JEOPARDY! has released a rare behind-the-scenes look at how the show is taped as the gameshow returns for Season 41.

The first episode in the new season debuted on Monday, with Ken Jennings returning as the host.

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Jeopardy! posted a multicam sneak peek video from the upcoming season of the show on YouTube on Monday.

The video featured a number of tiny screens, all shown on one screen.

It gave fans a look at the making of the beloved game show from various angles.

The top three screens showed individual contestants, while another showed them all together behind their podiums, one showed the audience, and another captured a section of the set.

There was a camera filming the contestants from the side, as well as one on the Jeopardy! board and another that just read, “Jeopardy! Season 41.”

The clip opened with a voice saying, “First one of the season. Thank you. Here we go, standby. Thank you. And, cue Sarah.”

Another voice, belonging to Sarah Foss, announced, “This is Jeopardy! Season 41, show 9, 156. VTR: 05/30/2024. Air 09/09/2024.”

The players were introduced, and Ken, 50, arrived on the set.

The players are the same that are expected to appear on Jeopardy! on Monday.

FRESH FACES

On Monday, Jeopardy! announced who will take the stage during Jeopardy’s first week back.

The show updated its Contestant Zone on Monday, revealing the full lineup for September 9 through September 13.

Here’s who will compete:

On Monday, September 9, Rachel Bradley, the one-day champion when Season 40 came to an end for its annual summer reruns, returns to compete again.

She will face off against Adam Reiffen and Amanda White Seattle.

Jeopardy! Set Secrets

Jeopardy! fans don’t see everything behind the scenes from watching on TV. These hidden set features make the show run smoothly:

• Each podium has a hidden riser so that all contestants appear to be the same height.
• After each clue is read, signal lights go off around the game board, indicating players can buzz in and respond.
• Buzz in too early, and you’re locked out for .25 seconds.
• The podiums have a small white light in the lower left corner, which tells Ken Jennings who goes next.
• Contrary to popular belief, the player with control doesn’t have a buzzer advantage on the next clue.
• To the game board’s left is a scoreboard so the players can see their opponents’ scores.
• All contestants must bring three outfits to the studio, but only the host and returning champion change for the next episode.
• There are wardrobe rules, including restrictions on busy patterns, solid white, purple (like the background), and logos.
• Five episodes are taped in a single day, and sometimes more.
• The categories, players (aside from the returning champion), and Final Jeopardy! for a tape day are all drawn randomly to ensure fairness.
• Female contestants are asked not to wear makeup, which is applied backstage, and don’t wear mascara because of sweat.
• Contestants fill out a questionnaire, and producers select five Q&A topics for the host.
• Host Ken isn’t allowed to interact with the contestants until after the game.
• Players can request to sit in a chair while competing without question.

On Tuesday, September 10, the winner of Monday’s game will face off against Mary Catherine French and Will Weiss.

The episode may be impacted by the Presidential Debate.

Wednesday, September 11, the winner of the previous game will play Ben Gagne-Maynard and Kristen Robinson.

On Thursday, September 12 the winner will play Mark Palmere and Bethany Korp.

Finally, on Friday, September 13, the winner will play against Evan Suttell and Hilary Glazer.

FAN EXCITEMENT

Fans took to Reddit after the cast was announced to celebrate the return of Jeopardy! and the cast of new competitors.

“Hello, We’re Back department? I’d like to file a claim,” one user commented.

“Welcome back, everyone!!” celebrated another.

“LFG! (Let’s have Fun Games),” exclaimed a third.

“Six weeks have gone by really fast!” cheered a fourth.

BEHIND THE CURTAIN

Jeopardy! then posted a behind-the-scenes look at the season premiere on Instagram to get fans excited.

The post appeared to be the same multicam video shared on YouTube, revealing the many procedures on set during taping.

The nine-screen system shows each camera on the set, including one on each contestant, as well as several other angles of the stage.

The video had producer, Sarah, said the intros in place of legendary announcer Johnny Gilbert, 96, who records them after the fact from his home studio.

Fans appeared to enjoy the rare glimpse behind the scenes and let it be known under the video.

“I don’t know why this made me emotional but I definitely teared up. Can’t wait for tonight’s show!” one Instagram user celebrated.

“Interesting. This show was recorded on May 30th (mentioned in the video). The season 40 finale was taped on May 29. So the returning champion did NOT get six weeks off, but in reality, one day,” noted a second.

“I always was curious how the magic happened,” posted a third fan.

“Can’t wait!! My favorite game show is back!!!” exclaimed a fourth fan.

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