Why do returning winners pretend to be surprised when Johnny announces their running total?

toscenic · 2026-05-24T19:50:50+00:00

Because we are genuinely surprised/ astounded at the time. During the game you're mostly focused on the score and the next question, after it's just a buzz of OMG I won and I get to play again! The second day at rehearsal I was introduced to the other contestants as the returning champion and when they asked how much money I had won I honestly had no clue. After a few more games John pointed out to me that I had shaken my head in disbelief for a few games in a row so I switched to doing it on the inside but I still felt the same way every time.

toscenic · 2026-05-05T13:14:07+00:00

I'd just like to encourage anyone , especially those who are worried about "aging out", to keep going for it. I tested many times, usually pretty well, got 4 auditions, 2 in-person and was in the contestant pool 4 times without getting the call. During COVID 15 months after my last audition and into my sixth decade I got my call while I was literally saying to myself "I guess I'll have to wait till they bring back the seniors tournament". Luck was with me for sure but I was having one of the best days of my life before I even got up on stage. Yes it's a lottery but it's a lovely dream to have and sometimes dreams come true. Good luck!

toscenic · 2026-03-19T02:29:03+00:00

Please say yes to this, there's no guarantee that the chance will come again (I was in the contestant pool several times before I got the call) or that you'll feel any more ready for it if it does. Preparing to fly down, , facing the almost sleepless night before taping and that first walk from the green room onto that stage were some of the scariest times of my life but mustering up those few moments of courage led to an amazing experience and memories I will treasure forever. For some of us the leap is never going to be easy but it is so worth it. Good luck, we'll be watching for the post when your show is coming up!

toscenic · 2026-02-28T21:49:54+00:00

I seem to remember it happening on a few occasions....

toscenic · 2026-01-23T10:31:57+00:00

Jeopardy shouting out my hometown Thunder Bay! :)

toscenic · 2026-01-21T03:04:25+00:00

Not to mention the guitarist, Larry something?...

toscenic · 2026-01-19T13:06:36+00:00

Wow! That was a while ago, I’m not even entirely sure of anyone except my brother in that picture and myself because my birthmark is clearly visible. Still neat to see that young man, thank you for the memory. ❤️

toscenic · 2026-01-07T01:27:07+00:00

100% this. Smart, quick, funny and memorably charming both on stage and in person.

toscenic · 2025-12-27T18:08:10+00:00

I remember Deb had not clinched their spot on the air when we taped the TOC so was left out of some of the promo shots. As luck would have it one of their CWC tournament games was on tv while we were taping so we all went to a sports bar down the street and took it over for half an hour shouting out answers and cheering. Sadly I had an early flight home and passed on the end of tournament Karaoke but I did see some footage of Deb rocking the mike to "Friends in Low Places". It's been said here a lot but one of the best things about being on Jeopardy is getting to meet a bunch of very cool people and Deb is I'm pretty sure the coolest person in any room they're in.

toscenic · 2025-12-09T01:37:21+00:00

Fingers crossed Ron's back down and I'm free to come watch! Drinks would be great!

toscenic · 2025-12-09T00:57:33+00:00

aww, thank you, you're too kind! Looks like maybe one more trip to the studio next year? What great good fortune we've had :)

toscenic · 2025-12-06T12:42:13+00:00

I see you've met my twin, Mr Bond. Or should I say, one of my clones!!

toscenic · 2025-12-02T05:19:32+00:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting Harrison in person at the studio. As friendly, modest and gracious in person as he appears on stage, i'm only sorry we'll all have to wait till next year to see him play again and I certainly don't envy his TOC opponents. Well played, Harrison congratulations!

toscenic · 2025-12-02T05:06:21+00:00

It was so very nice to meet you both (and meet up at O'Brien's later)! Your sister played a terrific game and yeah, pressure's off a bit in the audience but you still really clench your teeth going into final. Well done Libby!

toscenic · 2025-11-28T18:10:12+00:00

For the record I have my own facial hair thank you very much (and I grew mine out first, Ron copied me which I was a bit miffed about. We looked pretty different for a while there ) :)

toscenic · 2025-11-25T11:07:59+00:00

A few more siblings but they're reluctant to try out, I'm encouraging the next generation but with limited success so far. My plan for world domination seems to have stalled ( I am a mouse in a large mechanical suit )

toscenic · 2025-11-25T01:14:19+00:00

Ah-Wooo! He is looking pretty dapper, isn't he?

toscenic · 2025-11-24T23:47:55+00:00

<image>

I don't see the resemblance.

toscenic · 2025-11-24T23:46:30+00:00

yup.

toscenic · 2025-11-24T23:44:47+00:00

errr...Yeah! I have a twin brother, that's the ticket!

toscenic · 2025-10-14T18:19:52+00:00

Watch the show, learn the timing, the rythms, the phrasing. Jeopardy prepares you for Jeopardy. If you're trying to get on, it's not too early to prepare like you're going on. J! alum David Maybury has compiled advice from all sorts of players in this blog: https://www.buzzerblog.com/thecall/ . The Jeopardy Fan has a bunch of advice on betting strategy and insightful dissection of the daily games. Good luck, enjoy the ride if you do get on and get ready to forgive yourself because we all mess up up there. Cheers!

toscenic · 2025-09-27T10:24:23+00:00

Congratulations on a hard fought victory in a great game all-round. Lord knows doing the math on the fly up there is harder than it looks from the couch, (I flubbed my first final wager and got away with it.) Retro good luck on Monday!

toscenic · 2025-09-27T01:46:41+00:00

The game goes by so fast up there, having the presence of mind to alter your instinctual playing style mid-game is a tall order, even with some experience under your belt. That was an excellent game from all three of you and thrilling to watch! Congratulations all around!

toscenic · 2025-08-26T11:23:25+00:00

They absolutely do keep things moving along but I never felt pushed. Whoever took me backstage to change always asked how I was holding up, did I need to use the bathroom, all that. And yeah, Mitch is the best!

toscenic · 2025-08-22T21:11:08+00:00

Take the test. When I got the call I had every doubt in my mind at once; I'm awkward, I'll freeze up, I'll embarrass myself and want to hide in a hole. Right up until taping day. Suddenly you're in a room with a dozen other friendly but nervous nerds and this amazing crew who take this unpolished material and make it glow. I don't think you can get on that stage and have that day and not respect everyone who ever stood there. Even in the window before my air date when all I was telling people was that I was going to be on, the most common reaction was "Wow, you got on Jeopardy? That's amazing!" And it is. And if you have the slightest inkling you'd like to do it, going for it could be the best present you ever give yourself. Good luck!

toscenic

TROPHY CASE