I’m conflicted about ‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’ — and not just because the show didn’t want me

Before I say anything about “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”, I need to get this out of the way: The show did not want me.

I applied to be on the newest version of “Jeopardy!” this past summer, taking an online quiz that was a bit too heavy on clues about rap music and Marvel movies for me to be successful. You don’t get an official score after taking these tests, so you never know exactly how well — or not well — you did.

But I never got a call from a casting producer. And a couple of months later, when “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” announced its Dec. 4 premiere date, I figured I could probably go ahead and stop answering every unknown phone call in the hopes of it being my big break.

It’s clear I wasn’t good enough to make it on the inaugural season of “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” I can assure you, though, that this failure of mine has no bearing on what I have to say about the show.

But if you’re doubting my ability to be objective, let me point you to my impressive track record: Over the years, I have applied for and failed to make it on regular “Jeopardy!”, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?”, “American Idol” and “Wheel of Fortune.”

And I still have nice things to say about all of these shows.

A watered-down version of ‘Jeopardy!’

Some of my frustrations with “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” aren’t as intense today as they were when the show made its Amazon Prime Video debut earlier this month (the show releases three episodes for streaming every Wednesday).

I’m now eight episodes in, and comedian and longtime “Saturday Night Live” writer Colin Jost has grown on me as a host.

Jost has a natural ability to engage with the contestants and make them feel at ease, even as he simultaneously pokes fun at the game and occasionally gives off the energy of someone who couldn’t have been more inconvenienced in taking on the role of host.

Following Ken Jennings’ thrilling win in the ”Jeopardy! The Greatest of All Time” tournament a few years ago — which would mark the last time he played the game with Alex Trebek as host — Jennings told me how “Jeopardy!” has been a staple in his life since his childhood.

“I love that the show is such a stalwart,” he said. “Tonight’s episode of ‘Jeopardy!’ almost down to the second will be the same as an episode of ‘Jeopardy!’ from 1995 or 1985. They got it right the first time. And there’s just not a lot that’s like that in our culture, that never dumbed down or sped up.”

Enter “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”

Even though the “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” clues are lighter fare — there are a lot of references to TikTok trends — they aren’t necessarily dumbed down. During each game, there’s a handful of clues that stump all of the contestants. And there’s been at least one Final Jeopardy clue that all three teams failed to answer correctly.

But the self-deprecating tone of the show creates a watered down version of “Jeopardy!” that seems to pride itself on not being actual “Jeopardy!”

“Finally, a version of ‘Jeopardy!’ for people who get upset when regular ‘Jeopardy!’ players miss clues about rappers and reality TV,” Jost jokes at the start of the first episode.

Although the tone of the show has improved throughout the season (or maybe I’ve just gotten used to it), “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” would work better overall if it didn’t make such a distinction — especially considering “Jeopardy!” is still in the show’s name.

Regular “Jeopardy!” already frequently includes pop culture clues. There was a recent question about Taylor Swift (that no one got right). There are frequently clues asking for contestants to finish song lyrics and categories about movies. Alex Trebek once rapped an entire category of clues. A recent game featured an entire category about “Wicked.”

If “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” had just carried over clues of that nature — and brought with it a similar sense of reverence as “Jeopardy!” possesses — the show would have a lot more going for it.

Instead, “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” — with its teams of three and quirky team names and outfits — feels more like a casual night of bar trivia dressed in a “Jeopardy!” suit.

A not-as-family-friendly version of ‘Jeopardy!’

It’s not that regular “Jeopardy!” isn’t fun — just look at the banter between Jennings, James Holzhauer and Brad Rutter during the “Greatest of All Time” tournament. Or fan favorite Sam Buttrey, who would shout “Bring it!” when it was time for the final clue (other contestants have since adopted the catchphrase).

But through all of that fun, the “Jeopardy!” game itself still feels elevated. And families can enjoy it together. With “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”, a handful of the episodes are rated for ages 13 and up, primarily due to language, and sometimes due to sexual references.

With “Jeopardy!” in its name, that really shouldn’t be the case. For decades, the quiz show has established itself as family friendly — a show where kids can get a real thrill from knowing something their parents don’t.

That gets a bit lost with “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” Instead, it feels like “Jeopardy!” could just add more of the “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” clues that cater to Gen Z and Gen Alpha into its regular play and you’d eliminate the need for this spinoff.

Or just call this spinoff something else.

‘Pop Culture Jeopardy!’ does have its moments

For what it’s worth, though, there have been some exciting moments of game play in “Pop Culture Jeopardy!”

A few games have featured former “Jeopardy!” contestants, and there’s been some impressive comebacks and a particularly dominating performance from one team in episode eight.

Overall, Jost is a pretty good host as he keeps the game moving at a brisk pace but also finds a way to insert some light banter and commentary — including cheeky references to the game being a streaming-only show.

“Pop Culture Jeopardy!” has not yet revealed if it will continue past its first season. I’d be fine if it didn’t. But if the show does get renewed, you can probably count on me trying out for it again.

Because in the end, my relentless desire to make it on a game show supersedes just about any criticism. And with so many attempts already under my belt, I really can’t afford to be picky.