Jeopardy! fans love a good controversy, and Monday night delivered.
Viewers were up in arms over what many called an “easy” Final Jeopardy clue that left all three contestants stumped. Under the category Brand Names, the clue read: “In 1886 this brand’s bookkeeper came up with its name & flowing script logo, saying, ‘The two Cs would look well in advertising.’” Simple enough, right? Apparently not, as all three contestants—Mark Fitzpatrick, Amanda Prusila, and Daniel Gately—struck out with their answers.
Mark, who led the game with a comfortable $23,000, guessed “Coco Chanel,” wagering $3,400, which dropped him to an even $20,000. Daniel, with $4,200, went with “Currier,” while Amanda, at $600, also guessed “Coco Chanel.” When host Ken Jennings revealed the answer—Coca-Cola—viewers quickly took to social media to express their frustration and disbelief. Many found it hard to comprehend how none of the contestants could connect the dots to the famous soda brand.
One particularly exasperated fan wrote on YouTube, “I immediately knew it when it came up. So annoyed with the contestants!” Another echoed the sentiment, saying, “It is mind boggling that all three did not get that one correct. Probably the easiest FJ question in a very long time.” And of course, social media being what it is, many took the opportunity to pat themselves on the back for figuring it out before the contestants. “Nothing makes you feel smarter than watching 3 contestants on Final Jeopardy get ‘Coke A Cola’ wrong lol,” one viewer joked on X (formerly Twitter).
UPDATE: The final clue was also a Georgia triple-stumper (Coca-Cola) pic.twitter.com/DkHgallQIN
— Niles Francis (@NilesGApol) October 8, 2024
The backlash was swift and pointed, with fans suggesting that the clue was far too easy for a Final Jeopardy round. “How is this a final Jeopardy question??? This is an insult to the game,” one user complained, while another declared it the “easiest Final Jeopardy of all time.” But amidst the uproar, a few voices emerged, admitting that maybe the question wasn’t quite as simple as others believed. “I didn’t get it either. I don’t think it should have been considered an easy one,” confessed one user, proving that even the simplest clues can be tricky under pressure.
Triple stumper FJ today in a tougher-than-it-should-be clue. I wonder if they would have accepted Coke instead of Coca-Cola. Mark Fitzpatrick becomes a 2-day #Jeopardy champ in a runaway. He’ll go for 3 tomorrow. pic.twitter.com/Wxaf3T4a1Q
— The Sport Dogtor, M.D. (@MartySande34622) October 8, 2024
This latest debacle comes on the heels of a turbulent season for the iconic game show. Just last week, viewers were fuming when Jeopardy! was bumped from its usual slot without notice, replaced by sports events and a special political report. And let’s not forget the criticism that followed in July when Ken Jennings challenged contestants with what fans called “brutal” questions in a particularly tough episode. It seems like Jeopardy! just can’t win when it comes to balancing difficulty—either the clues are too hard, or they’re not hard enough.
Meanwhile, as the drama continues to unfold on and off-screen, host Ken Jennings remains a polarizing figure. Despite rumors that he could be replaced by SNL’s Colin Jost, Jennings has made it clear that he’s not planning on going anywhere. It’s safe to say that, for better or worse, Jeopardy! remains a lightning rod for fan opinions, and Monday night’s “easy” Final Jeopardy is just the latest controversy to keep viewers talking. Whether they’re grumbling about missed answers or lamenting the loss of a regular broadcast slot, Jeopardy! fans can always be counted on to bring the drama.