Stephen Fry has reportedly seen his quiz show Jeopardy! cancelled by ITV after just two series, with the broadcaster understood to have no plans for further episodes.
Mr Fry, 66, fronted the British adaptation of the iconic American format, which has been a staple on NBC since 1964.
Despite its US success, the programme’s reverse quiz format, where contestants are given answers and must respond in the form of a question, has struggled to win over UK audiences.
The show aired at 3pm on weekdays, competing against popular daytime quizzes including Lingo, Riddiculous, and Tenable.
ITV has cancelled Jeopardy after just two seasons
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This cancellation continues a long history of failed UK adaptations.
Channel 4 first tried the format in 1983, lasting just one year.
ITV ran its version from 1990 to 1993, while Sky One attempted a revival from 1995 to 1996.
Each iteration was axed after struggling to attract viewers.
The hosting role marked a return to presenting for Mr Fry, who in recent years has focused on acting
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The 2024 reboot with Mr Fry at the helm was the most prominent revival effort yet, but it now joins its predecessors in failing to capture UK audiences.
Mr Fry also hosted an Australian edition produced in the UK, which ran for two series. It remains unclear whether that version will continue.
The hosting role marked a return to presenting for Mr Fry, who in recent years has focused on acting.
He also appeared on BBC’s Celebrity Traitors last year alongside Jonathan Ross, Clare Balding, Paloma Faith, and Alan Carr.
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Stephen Fry
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TV commentators have questioned whether Mr Fry’s trademark wit and the format itself are suited to British daytime television, with many suggesting the show never truly connected with casual quiz viewers.
Social media users were quick to weigh in on the news.
"That’s a shame. The second series was such an improvement, too," one disappointed fan of the show wrote, while another penned: "I really enjoyed it and the second series was a really good improvement on the first. I hope it gets picked up on a different channel."
Another fan wrote: "I enjoyed the reboot. Such a shame one of the longest-running quiz shows in the world fails to become a success in the UK."
A third added: "Oh no. I enjoyed this."
However, not everyone was complimentary of the show or Mr Fry's presenting.
"Maybe ITV shouldn't make quiz shows, seem to never last on ITV anyway," one critic suggested.
Another penned: "Wrong show for ITV, wrong host for ITV."
Sir Stephen Fry is a highly acclaimed British actor, broadcaster, comedian, author, and television presenter
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"Surprised it lasted that long. Had high hopes for it but sadly it was boring," a third declared.
Another viewer highlighted the repeated failures of British adaptations of Jeopardy!
They said that four UK versions of the show have "bombed."