Jeopardy! fans ‘detect snark’ from contestant after Ken Jennings’ ‘hesitation to accept’ answer

Jeopardy! viewers slam contestant Drew Goins for his ‘rude’ response to host Ken Jennings after the long-time host hesitated to accept one of his incomplete answers

Jeopardy! viewers call out contestant for ‘rude’ behavior towards Ken Jenning

Jeopardy! fans “detect a little snark” from contestant Drew Goins after host Ken Jennings’ “hesitation to accept” one of his answers.

On September 25, three players were brought on Jeopardy! to test out their trivia knowledge as they were quizzed in a range of categories from classic cocktails to American history. The contestants competing during the tense gameshow included Diane Lochner, a librarian from Nicolett, Minnesota, Drew Goins, a journalist from Honolulu, Hawaii, David Erb, a puzzle designer from Seattle, Washington.

And as the three intelligent players faced off, many couldn’t help but sense some hostility from Drew towards Ken after he almost didn’t award him points for one of his incomplete answers. The moment came during the “Before They Were Stars” category after Ken read off the clue: “Seen here, she’s made quite a few good career moves since an uncredited appearance on ‘Vampire Academy.'”

After swiftly pressing the buzzer, Drew answered: “Who is Joy?” To which Ken paused, made a face, and said: “Mmmm….” Drew, visibly frustrated by Ken’s pause angrily clarified: “Anya Taylor-Joy.” Despite the back and forth, Drew was still awarded $800 points for the naming the correct actress.

Jeopardy! fans detected some sass from contestant Drew Goins
And while Ken brushed right past the uncomfortable moment, Jeopardy viewers at home were quick to call Drew out on social media. On X, formerly Twitter, one Jeopardy viewer wrote: “Bye bye Drew. Lol. I hope. Rude ‘JOY’ moment.” And another posted: “Did anyone else detect a little snark from Drew?” And another chimed in: “I hope David catches up. Drew annoys me.” And another replied: “Drew has a very punchable face.”

On Reddit, another fan brought up the controversial moment as they wrote: “I was so curious about the hesitation to accept ‘Joy’ until I realized the actor’s name is Anya Taylor-Joy and not Anya-Taylor Joy. Punctuation truly does save lives.”

And while Drew faced backlash for his seemingly “rude” behavior towards Ken, many are still rooting for him on the gameshow and called for him to return for a second chance. One supporter wrote: “Drew was delightful, I hope they bring him back!!” And another complimented: “Drew is a hottie …. and he’s smart too.” Another took notice of the contestant’s good looks as they wrote: “OK, but Drew is FINE!!! #thirsty.” And someone else chimed in: “Drew to me is almost like a too perfect caricature of the all-American.”