Warning: This page contains spoilers for the March 9, 2026, game of Jeopardy! — please do not scroll down if you wish to avoid being spoiled. Please note that the game airs as early as noon Eastern in some U.S. television markets.
Here’s today’s Final Jeopardy (in the category Reptiles) for Monday, March 9, 2026 (Season 42, Game 131):
Studying a hormone in the venom of this reptile species that may allow it to eat infrequently led to the weight-loss drug Ozempic
(correct response beneath the contestants)
Today’s Jeopardy! contestants:
Jonathan Rosales, a university fundraiser from Glendale, California
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Katie Hoppenjans, a luxury travel marketer from Atlanta, Georgia
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James Denison, a college professor & museum curator originally from Alexandria, Virginia (1-day total: $36,199)
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Andy’s Pregame Thoughts:
It’s time for a new week of Jeopardy!; James Denison became your new champion on Friday with some aggressive wagering. Today, he faces off against challengers Katie Hoppenjans and Jonathan Rosales.
As I alluded to on Friday, there would have been a time where I would have wholeheartedly applauded James’s choice to bet very aggressively in Final Jeopardy. However, that applause comes with reservations, as I am of the belief—especially after as much close study as I have done—that “game theory optimal” strategy only works with your opponents also betting “game theory optimal”, and assuming that your opponents will bet optimally may end up losing games that were otherwise potentially winnable.
(Content continues below)
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Are you going on the show and looking for information about how to bet in Final Jeopardy? Check out my Betting Strategy 101 page. If you want to learn how to bet in two-day finals, check out Betting Strategy 102. In case the show uses a tournament with wild cards in the future, there is also a strategy page for betting in tournament quarterfinals.
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Correct response: What is the Gila monster?
More information about Final Jeopardy:
(The following write-up is original content and is copyright 2026 The Jeopardy! Fan. It may not be copied without linked attribution back to this page.)
In the 1980s, scientists began studying various reptile venoms in search of substances that might be able to be beneficial to human physiology. In the venom of the Gila monster—known for being able to eat only once or twice a year—a substance called exendin-4, now known for activating the GLP-1 receptor to reduce appetite and reduce blood sugar. This research led Novo Nordisk to develop semaglutide as a medication to treat diabetes—and for weight loss for those who could afford to do so; demand for the medication for its latter vanity use has been in the news for crowding out those whose require Ozempic for medical purposes.
I fully expect that the show’s choice to characterize Ozempic as a “weight-loss drug” and not “diabetes prevention drug” is going to receive a significant amount of negativity online this evening. This is a medication that diabetics need in order to potentially live, and the perpetuate the “weight-loss drug” stereotype is very harmful, especially as the vanity usage of Ozempic is preventing diabetics from being able to access medically necessary medication. Shame on the writers and shame on Jeopardy. You can and should be a lot better here, and the show deserves every last bit of negative publicity that will emanate from this characterization this evening.
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Game Recap:
Scores going into Final:
James $31,000
Katie $8,200
Jonathan $7,000
Tonight’s results:
Jonathan $7,000 – $3,700 = $3,300 (What is Komodo dragon?)
Katie $8,200 – $6,000 = $2,200 (What’s a viper?)
James $31,000 + $14,599 = $45,599 (What is the Gila monster? (Thanks Mr. Pelenberg <3)) (2-day total: $81,798)
Game Stats:
James $21,400 Coryat, 25 correct, 1 incorrect, 40.35% in first on buzzer (23/57), 1/1 on rebound attempts (on 4 rebound opportunities)
Jonathan $7,000 Coryat, 9 correct, 2 incorrect, 19.30% in first on buzzer (11/57), 0/0 on rebound attempts (on 3 rebound opportunities)
Katie $7,800 Coryat, 16 correct, 2 incorrect, 29.82% in first on buzzer (17/57), 0/0 on rebound attempts (on 3 rebound opportunities)
Combined Coryat Score: $36,200
James Denison, to win:
3 games: 71.061%
4: 50.497%
5: 35.883%
6: 25.499%
7: 18.120%
Avg. streak: 4.456 games.
Andy’s Thoughts:
- A reminder that when it comes to song titles, an “overfull” song title is still judged as correct as long as the extra words given are correct lyrics from the song that come on either (or both) sides of the actual title of the song.
- Using forklifts to steal ATMs? Pshaw. Real ATM thieves use backhoes.
- Today’s J!6 clues can be found at the monthly archive.
Final Jeopardy! wagering suggestions:
(Scores: James $31,000 Katie $8,200 Jonathan $7,000)
James: Bet no more than $14,599 and enjoy your victory. (Actual bet: $14,599)
Katie: Standard cover bet over Jonathan is $5,801. (Actual bet: $6,000)
Jonathan: For the best chance of finishing second, bet between $2,401 and $4,599. (Actual bet: $3,700)
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