What Jeopardy Selects For: Generalists and Cultural Literacy

The “Jeopardy!” host and former contestant Ken Jennings joins Tyler Foggatt to talk about America’s favorite game show. The wide-ranging conversation took place before a live audience onstage at the annual New Yorker Festival, on October 25th. Jennings discussed his historic seventy-four-game winning streak, how contestants’ game strategies have changed over the years, his relationship with the former longtime host Alex Trebek, and why a political career was not for him. 

Related reading:

• “Ken Jennings Has Some Questions About Death,” by Sarah Larson
• “The Rare Authority of Alex Trebek,” by Doreen St. Félix
• “The Hidden Depths of Alex Trebek’s Banter with ‘Jeopardy!’ Contestants,” by Beth Blum

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The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine’s writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week.