September 17, 2025

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

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 EPISODEHarry Endivo - Don’t Bore Me Alberto!Medité - This Round's On MeFlickering - The SquadAndreas Dahlbäck - 808 or 909Trevor Kowalski - Watercolor Motion IGavin 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.

Also available on Apple Podcasts ↗