Jeopardy! Fans Fume as Inauguration Coverage Preempts Semifinal Episode

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Fans of the popular quiz show Jeopardy! were left frustrated Monday as the highly anticipated Champions Wildcard semifinal episode was preempted across many U.S. networks for coverage of President Trump‘s inauguration in Washington, D.C. The episode, which aired January 20, featured fan-favorite contestant Goins alongside Joey DeSena and Jen Feldman.

Goins, who had previously impressed viewers during the Second Chance tournament and Champions Wildcard quarterfinals, delivered another standout performance. He answered 14 clues in the opening round, securing a commanding lead of $7,200 over Feldman’s $2,400 and DeSena’s $800. However, many fans missed the action due to the unexpected scheduling conflict.

“I literally spent all day avoiding news about the inauguration only for it to f*** my nightly routine and the one thing I was looking forward to,” one viewer wrote on social media. Another added, “It got preempted halfway through on the NBC channel we watch on.”

Despite the preemption, Goins continued to dominate in Double Jeopardy. Feldman found the first Daily Double, wagering $5,000, but Goins responded by landing on the second Daily Double and securing $4,000. By the time Final Jeopardy arrived, Goins had amassed $26,800, ensuring a runaway victory regardless of the final clue.

The final clue, read by host Ken Jennings, asked: “A U.S. Navy website says its journey from New London to Norway in 1957 opened up Arctic waters previously ruled by the Soviets.” Only DeSena answered correctly with the USS Nautilus, but Goins, who wagered $0, had already secured his spot in the Champions Wildcard finals.

Fans took to social media to express their disappointment. “I was so looking forward to this all day. I audibly shouted when I saw what I saw instead of these lovely contestants,” one user wrote. Another lamented, “Talking heads keeping us from having 30 minutes of freedom from political craziness.”

Jeopardy! airs weekdays, but viewers are advised to check local listings for potential schedule changes. Goins will now advance to the Champions Wildcard finals, where he hopes to secure a spot in the coveted Tournament of Champions.