Dr. Sanjay Gupta Shared Fascinating Secrets About 'Jeopardy!' in a New Story
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Ahead of his two-week run guest hosting Jeopardy!, which kicked off on June 28, CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta shared behind-the-scenes secrets that not even the most loyal viewer would probably know.
In a feature story for CNN, the 51-year-old host revealed some interesting facts about standing at the Jeopardy! lectern just as late host Alex Trebek once did. According to Dr. Gupta, the popular quiz show relies on spontaneity to keep things fair and honest. More specifically, Jeopardy! producers randomize everything from the filming schedule to the contestants’ lineup. That meant when Dr. Gupta was filming his episodes, he always had to be on his toes.
“While I was given multiple show scripts, I wasn't told the order we would tape them until just before filming began. And, even after that, the order could be changed again to ensure no one had advance notice of the clues,” the neurosurgeon explained.
He continued: “Even the contestants themselves weren't certain when they would be called into a new show. There was a constant and purposeful shuffling of schedules and content to maintain that sterling history of high integrity. I felt it all around me.”
While keeping “close tabs” on papers containing clues and even being asked to “put them in the hotel safe” when he left his room, Dr. Gupta was also reportedly instructed not to share clues with anyone, including his wife, Rebecca Olson Gupta.
What's more, the clues aren’t always straightforward. When the father of three was in the middle of filming and he heard a response from a contestant that wasn’t exactly what was written in the show notes, he had people on the sidelines guiding him.
“If there was ever a questionable response from a contestant, I just needed to look up at the row of Jeopardy! judges, who were sitting just to the side, and they would quickly give me a thumbs up or down,” he wrote.
Dr. Gupta may still be early on in his Jeopardy! guest-hosting stint, but he’s already received approval from fans on Twitter. Many of the guest hosts are being considered for the new permanent host position.
Executive producer and previous guest host Mike Richards has shared that Alex's successor will be named by late July or early August. This will happen just as the remaining guest hosts wrap up their appearances, which include George Stephanopoulos, Robin Roberts, LeVar Burton, David Faber and Joe Buck.
Whether or not the medical correspondent lands the gig, he’s leaving us with a wealth of knowledge about one of the most legendary shows on TV.
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