Baltimore’s Daniel Ciarrocchi will appear as a contestant on “Jeopardy!” His television debut is scheduled to air on Monday, April 17, on WBFF/Fox at 7 p.m. ET (check local listings). Additionally, a viewing party for the occasion will be at Peabody Heights Brewery, and is open to the public, with Ciarrocchi in attendance.
The writer and Charles Village resident’s appearance is the result of a year-plus-long process, in which he passed multiple tests and auditions. Moreover, his appearance culminates what he calls a lifelong, “healthy obsession” with trivia, which he has used to help his team during weekly trivia nights with friends.
“Mixed results,” Ciarrocchi said. “I like to think I’ve come through in the clutch for my friends, but there’s an equal chance of confidently leading them off a cliff with an incorrect hunch.”
In addition to playing trivia, Ciarrocchi prepared for his appearance by reading encyclopedias, almanacs, and by consulting the J!Archive—a database of Jeopardy clues—in addition to regularly watching the show.
“I have to also admit that an embarrassing amount of my preparation was due to having seen so many episodes of early Simpsons and SNL Weekend updates,” Ciarrocchi said. “I’d throw an episode on when I’m trying to wind down and then there’s a scene referencing HMS Pinafore, or the Spruce Goose, or even a random bible verse.”
While Ciarrocchi can’t reveal how he fared until after the show’s airdate, he found himself in his element stating questions in response to provided answers, as the show’s format requires, during his February 6 taping on the set in Culver City, California.
“Just getting to be in the green room with 11 other people, who have been in the same unique position as you over the past year or so, is something that isn’t lost on me,” Ciarrocchi said. “You would be hard-pressed to find a negative word said about the staff they have, and there’s good reason for it. They’ve been wonderful both on and off the set. It’s an experience I’ll never forget.”
While all runs on Jeopardy! eventually come to an end, Ciarrocchi intends for it to be just the beginning of what he could offer to the public.
“I love Baltimore, and I want to help people,” Ciarrocchi said. “If it’s possible for Jeopardy fame to bring communities closer, then I want them to know I’m on their side and want to help however I can.”
Peabody Heights Brewery is located at 401 E 30th Street, Baltimore, MD 21218, and is open from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays.
