At a time of global peril, Jeopardy! is the only thing that can save us

In this column, we deliver hot (and cold) takes on pop culture, judging whether a subject is overrated or underrated.

September 5, 2026 — 5:30am

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An adage I’ve long tried to live by, with varying degrees of success, is that it’s better to remain quiet and be thought a fool than to open your mouth and remove all doubt. Certain situations – being asleep, being underwater, intubated – are easy. Being awake, in a conversation, or watching Jeopardy! – less so.

The long-running US game show, which airs in Australia weeknights on SBS and SBS2, has clues arranged into categories, presented in the form of answers. Contestants must phrase their response in the form of a question.

Were the category “Opening Lines”, for example, this is what it might sound like on the couch at our place:

Clue: “Before we proceed any further, hear me speak”.Me: “Hamlet! No. Sorry. What is Hamlet? No. Macbeth! What is …”Wife: “What is Coriolanus?”Me: “D’oh!”

Most winners enjoy one or two victories, pocket a few thousand dollars and bow out. Recently there was a new winner every night for 11 nights. Five wins in a row earns an invitation to the Tournament of Champions.

Host Ken Jennings, himself a former contestant, won 74 games in a row, a record that still stands. He is also a Mormon,........

© The Sydney Morning Herald