The question that ended Ken Jennings' legendary 74-game winning streak on Jeopardy remains one of the most analyzed moments in quiz show history. This final jeopardy question became a cultural touchstone, testing obscure knowledge under extreme pressure.
Understanding the context, stakes, and precise wording of this moment helps explain why Jennings' run and this specific game continue to fascinate trivia audiences and game show enthusiasts alike.
| Episode Date | Final Jeopardy Category | Question Text | Correct Response |
|---|---|---|---|
| November 30, 2004 | U.S. PRESIDENTS | Despite his tenure of just 31 days, this president is known as the last Federalist to hold the office | William Henry Harrison |
| Ken Jennings' Record | Winning Streak | Games Won | 74 |
| Outcome | Champion After Game | Runner-Up Winnings | Brad Rutter |
Understanding Ken Jennings' Final Jeopardy Streak
Record-Breaking 74 Consecutive Wins
Ken Jennings' 74-game winning streak represents the longest championship run in Jeopardy! history. Entering the November 30, 2004 episode, Jennings was not only the defending champion but also the show's most dominant champion to date.
Each day, he faced a new Final Jeopardy question that required precise dollar-based wagering while maintaining his perfect confidence. The pressure mounted with every successive victory, turning ordinary answers into historic moments.
The Final Jeopardy Question Details
Exact Wording and Category Context
On November 30, 2004, the Final Jeopardy category was U.S. PRESIDENTS, a topic seemingly aligned with Jennings' encyclopedic knowledge. The question asked about the president who served for just 31 days and was the last Federalist to hold the office.
The precise wording challenged contestants to connect short tenure with party affiliation, requiring both factual recall and contextual understanding of early American political history.
Contestants' Wager and Response
Jennings entered Final Jeopardy with a substantial lead, allowing for a conservative bet that still secured his victory if answered correctly. The other contestants, including Nancy Zerg and Brad Rutter, had to balance risk and reward with their own scores in play.
While Jennings correctly wrote down William Henry Harrison, Zerg wagered aggressively but answered incorrectly, and Rutter opted for a smaller safety bet. The outcome preserved Jennings' streak and highlighted the razor-thin margin between triumph and defeat.
Impact on Game Show History
Cultural Legacy and Viewer Engagement
The November 30, 2004 episode became a benchmark in televised trivia, drawing significant viewership and post-show analysis. Jennings' calm demeanor during Final Jeopardy exemplified the mental discipline required at the highest level of competition.
Media coverage dissected the question's difficulty, contestants' betting strategies, and the statistical improbability of Jennings' streak, embedding this moment deeply in pop culture memory.
Key Takeaways
- The November 30, 2004 Final Jeopardy question tested U.S. presidential history knowledge.
- Ken Jennings' 74-game streak ended on the very next episode after this appearance.
- Category selection and wager strategy played critical roles in the outcome.
- This episode remains a benchmark moment in competitive trivia television.
- Jennings' calm approach to Final Jeopardy exemplified championship-level decision-making.
FAQ
Reader questions
What was the exact Final Jeopardy question on November 30, 2004?
Despite his tenure of just 31 days, this president is known as the last Federalist to hold the office.
Who were the contestants on that episode of Jeopardy!
The contestants were Ken Jennings, Nancy Zerg, and Brad Rutter.
Why was this Final Jeopardy question considered difficult?
It required connecting a short presidential term with a specific political party, testing detailed historical knowledge beyond basic facts.
What happened to Ken Jennings' streak after this episode?
Jennings' 74-game winning streak ended the following day when he was defeated by Nancy Zerg in the next round.