Can you solve the clues on ‘Jeopardy!’?

A New Era for “Jeopardy!” Hiring Process

The iconic quiz show “Jeopardy!” has opened its doors to the public in a groundbreaking move, inviting anyone with a passion for knowledge and creativity to apply for a writing position. This is the first time in the show’s long history that it has publicly advertised for a writer’s role, marking a significant shift in how the program recruits talent.

The opportunity arose after one of the show’s long-time writers, Jim Rhine, decided to retire after three decades with the series. Michael Davies, the show’s executive producer, shared insights about this unique hiring process. He mentioned that the number of applications has been overwhelming, far exceeding expectations.

Davies, known for bringing “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” to American television, emphasized that the new hiring approach is different from previous methods. “This is a different process than we have ever used before,” he said. “We’ve never advertised for a writing job. The number of applications has been staggering.”

What It Takes to Be a “Jeopardy!” Writer

The role of a “Jeopardy!” writer is both challenging and rewarding. Candidates are expected to write an average of eight categories each week, ensuring that all clues meet the show’s high standards. This includes avoiding the use of artificial intelligence or Wikipedia for research. Additionally, they must be able to devise last-minute replacement clues on taping days and provide quick research during filming.

The job, based at the Sony Pictures Entertainment studio lot in Culver City, California, offers a potential salary of up to $172,000. To apply, candidates had to complete an online test involving answering 50 clues and submit 12 written samples of potential “Jeopardy!” and “Double Jeopardy!” rounds. These samples needed to cover various categories, including history, geography, pop culture, and famous people, with titles and sources provided for each question.

Candidates also had to write three samples of the notoriously difficult “Final Jeopardy!” clue, along with a cover letter and resume.

The Importance of Creativity and Knowledge

Davies stressed that while factual accuracy is crucial, the ability to create engaging and fun clues is equally important. “A good ‘Jeopardy!’ clue jumps off the page with a sense of fun and whimsy,” he said. “We owe the contestants some really great writing.”

One thing to avoid in applications is the use of the word “trivia.” “We do not use the word trivia at ‘Jeopardy!’,” Davies explained. “We don’t regard what we write as trivial. We regard this as the subjects, the facts, the things that an elite, modern American should know.”

The current team of writers is diverse, with some having worked on shows like “Star Trek” or in late-night TV. They are all avid readers with a curiosity about the world. Their work involves researching and creating categories in an on-site library, with strict security measures in place to prevent any leaks.

The Role of Researchers and the Writing Process

Once the writers’ work is completed, it is fact-checked by a team of researchers who may even make calls to verify information. Some of these researchers have transitioned into writing roles, and a few have applied for the new opportunity.

Davies highlighted the volume of clues produced each year. “Last year, we put 25,687 clues on the air between all the different versions,” he said. “It’s an assembly line, and we needed constantly to get other writers to come in and help us get there.”

After reviewing all the submissions, Davies expects to offer a dozen or so candidates the chance to move on to the interview phase. During this stage, he hopes to gain a better understanding of what makes each writer tick. “It’s about being yourself,” he said. “What do you read? What do you watch? What do you see? What makes you think something is interesting enough to be a ‘Jeopardy!’ clue?”

Looking Ahead

Davies aims to have the new hire begin work by the time the show starts filming its 43rd season at the end of August. However, with the high volume of applications, he knows the process will be fast-paced. “I’ve never had this many submissions for a writing job before,” he said. “But that’s a high-class problem, and it speaks to the fandom of the program.”

As the search continues, the future of “Jeopardy!” looks bright, with a new generation of writers ready to contribute their talents to the beloved quiz show.