discuss concerning the rule that made the buzzer what it’s immediately.”

Often, manufacturing pauses for rulings by the present’s judges.

The “Jeopardy!” board. Eric McCandless by way of Getty Photos by way of BI

Typically, a contestant will present a solution that requires additional deliberation, corresponding to questionable pronunciation.

“There’s a number of visitors management stuff that good hosts make look straightforward,” Cohen stated. “I practiced loads to make it as straightforward as doable, however you don’t actually give it some thought whenever you’re simply watching the present.”

The “Jeopardy!” alumni neighborhood is a close-knit group.

From left to proper: “Jeopardy!” champions James Holzhauer, Ken Jennings, and Brad Rutter. Eric McCandless by way of Getty Photos by way of BI

Nicknamed “Mr. Character” by Alex Trebek, Cohen grew to become often known as a polarizing determine on the present for his tongue-in-cheek “Closing Jeopardy!” solutions referencing “SNL” skits. Different “Jeopardy!” contestants, corresponding to 2018 Teen Match champion Claire Sattler and 40-game champion Amy Schneider, have spoken out about experiencing on-line harassment after their appearances on “Jeopardy!”

Fortunately, Cohen says, the “Jeopardy!” alumni neighborhood is there for one another.

“The parents at ‘Jeopardy!’ actually need the followers to respect the contestants,” Cohen stated. “I’m glad this present is taking extra of a ahead method, and I additionally love when my fellow contestants can leap in and sort of assemble the ‘Jeopardy!’ alum avengers to assist our fellow contestants.”