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Stephen Fry to host Jeopardy for Nine

Famous quiz show is on the comeback trail, but with a twist.

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EXCLUSIVE:

TV Tonight can reveal Stephen Fry is set to host a new version of Jeopardy for the Nine network -but with a twist.

The quiz will be filmed in the UK with Australian expat contestants.

Nine is planning 6 specials -not a full series- with Fry as host, to screen in 2023 or possibly 2024.

Filming will take place in Manchester in May produced by Whisper North Limited.

Aussie applicants must be aged at least 18 years of age, and a current legal resident in the United Kingdom. Entries close May 12th 2023.

The former QI host is also to fronting a daytime edition of the show for ITV, but Nine will screen a specially-produced version for Australian viewers.

It’s not the first time expat contestants have been asked to audition for television shows, with Name That Tune and Frogger having previously filmed in Sydney with US contestants for FOX and NBC, respectively.

An Australian Jeopardy was last hosted by Tony Barber on 10 in 1993, following earlier versions with Bob Sanders, Mal Walden, Graham Webb & Andrew Harwood. The US version, hosted by the late Alex Trebek, screens on SBS and FOX Classics.

Expats can apply here.

Nine has been contacted for comment.

22 Responses

  1. This is insane filming shows for a country in another country. I’ve been waiting for jeopardy to finally become a show in Australia but now I can’t even aces it. I love Stephen Fry but if you can’t afford him to come to Australia than please find someone local.

  2. Better than nothing.

    It’s extremely disappointing that this, the best quiz show format ever, has never been given a real chance in Australia.

  3. Are Nine waiting to see how good the ratings are or not to then film more episodes? In the meantime I’ve been enjoying watching some of the old American episodes with the legend late Alex Trebek on SBS.

  6. I used to be a fan of Fry, but not anymore. Some of the political comments that Fry has made, it made me see him in a different unfavourable light.

    There were also reports of serious allegations and complaints made about Fry at a Marylebone Cricket Club dinner function he hosted in the UK.

    1. There were two complaints, from a member whom he beat in the election for president. The first complaint misquoted him, the second witnesses have testified never happened. What he actually said ‘I had intended to say “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen” but there are no lady members present. Now we can talk about sh*gging.’ Which was ridiculing the stuffiness of the MCC, which he has committed to reforming. This joke is being examined in case “Sh*gging” offended the female catering staff.

      2. Considering what was alleged to be said about Muslims, I think that the complaints would lead to libel, considering what was alleged to be said. Are they covering for him?

  7. Good to read that there’ll be a local version – even if it is just a 6-part run produced abroad. Odd choice being Channel Nine though. More suited to the ABC or SBS.

    1. I don’t know if SBS or ABC would do it – while it fits their vibes, the show can also give absurdly large cash prizes should the series eventually become like the American Jeopardy (5 nights a week, with a returning champion). Like some returning champions win over a million dollars if they stay on the show long enough

      I don’t think ABC & SBS do game shows that award large prizes

      2. But we know that the prize money doesn’t always have anything to do with whether the show rates well or not, it’s more about the likability of the format, host and contestants etc. Correct me if I’m wrong David but I think you may have even done an article about this subject some time last year?

    2. Considering that US Jeopardy could, in theory, give out more than $500,000 *per episode*, it is most definitely out of the question for the taxpayer-funded broadcasters.

  10. It was recently announced that Stephen Fry is also to host a new UK version of Jeopardy for ITV, so the shows for Nine will presumably be recorded at the same time at the Media City television studios.

  12. (Checks the date…not April 1st…). This is so odd! AusJeopardy definitely has potential, and Stephen Fry is a hell of a score as host, but I’d say it’s got a reasonable chance of being a hit so Nine would want more. But making more would prove a costly and logistical nightmare so they probably wouldn’t bother.

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