To be a contestant on Jeopardy, you must possess a wide breadth of knowledge. To make it to Final Jeopardy, you need to be among the intellectual elite, but this high-stakes game can make even the brightest minds crumble under pressure.
Some seemingly simple questions have baffled contestants, leaving the audience in shock and disbelief. These questions often cover common knowledge, including grade-school level history and science facts, or everyday pop culture references, showcasing a gap in the contestants’ cultural education.
Here are some of the Final Jeopardy questions that contestants failed to answer correctly. Can you?
Historical Figures
A question about the nickname “Old Hickory” stumped all contestants. They were asked to name the president associated with this moniker, who is Andrew Jackson. Despite his prominence in American history, the contestants couldn’t recall this key detail.
World Capitals
In 2015, contestants were asked to identify the capital city that is home to the Tuileries Garden. The correct answer is Paris, but none of the players got it right. This iconic garden’s association with the French capital makes it a memorable geography question.
U.S. Presidents
A question about the U.S. president who succeeded Abraham Lincoln also went unanswered. The correct response was Andrew Johnson. Despite the historical significance, this proved challenging for all.
Nobel Prize Winners
A Final Jeopardy question asked for the Nobel Prize-winning physicist known for the photoelectric effect. The answer, Albert Einstein, eluded all contestants. Einstein’s contribution to physics is widely celebrated, making this a surprising miss.
Shakespearean Plays
In 2011, contestants were asked to name the Shakespeare play that features the line “The better part of valor is discretion.” The correct answer, “Henry IV, Part 1,” was not provided by any contestant. This line is one of the more famous quotes from Shakespeare’s works.
Famous Explorers
A question about the explorer who completed the first circumnavigation of the globe was met with blank stares. Ferdinand Magellan was the intended response, but none of the players answered correctly.
Famous Women
In 2014, a question about the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic went unanswered. Amelia Earhart is a well-known figure in aviation history, yet none of the contestants provided her name. Her solo flight in 1932 remains a landmark achievement.
Classic Movies
A question about the film featuring the line “Here’s looking at you, kid” stumped all contestants. The answer, Casablanca, is one of Hollywood’s most iconic movies. Despite its fame, the contestants couldn’t recall this classic film’s memorable quote.
Mythology
In 2016, a question about the Greek goddess of wisdom and war did not yield the correct answer. The answer, Athena, is a central figure in Greek mythology. This oversight highlights the sometimes surprising gaps in contestants’ knowledge.
Art History
A question about the artist who painted “Starry Night” went unanswered. Vincent van Gogh, the Dutch Post-Impressionist, created this famous work. The painting’s iconic status in art history makes this a notable miss.
Ancient History
Contestants were stumped by a question about the ancient civilization known for constructing Machu Picchu. The correct response, the Inca Empire, is a well-documented aspect of South American history.
Modern Literature
In 2013, a question was asked of the author of The Catcher in the Rye. J.D. Salinger, the reclusive writer behind this classic, was the answer none could recall. This book is a staple in American literature.
American Landmarks
A question about the landmark associated with the inscription “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses” left all contestants puzzled. The correct answer is that the Statue of Liberty is a symbol of American freedom and immigration.
Musical Theater
In 2015, a question about the musical featuring the song “The Circle of Life” went unanswered. The Lion King was the correct response. The musical’s widespread acclaim and recognizable music make this miss surprising.
Famous Scientists
A question regarding the scientist who developed the theory of evolution through natural selection stumped all contestants. Charles Darwin, whose work On the Origin of Species is foundational in biology, was the intended answer.
Historical Documents
In 2012, a question asked for the document that begins with “When in the course of human events.” The Declaration of Independence was the correct answer. Despite its importance, the contestants couldn’t recall this iconic opening line.
Pop Culture
A question about the artist known for the album Thriller went unanswered. Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, released this best-selling album, which became a landmark in music history.
Geography
In 2017, a question was asked about the country with the largest land area. Russia, the correct answer, spans 11 time zones. Despite its geographical prominence, the contestants failed to provide the correct response.
Religious Texts
A question about the first book of the Bible stumped all contestants. Genesis, the opening book of the Old Testament, was the correct answer. It was a shocking miss that stunned the audience.
Sports History
In 2014, a question was asked about the city that hosted the first modern Olympic Games. Athens, the birthplace of the modern Olympics in 1896, was the correct response.
Classic Literature
In 2009, the Final Jeopardy question asked for the novel that begins with “Call me Ishmael.” Surprisingly, none of the contestants identified Herman Melville’s “Moby-Dick.” This classic work’s iconic opening line is well-known.
World Leaders
A question about the British Prime Minister during World War II went unanswered. Winston Churchill, known for his leadership and oratory during the war, was the correct answer.
Literature
In 2016, a question about the author of 1984 left contestants puzzled. George Orwell, who wrote this dystopian novel, was the intended answer. 1984 is a critically acclaimed and widely studied book.
