The Music of Jeopardy! From a Lullaby to $100,000,000

2025-09-17

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer.This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling

It’s the most recognizable TV theme in America. But Jeopardy’s “Think Music” wasn’t originally written for a game show… It was written for a toddler. In this episode, we trace the unlikely journey of the Jeopardy theme, from Merv Griffin’s living room to over 10,000 episodes across six decades. Along the way, we explore the show’s sonic evolution, including honking buzzers, 80s synths, and orchestral remixes. Featuring Lisa Broffman, Jeopardy’s Consulting Co-Executive Producer.

This episode was written & produced by Casey Emmerling.

Visit the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History to see some of the Jeopardy objects we have in the collection.

MUSIC FEATURED IN THIS EPISODE

Harry Endivo - Don’t Bore Me Alberto!

Medité - This Round's On Me

Flickering - The Squad

Andreas Dahlbäck - 808 or 909

Trevor Kowalski - Watercolor Motion I

Gavin Luke - The Power of One

Art by Michael Zhang.

This episode of Twenty Thousand Hertz is part of our summer playlist to keep you entertained while Sidedoor is on summer break. We’ll be back in the fall with brand new episodes of Sidedoor.

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