A recent episode of Jeopardy! stirred up quite a buzz when host Ken Jennings found himself in hot water over a clue that many deemed sexist.
This incident unfolded during Monday’s show, showcasing not just the tension of the game but also the sensitivity required in presenting its questions.
The Problematic Clue
In this particular episode, contestant Heather Ryan, a health program director from Binghamton, New York, buzzed in for a clue from the “Complete the Rhyming Phrase” category.
Ken read out the phrase: “Men seldom make passes at…” Fellow contestant Will Wallace, a game design director from Austin, Texas, promptly answered, “girls who wear glasses.”
Acknowledging the awkwardness, Ken quickly described the clue as “a little problematic” before extending an apology to Heather, who was notably wearing glasses herself.
Will, the former champion, chimed in with a lighthearted “very,” easing the moment.
Thankfully, Heather appeared unfazed, and the game continued without much interruption.
Social Media Backlash
Despite the light mood on set, viewers at home were not as forgiving. Social media erupted with criticism, particularly on platforms like Reddit and X.
One user remarked, “The rhyming phrases category was awful, especially the sexist clue,” while another echoed, “I don’t need to hear Ken read an obviously outdated and inappropriate clue and then call it ‘problematic.’”
A third user added, “More like extremely problematic!” highlighting the widespread disappointment over the choice of wording.
The controversial phrase, “Men seldom make passes at girls who wear glasses,” originally comes from the sharp wit of Dorothy Parker, a renowned New York socialite and commentator from the early 20th century.
Given the context of its origin, many felt it had no place in today’s discussions.
Game Results and Future of Ken Jennings
As the episode wrapped up, Heather ended with a substantial $19,600, while Will finished with a mere $2.
Yet, it was Ian Taylor, a food sales representative from Cleveland, Ohio, who emerged victorious with an impressive $19,601.
In light of recent developments, whispers have emerged regarding Ken Jennings’ future as host.
Reports indicated that he could be replaced by Saturday Night Live star Colin Jost for a spinoff called Pop Culture Jeopardy!.
The Mirror suggested that producers were evaluating their options after seeing ratings soar for Wheel of Fortune under the hosting of Ryan Seacrest.
With this in mind, the fate of Ken’s hosting tenure seems uncertain, despite his long-standing role since season 41 after Mayim Bialik was let go in 2023.
What lies ahead for Jeopardy! and its beloved host remains to be seen, but the recent episode certainly sparked important conversations about the clues presented on the show.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
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