Fans of the enduring quiz show “Jeopardy!” voiced their exasperation after the episode aired on Monday, October 7, 2024, when all three contestants failed to correctly respond to a “Final Jeopardy!” question that many deemed to be simple.
Host Ken Jennings presided over the episode where Mark Fitzpatrick was leading with a total of $23,000. Fellow contestants Daniel Gately and Amanda Prusila trailed significantly with $4,200 and $600, respectively. As the last round began, the “Final Jeopardy!” clue, falling under the category “Brand Names,” elicited immediate reactions from the audience.
The clue was: “In 1886, this brand’s bookkeeper devised its name & flowing script logo, stating, ‘The two Cs would look well in advertising.’” Despite thoughtful consideration, the contestants were unsuccessful in producing the correct answer, which was disclosed to be Coca-Cola.
Fitzpatrick, the front-runner of the game, bet $3,400 yet incorrectly answered “Coco Chanel,” reducing his final tally to $20,000. Prusila also guessed “Coco Chanel” but risked nothing, while Gately, with a zero wager, incorrectly responded with “Currier,” leaving him with a final total of $4,200.
Viewers rapidly voiced their astonishment on various social media platforms sharing their dismay. One fan articulated their irritation, writing, “I immediately knew it when it came up. So annoyed with the contestants!” A similar sentiment was mirrored by others, with one remarking, “It is mind-boggling that all three did not get that one correct. Probably the easiest FJ question in a very long time.”
However, not all feedback was negative. A small number of fans confessed they also found the clue difficult. One audience member stated, “I didn’t get it either. I don’t think it should have been considered an easy one.” The episode unquestionably ignited a spirited online discussion, with some fans feeling justified in their trivia knowledge.
This incident follows a recent upset among “Jeopardy!” enthusiasts when an unannounced program alteration disrupted the airing of the previous week’s episode on time. Several fans, who had eagerly awaited the show, were let down and expressed their dissatisfaction online.
The Coca-Cola brand was established in 1886 and was initially named after two of its original ingredients: coca leaves and kola nuts. The flowing script logo, now immediately recognizable, was created by Coca-Cola’s bookkeeper, Frank Robinson. He posited that the two “Cs” would be effective in advertising, a notion that has certainly proven true. The brand has since evolved into one of the most recognizable global symbols, available in over 200 countries worldwide.
While the contestants on Monday’s “Jeopardy!” episode failed to identify the internationally renowned brand correctly, their incorrect answers have only fueled the dynamic discussion surrounding the game.