The Behind-the-Scenes Secrets and Trivia of Jeopardy and The Price is Right
For fans of Jeopardy! and The Price is Right, the thrill of watching the contestants on the show is just one part of the experience. There are countless amusing and interesting behind-the-scenes stories and trivia that these shows have to offer. Let's dive into some of the lesser-known facts that can help enhance your appreciation for your favorite trivia days.
Getting to Level Height on Jeopardy!
Have you ever noticed that all the contestants on Jeopardy! seem to be the same height, even though they are not naturally the same height? This is a clever design by the producers to give the appearance of fairness, especially during the audience segment. The contestants all stand on an adjustable platform so that they all appear to be the same height.
Interestingly, the platform changes between shows, as the contestants need to be adjusted to the correct height. Imagine if one day you were taller or shorter than the others on stage, how much it would alter the game! This adjustment process ensures that no one misses out due to height differences, making the gameplay more level and fair.
Hints and Sneaky Tricks
Jeopardy! has a few hidden tidbits that make it fascinating. Did you know that Eddie Timanus, one of the contestants, used a customized Braille-writer with a voice-activated mechanism to read the answers and write his Final Jeopardy! question? What is even more touching is the story of Cindy Stowell who tragically died from cancer before her shows aired!
It's not just about the human factor; the stages and sets also have their quirky moments. For example, in the early days of Jeopardy!, before the introduction of the automated system, the Daily Doubles were revealed only after the card was pulled and the stagehands had a few seconds to fix any mistakes. Now, the Daily Doubles are revealed immediately, eliminating any chance of mistakes!
The Price is Right: The Unseen Layers
Switching gears, let's talk about The Price is Right. One of the lesser-known facts about the set's contestant area, known as the 'Contestant Row' is that the microphones are height-adjustable. Conversely, on Jeopardy!, microphones are fixed, and contestants are adjusted to match the height.
Contestants are dropped off at the stage, and their microphones are remotely controlled to adjust after each arrival. This system ensures that every contestant's voice is clearly heard. This feature is not just for the contestants, but also for those on the audience who might have difficulty hearing. This simple change can make a significant difference to the overall viewing experience.
Player's Perspective
From the contestants' point of view, every show presents a unique set of challenges. Whether it's the pressure of reading while using a voice-activated Braille writer on Jeopardy!, or the need to stay on top of the auction segments on The Price is Right, they are all part of the game. The procedures and techniques they use are not just about the game, but also about maintaining the magic of the shows.
Conclusion
These little-known facts and trivia might not be part of the main attraction of these shows, but they add a layer of complexity and amazement to everything. They show the meticulous planning and dedication behind these iconic American game shows. Now, doesn't that make every game show even more exciting when you know these hidden angles?
Whether you're a passionate fan or a casual viewer, understanding the technical aspects of these shows can make you appreciate them even more. So, next time you watch an episode, take a moment to appreciate the behind-the-scenes efforts that make these shows as thrilling and seamless as ever.