Jeopardy! is a weird beast. It’s one of the most popular shows in television history, yet trying to find it can feel like a scavenger hunt. You’d think a show this big would have one universal home, but it doesn't. Because it’s a syndicated program, the answer to what station is jeopardy on depends entirely on your zip code. Honestly, it’s a bit of a relic from the old-school broadcast era that just refuses to die.
While most modern hits live on a specific streaming service or a single cable network like HBO or AMC, Jeopardy! is sold market-by-market. This means in New York, you’re watching it on ABC. Drive a few hours into certain parts of Pennsylvania, and suddenly you need to find an NBC affiliate. It’s confusing. It’s frustrating if you’re traveling. But there is a logic to the madness once you understand how Sony Pictures Television distributes the show.
Why the Station Varies So Much
The reason you can't just point your remote at one specific number is "first-run syndication." Basically, the producers sell the rights to the highest bidder in every individual city. In the massive media markets—think Los Angeles, Chicago, or Philadelphia—the "Big Three" networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) usually engage in a bidding war. Often, ABC-owned stations win out, which is why so many people associate the show with the alphabet network.
However, it isn't a "network show" in the way Grey's Anatomy is. If ABC decided to air a breaking news special, Jeopardy! wouldn't necessarily be pushed back across the whole country—only on those specific ABC stations. This leads to the "Jeopardy! blackout" that drives fans crazy during election cycles or severe weather events.
The Fox and Independent Wildcards
Don't assume it’s always on a major news affiliate. In some smaller markets, or even unique larger ones, a Fox affiliate or an independent station might hold the rights. For example, in some regions, you might find it on a "Great American Real" or a local MyNetworkTV affiliate. If you're asking what station is jeopardy on and your local ABC channel is showing a talk show, check the Fox affiliate next.
Timing is the other half of the battle. While 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM Eastern/Pacific is the "standard" slot, some stations air it at 3:30 PM or even 11:30 PM. It’s absolute chaos for your DVR settings if you move to a new state.
How to Find Your Local Channel Right Now
Look, you don't want a history lesson; you want to see the Daily Doubles. The most reliable way to find the exact channel and time for your specific location is to use the official Jeopardy! Station Finder.
📖 Related: Howie Mandel Cupcake Picture: What Really Happened With That Viral Post
You basically go to the show's official website and plug in your zip code. It’s the only 100% accurate source because it pulls directly from the distribution contracts. But if you’re away from a computer, here’s the "cheat sheet" for some of the biggest markets:
- New York City: WABC (ABC 7) at 7:00 PM.
- Los Angeles: KABC (ABC 7) at 7:00 PM.
- Chicago: WLS (ABC 7) at 3:30 PM (Yeah, Chicago is famous for that weird afternoon slot).
- Dallas-Ft. Worth: KTXA (Independent) or KTVT (CBS) depending on the year's shuffle—currently often found on CBS 11.
- Atlanta: WXIA (NBC 11) at 7:30 PM.
Notice the Chicago outlier? That’s "Social Security Jeopardy." It’s a whole thing. Fans in the Midwest have been watching it in the middle of the afternoon for decades. It's just part of the local culture there.
Streaming Jeopardy! Without Cable
This is where it gets tricky. You can’t just go to Netflix or Hulu (the basic version) and watch today’s episode. Because of those pesky local syndication deals, a national streaming service can't just broadcast it to everyone without stepping on the toes of the local stations.
If you’ve cut the cord, you need a Live TV streaming service that carries your local affiliates.
YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the gold standards here. They carry ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox in almost every market. If you have one of these, you just search for "Jeopardy" and hit the record button. It’ll find whatever local station it’s on for you. FuboTV and DIRECTV STREAM do the same thing.
The Paramount+ and Peacock Catch
People often get burned here. They think, "Oh, Jeopardy! is on my local CBS station, so I’ll just watch it on Paramount+."
👉 See also: Austin & Ally Maddie Ziegler Episode: What Really Happened in Homework & Hidden Talents
Nope.
Unless you pay for the top-tier "Paramount+ with SHOWTIME" plan that includes your live local CBS feed, you won't see it. The same goes for Peacock and NBC. Even then, sometimes syndication rights are different for digital streaming versus over-the-air broadcast. It’s a legal minefield.
What About Pluto TV?
If you just want any Jeopardy!, Pluto TV has a dedicated channel. But there’s a catch: it only plays old episodes. Usually from the Alex Trebek era. It’s great for nostalgia, but if you want to see the current champion continue their streak, Pluto won't help you.
The "Daytime Jeopardy!" Confusion
Sometimes you’ll see the show listed twice in one day. One might be at 11:00 AM and another at 7:00 PM.
The morning version is usually "Daytime Jeopardy!" These are reruns from the previous season. If you’re trying to follow the current Masters tournament or the newest "super-champ," make sure you’re tuning in for the evening slot. Check the episode number in your guide; current season episodes are currently in the 9000s range.
Why the Channel Matters for Special Tournaments
When the Tournament of Champions or Jeopardy! Masters rolls around, things get even more complicated. The "Masters" tournament is often a primetime ABC special. This means even if your local Jeopardy! station is NBC, the Masters might be on ABC.
✨ Don't miss: Kiss My Eyes and Lay Me to Sleep: The Dark Folklore of a Viral Lullaby
Always look for the distinction between "Syndicated Jeopardy!" (the daily show) and "ABC Primetime Jeopardy!" (the special events).
Technical Tips for Better Viewing
If you're using an antenna—which, honestly, is the cheapest and best way to get Jeopardy!—make sure you're doing a frequent channel scan. Stations occasionally move their digital subchannels.
- Get a High-Quality Digital Antenna: Since Jeopardy! is on broadcast TV, you can get it for free in 1080i or 720p.
- Check the "Hidden" Channels: Sometimes the main channel is HD, but a subchannel (like 7.2) might air the show at a different time.
- DVR is Your Friend: Jeopardy! is only 22 minutes long without commercials. Watching it live is a commitment to 8 minutes of pharmaceutical ads.
The landscape of television is shifting toward apps and away from "channels," but Jeopardy! is the holdout. It’s a pillar of local broadcasting. It’s the reason many people keep their cable packages or their antennas. Whether it’s Ken Jennings or a guest host at the lectern, the quest to find what station is jeopardy on is the first hurdle every fan has to clear.
Your Jeopardy! Action Plan
Don't miss the next game because of a scheduling fluke. Take these steps to lock in your viewing:
- Visit the official station finder: Go to the Jeopardy! website and enter your zip code right now. Save that station and time in your phone.
- Audit your streaming service: If you use Sling TV, be careful—they often lack the local channels (ABC/CBS/NBC) that carry Jeopardy! in many markets. You might need an antenna to supplement.
- Set a "Series Record": If you have any kind of DVR, don't just record one episode. Set it to "New Episodes Only." This filters out the "Daytime Jeopardy" reruns and ensures you're always up to date.
- Follow social media: The official Jeopardy! Twitter (X) or Instagram accounts often post "Today's Tune-In" info if there are national delays due to sports or news.
Knowing your local affiliate is the only way to guarantee you won't be spoiled by social media before you've had a chance to yell the questions at your TV. Check your local listings, grab your remote, and get ready for the clue.