Emma Stone already has an Oscar, a Golden Globe, and endless acclaim as one of the most talented actresses of her generation. But there’s one title that still eludes her: Jeopardy champion,
In a recent interview, Emma Stone revealed her obsession with the iconic trivia showdown, sharing that she applies to be a contestant every year. I watch it every single night, and I mark down how many answers I get right,” Emma Stone said. “I swear, I could go on Jeopardy,
Despite her confidence, the show’s producers have yet to give Emma Stone her shot at the big board. “You can only take the test once a year with your email address, and I’ve never gotten on the show,” she lamented,
While Emma Stone could easily get a spot on Celebrity Jeopardy, she has zero interest in the celebrity edition, which is considerably easier than the standard quiz show. “I don’t want to go on Celebrity Jeopardy!,” Stone declared. “I want to earn my stripes.”
She’s completely right to hold out for the real thing. Since SNL first spoofed Celebrity Jeopardy in the 90s, everyone has known it’s a watered-down version for fame-seekers who want some easy (if slightly embarrassing) screen time. The questions are simpler, the competition is weaker, and celebrities use it as a chance to ham it up rather than prove their smarts.
If a celebrity is willing to potentially be humiliated on national television by facing true Jeopardy whizzes, they deserve their shot. Let’s see Emma Stone square off against 40-day champion Amy Schneider and put her geography, history, and vocabulary skills to the test. That would be unmissable TV,
The Jeopardy Ignominy of Celebrity Contestants
Celebrity Jeopardy first aired as an April Fool’s special in 1992, and it’s been a staple for fun (if not intensely competitive) episodes ever since. The very first celebrity show featured legendary Jeopardy host Alex Trebek thoroughly bemused by the bumbling answers of stars likeBilly Crystal, Marv Albert, and Leslie Nielsen as they hammed it up for laughs.
Over the years, the celebrity edition has turned into a prime venue for stars to make fools of themselves on national television. And make no mistake – Celebrity Jeopardy is an entirely different animal from regular play. The material is simplified, and celebrities even receive a coaching session to make sure they can properly play.
However, once the cameras start rolling, many still fail to grasp the basic Jeopardy principles of phrasing answers in the form of a question. People like Anderson Cooper might be broadcasting geniuses, but ask them to say “Who is Picasso?” and apparently it’s a bridge too far.
Meanwhile, the rare competent celebrity players are essentially guaranteed a lock trip to the finals, no matter how much they flub along the way. The low stakes and loose structure turn Celebrity Jeopardy into essentially a chaotic exhibition event rather than a true battle of wits.
Real Jeopardy for Famous Contestants,
While Celebrity Jeopardy is undoubtedly amusing viewing, true trivia buffs want to see famous faces really challenged. The time has come for a new rule: any celebrity who competes on the celebrity edition must qualify for regular play within one year.
Imagine the likes of Tom Hanks, Shailene Woodley, or even Sean Connery in his day facing down the scarily studious likes of Ken Jennings or James Holzhauer. Now that would give “celebrity” competitors a run for their money.
The Jeopardy fanbase would surely love seeing bold-named contestants truly tested. And what better way for stars to prove their intellectual brilliance than standing behind a Jeopardy podium under the bright lights? Only a few celebrity alumni have gone back to play “regular” games after their celebrity stints – like Andy Richter and understood the difference between fun & games versus a real trivia showdown.
It’s time for other household names to experience the electric pressure of a high-stakes Jeopardy matchup for themselves. So come on, celebrities – quit begging for easy special treatment and prove your quiz skills! Emma Stone is ready to earn her Jeopardy stripes against the best. Who will take the next stand?