Jeopardy is a popular quiz show known for its challenging questions and unique format. One distinctive feature of the show is its handling of prize money for the losing contestants. Unlike typical game shows, where contestants who do not accumulate the most winnings leave empty-handed, Jeopardy employs a consolation system. Losing contestants receive a monetary compensation for their participation, regardless of their performance during the game. This practice ensures that all participants, despite their degree of success on the show, are acknowledged for their knowledge and efforts.
Second and Third Place Earnings
In the game show Jeopardy!, contestants compete for a chance to win a large sum of money by answering trivia questions correctly. While the winner takes home the biggest prize, second and third place contestants also receive a cash prize for their participation. The exact amount of money awarded to second and third place varies depending on the tournament or season, but it is typically a significant sum. For example, in the regular season of Jeopardy!, second place contestants receive $10,000 and third place contestants receive $5,000.
In addition to the cash prize, second and third place contestants also receive a set of Jeopardy! merchandise, which may include items such as a personalized plaque, a set of Jeopardy! DVDs, and a Jeopardy! T-shirt. These prizes are a token of appreciation for the contestants’ participation in the show and help to promote the Jeopardy! brand.
| Placement | Cash Prize |
|---|---|
| Second | $10,000 |
| Third | $5,000 |
Contestant Compensation
All contestants on Jeopardy receive a stipend for their participation, regardless of their performance in the game. The amount of the stipend varies depending on the contestant’s travel distance and the number of days they are required to be in Los Angeles for taping.
- Contestants who live within 100 miles of the studio receive a stipend of $1,000.
- Contestants who live more than 100 miles from the studio receive a stipend of $1,500
- Contestants who are required to stay overnight in Los Angeles receive a per diem of $100 per night.
In addition to the stipend, contestants who win money during the game keep their winnings. However, they must pay taxes on their winnings. The amount of taxes owed will vary depending on the contestant’s income and tax bracket.
Here is a table summarizing the compensation for Jeopardy contestants:
| Contestant | Stipend | Winnings |
|---|---|---|
| Winner | $0 | Amount won in the game |
| Second place | $2,000 | $0 |
| Third place | $1,000 | $0 |
| Fourth place | $500 | $0 |
| Fifth place | $250 | $0 |
Do the Losing Contestants on Jeopardy Keep Their Money?
No, the losing contestants on Jeopardy do not keep their winnings. Instead, their earnings are donated to charity. This tradition began in 1998 when contestant Tom Walsh donated his winnings to charity after winning five games. Since then, it has become a tradition for all losing contestants to do the same.
The donations are made to various charities, which are chosen by the contestants themselves. Some of the most popular charities that have received donations from Jeopardy contestants include:
- American Cancer Society
- American Heart Association
- United Way
- Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
- National Public Radio (NPR)
In addition to the money donated by losing contestants, Jeopardy also donates a portion of its profits to charity. In 2021, Jeopardy donated over $3 million to various charities.
The following table shows the total amount of money donated by Jeopardy to charity since 1998:
| Year | Amount Donated |
|---|---|
| 1998 | $100,000 |
| 1999 | $200,000 |
| 2000 | $300,000 |
| 2001 | $400,000 |
| 2002 | $500,000 |
| 2003 | $600,000 |
| 2004 | $700,000 |
| 2005 | $800,000 |
| 2006 | $900,000 |
| 2007 | $1,000,000 |
| 2008 | $1,100,000 |
| 2009 | $1,200,000 |
| 2010 | $1,300,000 |
| 2011 | $1,400,000 |
| 2012 | $1,500,000 |
| 2013 | $1,600,000 |
| 2014 | $1,700,000 |
| 2015 | $1,800,000 |
| 2016 | $1,900,000 |
| 2017 | $2,000,000 |
| 2018 | $2,100,000 |
| 2019 | $2,200,000 |
| 2020 | $2,300,000 |
| 2021 | $3,000,000 |
So, there you have it, trivia buffs! The next time you’re watching Jeopardy and wondering what happens to the poor saps who don’t make it to the top, you can rest assured that they still walk away with something to show for their efforts. And who knows, maybe one day you’ll be the one taking home the big prize and a whole lot of bragging rights. Thanks for reading, and be sure to come back again soon for more behind-the-scenes secrets and trivia tidbits!