University of Minnesota student will compete in 'Jeopardy! National College Championship'

What our TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week

February 4, 2022 at 1:00PM
JEOPARDY! NATIONAL COLLEGE CHAMPIONSHIP - "Jeopardy! National College Championship," hosted by Mayim Bialik, debuts TUESDAY, FEB. 8 on ABC. Produced by Sony Pictures Television, "Jeopardy! National College Championship" is a multiconsecutive-night event that features 36 students from 36 colleges and universities from across the country, battling head-to-head for nine days of intense competition. (ABC/Casey Durkin)
“Jeopardy!” host Mayim Bialik with contestant and University of Minnesota student Emmey Harris at the “National College Championship” tournament. (Casey Durkin, ABC/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

'Jeopardy! National College Championship'

Amy Schneider's historic run may be over, but there's new incentive to tune into America's smartest game show. University of Minnesota student Emmey Harris is among 36 contestants competing for a $100,000 grand prize and bragging rights. Hourlong episodes hosted by Mayim Bialik will air in prime time Tuesday-Friday through Feb. 22. The U's Nibir Sarma won this competition in 2020 when the late Alex Trebek hosted the show. Debuts 7 p.m. Tue., KSTP, Ch. 5

'Book of Love'

An uptight writer (Sam Claflin) discovers his novel has become a bestseller in Mexico — but only because a translator (Veronica Echegui) added a slew of hot-and-heavy erotica. During a book tour, they bicker, they bond and they fall in love. What's missing is any explanation why these two would fall for each other at all. You'll spend most of the film wondering why you're not using the time to rewatch "Bringing Up Baby." Amazon Prime

'Riveted: The History of Jeans'

The pandemic turned sweats into our daily uniform. But it won't be long before jeans make a triumphant return. In preparation for its comeback, check out this fascinating documentary that's about a whole lot more than fashion. Historians and designers look at how denim has played a significant role in everything from women's liberation to the hip-hop culture. Marlon Brando, Brooke Shields and Rosie the Riveter all make appearances. 9 p.m. Mon., TPT, Ch. 2

'Phat Tuesdays'

This four-part history lesson is largely about the impact that an all-Black showcase at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles had on pop culture . But it's also a chance to celebrate stand-ups like Robin Harris and Bernie Mac who never got their proper due. It's a great companion piece to Mike Binder's 2020 documentary, "The Comedy Store." Steve Harvey, Dave Chappelle and Tiffany Haddish are among the top-tier comics sharing their memories. Premieres Fri., Amazon Prime

'Marian Anderson: The Whole World in Her Hands'

You don't have to be an aficionado of classical singing to be entranced by this "American Masters" tribute to one of the most admired vocalists in American history. Director Rita Coburn spends just as much time exploring Anderson's influence on the civil rights movement as she does spinning some of her original recordings. Even those familiar with her legendary 1939 performance at the Lincoln Memorial may be surprised by the tales about her ties to Albert Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt and Arturo Toscanini. 8 p.m. Tue., TPT, Ch. 2

about the writer

about the writer

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.

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