Let's talk about Jeopardy! Fans of the iconic game show are buzzing with questions about whether Ken Jennings and the show's legendary champions will return for Season 40, including the Tournament of Champions. Speculation has been running wild, especially after former champions showed solidarity with writers and actors on the picket lines during the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes.
What's the Future for Jeopardy! Season 40?
Season 39 of Jeopardy! wasn't exactly smooth sailing. Right from the start of the WGA strike on May 2, the show's production underwent significant changes. Co-host Mayim Bialik walked off the set on May 11 during the final week of taping. Ken Jennings stepped in to wrap up the season without Mayim by his side. It was a challenging time for everyone involved, but the show managed to keep going.
Before the strike hit, there was already talk of Season 40 premiering on September 11. Fans are holding their breath, hoping that Ken will be back in the spotlight for the season premiere. But here's the thing—many are left wondering how the show will move forward without Mayim and the writers who bring those clever questions and answers to life. It's a real head-scratcher.
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On Camera Audiences, the company responsible for casting audience members for Jeopardy!, announced that tickets for future tapings are "coming soon." Initially, Jeopardy! was set to start filming for Season 40 in mid-August. However, as of now, the show hasn't provided any official updates regarding a delay or changes to the premiere date.
On July 21, Jeopardy! took to Twitter to inform fans that reruns of previous seasons would air all summer long on NBC. Even with all the uncertainty surrounding the show, the network hasn't announced any plans to push back the scheduled fall premiere. So, fingers crossed for a return in September!
Will the Tournament of Champions Be Back on TV?
On July 21, a Reddit post by 13-time Jeopardy! champion Ray Lalonde revealed that he won't be participating in any Tournament of Champions season filmed during the strike. This move underscores the deep solidarity among former champions with the writers and actors involved in the ongoing labor disputes.
Ray's post explained, "There are now credible reports that the producers are considering contingency plans to start filming the next season of the show with old and/or recycled material if the WGA strike remains unresolved." He continued, "I am a lifelong devoted fan of Jeopardy! and I'm incredibly grateful for my experience on the show. Participating in the Tournament of Champions is a dream come true for me."
Despite his love for the show, Ray emphasized, "I believe that the show's writers are an integral part of Jeopardy! and they're fully justified in taking their job action to secure a fair contract. As a supporter of the trade union movement, a union member's son, and a proud union member myself, I've informed the show's producers that if the strike remains unresolved, I will not cross a picket line to compete in the Tournament of Champions."
Ray's stance has resonated with other former champions. Winner Ben Chan commented on Reddit, "Ray, thank you for taking this stand. If you're out, I'm out." Former contestant Hannah Wilson added, "I'll stand with you, Ray!" It's clear that the champions are sticking together to support the writers and actors during this challenging time.
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