Jeopardy! Producers Are Toying with a Possible Rule Change

Jeopardy! may soon throw in a bonus prize. 

During a conversation with producer Sarah Foss and show alum Buzzy Cohen on the Inside Jeopardy! podcast, executive producer Mike Davies detailed the idea of a cash bonus. The prize would go to contestants who correctly answer all the clues in one topic. 

"I have been thinking about trying out, perhaps in one of our other tournaments this season, experimenting with giving out a cash bonus for contestants who run a category," said Davies. "It's a moment in the studio! It's a great thing."

The bonus would be awarded only if a contestant ran a category all the way through without jumping around the board. While Davies and Foss seemed excited about "going home with an extra prize from Jeopardy!, with or without a win", Cohen was less enthusiastic about it. 

"It’s going to affect gameplay strategy, and I don’t know if that’s something you’re interested in doing," said the alum. 

While Davies acknowledged there were pros and cons to the notion, he argued that the change might "give incentive to people who are trailing to go into a category and get something from the game beyond their second or third place prize."

If or when this new rule would be implemented is not yet known.

Jeopardy! Season 39 continues this evening. To find broadcast times and channels in your area, head to the Jeopardy! website.

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Jade Budowski is a freelance writer with a knack for ruining punchlines and harboring dad-aged celebrity crushes. She was previously a reporter/producer at Decider and is a member of the Television Critics Association. Follow her on Twitter: @jadebudowski.