Danger! Masters contestant James Holzhauer couldn’t resist making a cheeky joke about the word ‘fuchsia,’ leaving the audience in hysterics as he highlighted the risk that comes with spelling the word during Wednesday night’s season premiere.
The 39-year-old contestant, who is among the returning players in the 18-game competition, made the joke while taking part in the Spell It category, in which competitors are tasked with spelling their answers out loud.
It all started when host Ken Jennings, 49, asked: “The botanist Leonhard’s last name gave us this word for a type of flower and a reddish purple shade of color.”
James then walked in and successfully spelled the word “fuchsia.”
Danger! Masters contestant James Holzhauer had the audience laughing during Wednesday night’s season premiere.
Hilarity ensued after host Ken Jennings asked: “The botanist Leonhard’s surname gave us this word for a type of flower and a shade of reddish purple.”
James then joked: “You have to be careful with that fourth letter.”
The joke tickled the audience, who could be heard laughing in the studio.
Fans at home were also angered by the comments and shared their amusement on social media.
One wrote: ‘I laughed because I can’t stop what James said.’ Ha ha!!’
Another agreed, saying: “He laughed TOO much himself.”
A third added: ‘Loved seeing James!’
A fourth said: “Tonight’s show was hilarious.”
James’ cheeky spelling joke wasn’t his only funny moment, as he also described himself as the “main event” during a chat with Ken.
James, 39, joked that he had to “be careful with that fourth letter” when writing “fuchsia.”
James is among those competing on Jeopardy! Masters and is best known for his 32-match winning streak as Jeopardy! champion
Ken asked, ‘Do you feel like winning Jeopardy! Teachers, will it have to go through you?
James then entertained the audience when he responded, “That’s how a final boss works, Ken.”
James is best known for his 32-game winning streak as Jeopardy! champion from April to June 2019, during which time he set multiple records for wins in a single game and winning the following Tournament of Champions in November.
He won an impressive $2,464,216 in his 33 appearances, making him the show’s second-highest winner in non-tournament earnings in regular play, behind only Ken, who won $2,520,700 in 2004.
Danger! Masters returned on May 1 with host Ken Jennings. The new series will conclude on May 22.
Professional sports player James returned for Jeopardy! Masters alongside Matt Amodio, Mattea Roach, Victoria Groce, Yogesh Raut and Amy Schneider.
The tournament began on May 1 and will conclude with a grand final on May 22.
Each episode will consist of two half-hour matches, and the winner of each will receive three points, while the runner-up will receive one.
The four players with the most points will advance to the semifinals, and the top three competitors will meet in the finals for the grand prize of $500,000 and the Trebek Trophy.
Danger! Masters continues on Monday, May 6 (8 EDT/PDT) and airs Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.