JENNINGS’ LAST ‘JEOPARDY’ LEAKS ON ‘NET
The Ken Jennings watch continues ó with rampant speculation about when the record-setting “Jeopardy!” whiz will finally lose.
Jennings, who’s amassed nearly $2.5 million in 74 consecutive victories since last June, is widely expected to bow out sometime this week.
Kottke.org, the Web site that broke the story of Jennings’ defeat last September, has now posted what it claims is audio of Jennings losing ó complete with groaning from the studio audience and an excited Alex Trebek lauding a new “Jeopardy!” champ.
Jennings has been confirmed as a guest on tonight’s “Late Show with David Letterman,” which could be indicative that something big is about to happen ó or has already happened.
Jennings, a 31-year-old software developer from the Salt Lake City area, began his “Jeopardy!” run early last June. After a short summer hiatus, he returned in early August and picked up right where he left off, racking up win after win.
Jennings has been able to continue his winning ways because the show dropped its old “five-and-out” rule (winners could only win five consecutive games before being forced to leave).
Ratings for the show, which were strong to begin with, have risen dramatically since Jennings began his streak ó and have dipped on the few “theme” weeks when Jennings wasn’t on the show.
The apparent end of Jennings’ run has conveniently coincided with the November sweeps period, which is used by networks and local stations to set advertising rates.
Meanwhile, Jennings is getting the “Biography” treatment from A&E, which will air a segment on Jennings tomorrow at 10 p.m.
Jennings himself is interviewed for the “Biography,” along with his wife, Mindy, and past “Jeopardy!” champs including Robin Carroll, Eddie Timanus and Brad Rutter.
Categories