Money for Nothing and Clues for Free: Wealthiest Jeopardy! Hosts, Ranked
This is Jeopardy! or lack thereof, in the face of a vast fortune.
Jeopardy! has entertained viewers for 60 years with its challenging questions (or rather, statements since the contestants must provide the questions).
Over time, it has become one of the longest-running quiz shows on television, as well as one of the most lucrative, with winners from all three rounds taking home hundreds of thousands (and even millions) of dollars.
However, it's not just the brilliant contestants who make money hand over fist on Jeopardy! The show has also made millions for its hosts. Based on Celebrity Net Worth data, we've compiled a list of the wealthiest Jeopardy! hosts. Get your questions ready, folks!
7. Ken Jennings
Surprisingly, the most successful contestant in the game show's history, who has answered the most questions and won the most money, ranks last. Ken Jennings, who was chosen to co-host the show with Mayim Bialik after Alex Trebek's passing, has an estimated net worth of $4 million.
6. Sanjay Gupta
The renowned neurosurgeon, author, and CNN journalist has a net worth of $12 million. While he didn't make all this money from the quiz show, as he was a guest host for just over a week, it serves as a testament to how influential and educated the show's participants are.
5. David Faber
CNBC journalist and analyst David Faber is remembered not only for his 2021 guest hosting stint but also as the 2012 Celebrity Jeopardy! winner. His net worth is estimated at $16 million.
4. Mayim Bialik
The Big Bang Theory star and accomplished neuroscientist now co-hosts Jeopardy! Her net worth is estimated at $25 million! It's an impressive sum, although it's worth noting that it came primarily from her ventures outside the quiz show.
3. Robin Roberts
Kicking off our top three is Good Morning America co-anchor Robin Roberts, who also guest-hosted Jeopardy! She became the first woman of colour and LGBTQ+ individual to host the show.
2. Alex Trebek
The late Jeopardy! legend Alex Trebek takes second place. He hosted the show from 1984 until he died in 2020. Under his guidance, the show achieved incredible success while he amassed a well-deserved fortune of $75 million.
1. Katie Couric
The gold goes to one of the most renowned journalists and anchors in American broadcasting history, Katie Couric. She was the first woman to host Jeopardy! before Robin Roberts.
Although the current hosts are not the wealthiest in the show's history, they are certainly making their mark! Jeopardy! episodes air on weekdays on ABC (7 p.m. PT) or can be streamed on Sling TV, Pluto TV, or Hulu Live TV.