Who Won ‘Jeopardy' Today? (May 4, 2026) Plus, the Final Jeopardy Answer
There are three things guaranteed in the world today: Death, taxes, and Jeopardy! being on. Believe it or not, the iconic game show has been on the air for over 60 years (though the modern incarnation we know and love technically debuted in 1984). Under the watchful eye of Ken Jennings (who himself was a record-breaking champion), Jeopardy! puts three people's trivia skills and reflexes to the ultimate test. And so many of the greats to grace those podiums started by simply watching the show as it aired on weekdays, as millions have done for over half a century.
Here's a spoiler-filled recap of who won Jeopardy! today, plus the answer to Final Jeopardy.
Who won Jeopardy today?
Madeline Kaplan
Madeline Kaplan ended Stephanie Perkins' one-day streak, emerging as the new Jeopardy! champion after a dominant $31,700 victory.
Who are the Jeopardy contestants today?
Madeline Kaplan
Madeline Kaplan is an editor originally from Toledo, Ohio. She found both Daily Doubles in Double Jeopardy!, answering correctly, and wagered aggressively to seize control of the game.
Stephanie Perkins
Stephanie Perkins is a math teacher from St. Louis, Missouri. The one-day champ returned on Monday, and though she got Final Jeopardy right, she couldn't overcome Kaplan's strong lead.
Matt Davis
Matt Davis is a banker from Arlington, Virginia.
Related: Sam Heughan Surprises ‘Jeopardy!' Fans With an ‘Outlander' Category - Can You Answer the Clues?
What was Final Jeopardy today?
Final Jeopardy today was in the category "FAMOUS LISTS."
The clue: "A famous list of this many items is found on the 1972 comedy album "Class Clown."
The answer: What is 7?
Two contestants answered Final Jeopardy correctly. Kaplan went into the final round with $18,200, wagered $13,500, and got it correct, walking with a final score of $31,700. Perkins went into the game with $12,600, wagering $6,000 and getting it right, ending with a second-place total of $18,600, while Davis, who had $15,600 going in, wagered everything. Answering incorrectly with "nine," his final score was $0, a brutal end to a competitive game.
Kaplan will return on Monday to defend her title.
Did you get the answer? Sign off in the comments!
Related: Where Jamie Ding Ranks Among ‘Jeopardy!'s Top 10 All-Time Winners
When is Jeopardy on next?
Jeopardy! will come back on Tuesday, May 5, with a new episode. Check your local listings to find out when to watch
Where is Jeopardy streaming?
Jeopardy! is available on both Hulu and Peacock. Subscribers can enjoy watching new episodes the next day, as well as access a vault of many classic episodes to enjoy at a moment's notice.
Related: Ken Jennings Reveals If 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' Questions Are Easier
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This story was originally published May 4, 2026 at 1:10 PM.