Where Is Lisa Ann Walter on ‘Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions’? Why She Dropped Out
The Abbott Elementary actress and Celebrity Jeopardy! winner was supposed to compete in the 2025 quarterfinals.
A well-loved Jeopardy! annual event just kicked off on TV, but there’s one person who’s already missing.
The quiz show’s Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions began airing its 2025 season on January 27, and we’re seeing the best of the best from the last year face off for the chance to win the coveted $250,000 prize. Among names like Adriana Harmeyer, Isaac Hirsch and Drew Basile competing in the competition, actress Lisa Ann Walter was also supposed to be a contestant in the beloved tournament. After all — she did win Celebrity Jeopardy! season 2 in January 2024, which qualified her to participate once again on a different show in the TV franchise.
But in a surprise twist of events, it looks like the Abbott Elementary star won’t be trying her hand at winning in the Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions this year. So, what happened that caused her to not be part of the game? It turns out, Lisa has a lot on her plate … including a project that is near and dear to her heart.
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Where is Lisa Ann Walter on Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions in 2025?
Lisa Ann Walter is not on Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions due to working on new episodes of Abbott Elementary.
The reason behind The Parent Trap star’s absence was first announced by TV Insider on January 27, sharing that her work schedule caused a conflict with filming both shows at the same time. Given how she is a series regular on Abbott Elementary, it makes sense for Lisa to prioritize the ABC sitcom over a quick stint on Jeopardy! once more.
Despite Lisa not participating in Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, folks can still watch her on Abbott Elementary every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. ET on ABC. What’s more, the hit comedy series got renewed for season 5, meaning we’ll get to keep seeing Lisa on our TVs.
As for the result of Lisa not participating in Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions, it actually led the way for Drew Goins to participate in the event. After coming second in the Champions Wildcard tournament and not earning a spot, Lisa backing out gave him the chance to get back in the race for Jeopardy! Tournament of Champions in 2025.
“SURPRISE! I’m going to the Tournament of Champions!” Drew wrote on his Instagram story on January 27. “Iconic Celeb J champion Lisa Ann Walter couldn’t make it … so I get her ToC spot 👀.”
Drew Goins/Instagram
Needless to say, this is one clue even Jeopardy! didn’t see coming.
