Jeopardy!'s Ken Jennings Accused of Playing Favorites

Jeopardy! host Ken Jennings is being accused of playing favorites.

While Jennings' first week as official host (a role he shares with Mayim Bialik) started strong, he stirred up some controversy last night when he seemingly played favorites with the contestants. 

During the "Cons" category, reigning champion Luigi de Guzman fumbled his answer. "Who is Constant?" Guzman buzzed in. Jennings gave him a chance to correct his answer, telling Guzman to "say it again". "I'm sorry. Who is Constable? Constable," Guzman replied, shaking his head. The host accepted the answer, which took the competitor's total up to $6,200. He went on to win the episode. 

Jennings was not as lenient with contestant Harriet Wagner, who corrected herself mid-answer. "Who is Angela LeGuin…sorry, Ursula LeGuin?" said Wagner. "Yes, Harriet, you remembered that her name was Ursula," replied Jennings "But I had already begun ruling against you when you began correcting yourself."

Fans expressed their frustration with Jennings on Twitter, wondering why Luigi is "allowed to correct himself, but Harriet isn't". 

Wow, is @jeopardy fixed?

Why is Luigi allowed to correct himself, but Harriet isn't?#WTF #Jeopardy

— Michelle (@shellybee721) September 14, 2022

I think Ken the ref blew that last call there on Luigi #Jeopardy

— Karen (@runyourplate) September 14, 2022

YOU SUCK, KEN JENNINGS!
You gave Luigi a pass and Harriet a JIP!#Jeopardy

— 🧢Gina Turn Texas Blue 2022🧢 (@ginadem) September 15, 2022

After Luigi was allowed a correction, Harriet would have a right to be pissed. She could have been in theoretical striking distance. #Jeopardy

— Joe10E (@e_joe10) September 14, 2022

The way they’re favoring Luigi on Jeopardy and allowing him to correct himself, but not allowing others to do the same. #jeopardy #nbc pic.twitter.com/pQ6tTT7KJ3

— ask me about my cats 🇺🇦 (@mrfweebs) September 14, 2022

Jeopardy! Season 39's first week continues this evening. To find broadcast times and channels in your area, head to the Jeopardy! website.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.