Category is...: A Guide to the Most Common Jeopardy! Categories

by J!Study Guide April 1, 2023

If you are here, you are most likely a fan of Jeopardy!, and you probably know that the game show is known for its wide-ranging categories, which can cover anything from literature and history to science and pop culture.

Whether you are a longtime viewer or a newcomer to the show, understanding the most common Jeopardy! categories can be a valuable asset in your quest to become a champion.

In this guide, we will explore the most frequently featured categories on the show, offering insights into the types of questions you might expect and strategies for tackling them successfully. So whether you are a trivia buff, a history buff, or just love the thrill of competition, read on to discover everything you need to know about the categories on Jeopardy!.

But first, let’s take a look at how categories have changed over time.

Jeopardy! first aired in 1964 and has since become one of the longest-running and most beloved game shows in history. Over the years, the categories featured on the show have evolved in response to changes in popular culture, world events, and viewer feedback.

In the early years of the show, categories tended to be fairly straightforward and focused on broad subjects such as geography, history, and literature. However, as the show gained popularity, the categories became more varied and eclectic, reflecting the diverse interests of the viewing audience.

In the 1980s, the show introduced the "Double Jeopardy!" round, which featured more challenging categories and higher point values. These categories often included wordplay and puns, as well as more niche topics such as opera, mythology, and 20th-century art.

In the 1990s and 2000s, the show continued to evolve, with categories that reflected the changing times. For example, categories such as "Before and After" and "Potent Potables" became fan favorites, while categories focused on technology, social media, and celebrity culture also began to appear.

Today, Jeopardy! categories continue to evolve, with a mix of classic and modern topics designed to challenge contestants and engage viewers. From "Ancient History" to "Video Games," the categories on Jeopardy! reflect the diverse interests and passions of people around the world, making the show a beloved institution for generations of fans.

What have been the Most Common Categories in Jeopardy!?

Based on the trends of the last few years, some of the most common categories on Jeopardy! have included:

(Note that the examples in this section have been written as questions and not in the famous Jeopardy! Clue format)

Pop Culture: This category covers current events, celebrity news, movies, and television shows. Some examples of questions in this category include:

Who played the lead role in the movie "A Star is Born" (2018)?
What is the name of the fictional continent in the TV series "Game of Thrones"?
Which artist had a hit song called "Blinding Lights" in 2020?
Who won the Best Director Oscar in 2021 for the movie "Nomadland"?
What is the name of the actor who played the character Black Panther in the Marvel Cinematic Universe?

Literature: This category covers topics such as classic novels, poetry, and famous authors. Some examples of questions in this category include:

What novel by Harper Lee features the character of Atticus Finch?
Who wrote the poem "The Waste Land"?
Which Russian author wrote "War and Peace"?
What novel by Jane Austen features the character of Mr. Darcy?
Which African-American poet wrote "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings"?

American History: This category covers events and figures from American history, including presidents, wars, and social movements. Some examples of questions in this category include:

Who was the first president of the United States?
What was the main issue that led to the Civil War?
Which president issued the Emancipation Proclamation?
Who was the first African-American to be elected president of the United States?
Which social movement of the 1960s fought for racial equality?

Science: This category covers topics such as biology, physics, and chemistry, and has been a common category in recent years due to the growing interest in science and technology. Some examples of questions in this category include:

What is the name of the smallest unit of life?
What law states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction?
Which gas makes up the majority of the Earth's atmosphere?
What is the name of the process by which plants convert light into energy?
What is the name of the chemical process by which food is broken down into energy?

World Geography: This category covers the geography of different regions and countries around the world, including their culture, history, and landmarks. Some examples of questions in this category include:

What is the capital of Australia?
Which river is the longest in Africa?
Which country is both the smallest and the most densely populated in South America?
What is the name of the mountain range that spans the entire length of South America?
Which European country is divided into 26 cantons, each with its own government?

Potpourri: This category covers a variety of miscellaneous topics, and questions in this category can range from the obscure to the everyday. Some examples of questions in this category include:

What is the name of the largest planet in our solar system?
Who played the character of Forrest Gump in the movie of the same name?
What is the name of the body of water that separates the United Kingdom from mainland Europe?
Which musical instrument is also known as a fiddle?
Which country is the largest in terms of land area?

Before and After: This category combines two phrases or words that share a common word or phrase. For example:

What is the title of the famous novel by Leo Tolstoy and the 1997 film directed by James Cameron? (Answer: War and Peace Titanic)
What is the name of a famous Texas born actress and Director known for House of Cards, and the term for a baby bird? (Answer: Robin Wright Chick)

Food and Drink: This category covers various topics related to food, drink, and cooking. Some examples of questions in this category include:

What is the name of the French dish made of thinly sliced potatoes and cream?
Which alcoholic beverage is made by fermenting grape juice?
What is the name of the spice that is made from the bark of a tree and is commonly used in sweet dishes?
Which cuisine features dishes such as sushi, tempura, and ramen noodles?
What is the name of the process by which dough is allowed to rise before baking?

Art and Culture: This category covers topics related to art, music, and cultural traditions. Some examples of questions in this category include:

Which Spanish artist is known for his surrealist paintings, including "The Persistence of Memory"?
What is the name of the traditional Japanese form of theater that combines dance and music?
Which American playwright is known for his works such as "Death of a Salesman" and "The Crucible"?
What is the name of the musical instrument that is shaped like a large, hollow wooden tube and is commonly used in Australian music?
What is the name of the annual festival that celebrates the Hindu god Ganesha and is known for its colorful decorations and parades?

Sports: This category covers a range of sports, from team sports like football and basketball to individual sports like tennis and golf. Some examples of questions in this category include:

Who holds the record for the most home runs in Major League Baseball history?
What is the name of the tennis tournament that takes place in England and is known for its grass courts and white uniforms?
Which country has won the most World Cup titles in soccer?
What is the name of the American football team that plays its home games in Green Bay, Wisconsin?
Who is the all-time leading scorer in the National Basketball Association (NBA)?

10 Tips on How to Prepare to Win Jeopardy!

Research common categories: To best prepare for Jeopardy, it's important to know what types of categories are most commonly featured on the show. Take the time to research past episodes and make note of the categories that come up frequently. For example, categories like "U.S. Presidents," "Literature," and "Science" are all common categories on Jeopardy.
Study a broad range of topics: Jeopardy covers a wide range of topics, so it's important to be well-versed in many different areas. Don't just focus on your strengths or interests; make sure you're studying a variety of subjects. For example, if you're strong in history but weak in science, make sure you're also studying science to round out your knowledge base.
Practice with sample questions: One of the best ways to prepare for Jeopardy categories is to practice with sample questions. You can find sample questions online or in books, (check out our guide) and this will help you get a feel for the types of questions you might encounter on the show. It will also give you an opportunity to practice your buzzer skills.
Learn key facts and figures: In addition to studying a broad range of topics, it's also important to learn key facts and figures related to those topics. For example, if you're studying U.S. Presidents, make sure you know the order in which they served and some of their most notable accomplishments.
Practice your buzzer skills: Timing is everything on Jeopardy, so it's important to practice your buzzer skills. You want to be quick enough to beat your opponents, but not so quick that you get locked out. Try practicing with a friend or family member to improve your timing.
Stay up-to-date on current events: Jeopardy questions often include current events, so it's important to stay up-to-date on the latest news. Read the news regularly, watch the news on TV, and follow reputable news sources on social media to stay informed.
Practice your mental math skills: Jeopardy questions often involve mental math, so it's important to practice these skills. Try doing mental math exercises regularly to improve your speed and accuracy.
Use flashcards to memorize information: Flashcards are a great way to memorize information quickly and efficiently. Create flashcards for key facts and figures related to the topics you're studying, and review them regularly.
Join a trivia league or team: Joining a trivia league or team can be a great way to practice your Jeopardy skills and compete against others. You can also learn from your teammates and get feedback on your strengths and weaknesses.
Focus on your weak areas: While it's important to study a broad range of topics, it's also important to focus on your weak areas. Identify the areas where you struggle the most and spend extra time studying those topics. For example, if you struggle with geography, make sure you're spending extra time studying maps and world locations.

15 Jeopardy! Categories Funfacts

Jeopardy! categories have been a key feature of the show since its debut on television in 1964. The first categories included topics such as "Literature," "Movies," and "Sports."
Over the years, Jeopardy! categories have evolved to encompass a wide range of subjects, from art and science to pop culture and current events.
The show's writers and producers work hard to come up with interesting and diverse categories that will challenge the contestants and keep the show entertaining.
Many Jeopardy! categories are based on wordplay or puns, such as "Before and After," "Potent Potables," and "What's the Connection?"
Categories on Jeopardy! can be based on virtually any subject, including history, geography, language, music, and more.
The show's writers try to avoid repeating categories too frequently, to keep the game fresh and unpredictable.
Some Jeopardy! categories are designed to be more challenging than others, such as "Final Jeopardy!" or "Double Jeopardy!"
Categories on Jeopardy! can also be influenced by current events, such as "COVID-19" or "Black Lives Matter."
The show occasionally features "potpourri" categories, where the questions can be on any subject.
Some categories on Jeopardy! are designed to be humorous or tongue-in-cheek, such as "Stupid Answers" or "The Pen is Mightier."
The show's writers often use pop culture references in their categories, such as "The Beatles" or "Game of Thrones."
Categories on Jeopardy! can also be based on language and grammar, such as "Rhyme Time" or "Apostrophes."
Geography is a popular category on Jeopardy!, with topics such as "U.S. Cities" or "European Landmarks."
The show's writers sometimes use "visual clues," where a picture or video is shown and contestants must identify what it is.
New Jeopardy! categories are added periodically to keep the show fresh and interesting for viewers. Some notable recent categories have included "Spelling Bee," "Animal Groups," and "College Classics."

Conclusion

To sum up, having a comprehensive understanding of the most common Jeopardy! categories can greatly improve your chances of success on the show. We hope this information helps you prepare to become the next Jeopardy! Champion.

Are you thinking about becoming a Jeopardy! Contestant? If so, make sure to check out our guide

Category is...: A Guide to the Most Common Jeopardy! Categories

What have been the Most Common Categories in Jeopardy!?

10 Tips on How to Prepare to Win Jeopardy!

15 Jeopardy! Categories Funfacts

Conclusion

Other Resources And Articles: