CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta shared a few reflections from guest-hosting Jeopardy! in an essay posted to CNN‘s website.
Gupta is one of a number of prominent figures, including Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers and actor Mayim Bialik, to temporarily host the hit game show after former longtime host Alex Trebek died in November 2020. His episodes will air from June 28 to July 9, according to the show’s website.
Gupta said he and his family grew up watching Jeopardy! Each family member had their strengths and weaknesses, he said, and they routinely competed to see who had the most correct responses.
“The Gupta household was one always filled with facts, data and evidence. We cherished them and truly celebrated knowledge,” Gupta wrote. “In many ways, Jeopardy! was not just our favorite show, it was in our DNA.”
One aspect of the show that Gupta particularly appreciated, he said, was the pre-taping writer’s meeting to review the day’s clues. Noting the show’s high standards for integrity and scholarship, he said the library setting for the meeting made him feel “right at home.” He also enjoyed getting to know the producers and writers there, he said.
Gupta also discussed the many unique quirks of the show, such as its fast pace and exacting terminology. The executive producer chided him every time Gupta asked for a contestant’s “answer” instead of “response,” for example, and Gupta was told to warn or stare down contestants whenever they forgot to respond in the form of a question.
His readiness for these intricacies, he said, originated from his background.
“Surprisingly, it was my surgical training that helped me get into the right groove for Jeopardy!,” Gupta wrote. “In many ways, I prepped for the guest hosting role the way I prepare for an operation, diligently reviewing not only the diagnosis and anatomy of the patient, but the space and environment where I would be performing the operation.”
Although Gupta is well-versed in television appearances, he acknowledged that he still made plenty of mistakes as a host, like mispronouncing a clue or incorrectly pacing his words. One realization that helped him perform better, he said, was that he didn’t want to let down contestants on one of the biggest days of their lives.
He, too, felt the emotion of the show after pinning down his routine for what he described as the “honor of a lifetime.” After all, he wrote, he and his family understand what makes Jeopardy! special.
“For the first time in 16 months, my mom and dad will be coming to visit, as well. They didn’t want to miss the chance to once again celebrate knowledge, facts, data and evidence,” Gupta concluded. “It will be special, comforting and more important than ever.”
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