[Warning: The below contains MAJOR spoilers for the March 28 episode of Jeopardy!]
It’s no easy feat to get into the good graces of Jeopardy! fans, whether you’re a host or a contestant.
However, contestant Lisa Sriken managed to not only win the game in the March 28 episode but the hearts of the online fans in the process.
One-day champion Nicole went up against newcomers Mara and Lisa, who, in her exchange with host Ken Jennings, insists she looks like John Oates after winning third place in a Hall & Oats music video competition. Her story about receiving emails from haters after the competition can be seen below.
Haters gonna hate ????
Lisa Sriken plays TONIGHT on #Jeopardy! pic.twitter.com/dfgr31XsMk
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) March 28, 2023
Lisa’s answers and reactions were very expressive throughout the game, which many fans gravitated towards. Even while pondering the answer alongside the equally clueless contestants, her constant eye darts caught the viewers’ attention.
After successfully answering a Daily Double during Double Jeopardy, she took on the Tough Guy TV category for $1600 to move from second to first place. “Tough on the streets of Austin, tender with his boyfriend, officer Carlos Reyes is on this show with an emergency number in its title. When she wrongly, but hilariously, answers with Reno 911, Jennings couldn’t help but chuckle while confirming, despite liking that show, the answer was 9-1-1: Lone Star, “very different vibe,” Jennings jokes.
Nicole went into Final Jeopardy with $9,600 against Lisa’s $5,400 and Mara’s $4,200. The final category was Transportation USA, with the clue being, “This public agency runs the USA’s busiest bus terminal, opened in 1950 for commuters awed by its polished steel & stone.”
Both newcomers Mara and Lisa answered with the New York Port Authority correctly, the only difference being Lisa bettings $4,201 against Mara’s $4,000 and the addition of Jeb Bush’s quote “please clap” written on the bottom.
It worked, as she got applause from the audience and a 1 dollar lead before Nicole revealed to have gotten the answer wrong, wagering too much and blowing her lead, making Mara the winner.
#Jeopardy
And a meme is born. pic.twitter.com/0xso8BDlql— Mike Fly (@mfly1971) March 28, 2023
Fans across Twitter and Reddit commented on how much fun the episode was, much in part due to Lisa. “Not a knock on the other contestants, but Lisa was so much fun that I’m glad she won and that we get to see her play tomorrow,” a Redditor said before ending his post with, “Please clap.”
A Twitter user said, “And a meme is born,” using a screenshot of one of Lisa’s many expressions.
Check out the online reaction toward the new champion below.
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Lisa should seriously consider doing stand up. #jeopardy
— Flowerpower (@leolovelemon) March 28, 2023
“[Lisa] found out what it’s like to… have haters.”
That experience can prepare one for appearing on #Jeopardy in 2023 — unfortunately.
— Matt Carberry (@mfc248) March 28, 2023
LOL I like Lisa’s style. #Jeopardy
— Marielle (@TheNolaChick) March 28, 2023
That Final #Jeopardy clue was straight up in Lisa’s backyard. ????????
— Bryan Garcia (@BryanUF) March 28, 2023
Lisa pulling the good faces ???? #Jeopardy
— Dashiell Eaves (@DashEaves) March 28, 2023
I love Lisa’s playful energy #Jeopardy
— Kathy McParland (@jkmcfam) March 28, 2023
I hope Hall and Oates lady becomes a super champion #Jeopardy
— Chris Moffitt (@moffitt_chris) March 28, 2023
Lmao did she make a Jeb bush please clap reference #Jeopardy
— seeing TSwift May 20th (@taaddisbinz) March 28, 2023