Longtime fans of “Jeopardy!” have expressed disappointment after Pluto TV, the popular free streaming platform, in August suddenly removed its 24/7 channels dedicated to reruns of the iconic game shows “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune.” For two years, viewers had been able to enjoy classic episodes at their leisure, but now they find themselves without a streaming option just as the shows are on their summer breaks.
The sudden removal of the “Jeopardy!” channel has left fans deeply frustrated, particularly those who had been relying on the classic episodes to bridge the gap until the new season kicks off in September. For years, the channel served as a nostalgic refuge for fans of the late Alex Trebek, offering them a chance to revisit some of the most memorable moments in the show’s history.
Without any prior notice, the channel was abruptly taken down, leaving many fans scrambling for alternatives. This unexpected change has sparked widespread confusion and anger, with disappointed viewers taking to social media to vent their frustrations. The lack of communication surrounding the removal has only intensified the outcry, as fans are left wondering what to watch in the absence of their favorite game show reruns.
The disappearance of the “Jeopardy!” channel coincides with the end of the show’s 40th season, which wrapped up on July 26 after 230 episodes. While season 41 is set to premiere on September 9, fans now have no choice but to rewatch recent episodes of season 40 if they want to get their “Jeopardy!” fix.
According to reports, the removal of the “Jeopardy!” and “Wheel of Fortune” channels from Pluto TV was due to the expiration of a two-year licensing agreement between Sony Pictures Television, the distributor of the shows, and the streaming platform. In a statement provided to a user on social media, Pluto TV said, “The lineup is constantly evolving based on feedback from our users and content availability, so channels are added and removed over time. This isn’t to say it won’t be back at a later time, but it’s not in the lineup for now.”
This explanation has done little to alleviate the disappointment felt by devoted viewers. Many fans, who had grown accustomed to having classic “Jeopardy!” episodes readily available, share a sense of loss now that the channel is gone. The original licensing deal, which began in 2022, allowed Pluto TV to offer hundreds of old “Jeopardy!” episodes, including those featuring the beloved Alex Trebek and notable champions like Ken Jennings.
There is speculation that Sony Pictures Television may be planning to expand its distribution strategy by potentially moving the classic episodes to another streaming platform. A source familiar with the situation indicated that Sony is exploring new opportunities to make the episodes accessible to a wider audience, although no official announcements have been made.
In the meantime, fans are anxiously awaiting the start of season 41, which promises to bring more of the intellectual excitement and challenging trivia that have made “Jeopardy!” a staple of American television for decades. Until then, however, they will have to make do with what little “Jeopardy!” content remains accessible.