A Washington, D.C. journalist who became a Jeopardy! phenomenon despite rarely winning is headed back to the quiz show world with a twist. Drew Goins, 31, announced April 28 on Instagram that he’ll compete alongside his brother Zach Goins on Season 2 of Netflix’s Pop Culture Jeopardy!, which premieres May 11, 2026.
The brothers chose a team name that sent longtime Jeopardy! devotees into a frenzy: “Losers, In Other Words.” The moniker references a classic moment from October 2016 when late host Alex Trebek delivered one of his most memorable quips during a contestant interview segment.
A Tribute To Alex Trebek’s Legendary Wit
During that 2016 episode, Trebek spoke with contestant Susan Cole about her appreciation for nerdcore hip-hop. Cole described the genre as featuring people who identify as nerdy “rapping about the things they love.” Trebek’s deadpan response — calling them “losers, in other words” — became an instant classic that fans still quote nearly a decade later.
The reference resonates particularly deeply because Goins never competed during Trebek’s tenure as host. By honoring that iconic moment, he’s strengthened his bond with the Jeopardy! community. A promotional photo in his Instagram carousel showed current Pop Culture Jeopardy! host Colin Jost shrugging with the caption, “What the hell, sure.”
Comments poured in from excited fans. “This feels like cheating, and I don’t know why,” one commenter joked, while another quipped, “Man was so popular on Jeopardy! he qualified for Pop Culture Jeopardy!”
The Most Famous Loser In Jeopardy! History
Goins has built a remarkable Jeopardy! career largely through defeats. His first appearance on Sept. 25, 2024, ended in a loss. But answering 22 of 25 clues correctly earned him a spot in the Second Chance Tournament, which he won. That victory led to the Champions Wildcard Tournament, where he finished as first runner-up.
His Tournament of Champions (TOC) opportunity arrived through an unusual route. When Celebrity Jeopardy! winner Lisa Ann Walter dropped out, Goins took her place. He lost his TOC semifinal but appeared at a later taping wearing a Lisa Ann Walter shirt while proclaiming himself her number one fan — a viral moment that solidified his status among devotees of the trivia show. The two have since become friendly online.
Goins then moved on to the Invitational Tournament. His quarterfinal, which aired Feb. 9, 2026, featured a field including T.L. Cubbage, a lawyer from Dallas, TX, and Liz Feltner, a law student from Baton Rouge, LA. Feltner finished third in the 2022 National College Championship.
A Devastating Start And A Narrow Victory
The Jeopardy! Invitational Tournament (JIT) — an invitation-only tournament where contestants choose whether to compete — offers a winner’s prize of $150,000 and a coveted slot in Jeopardy! Masters. Goins encountered disaster early when he found the first Daily Double on clue 11 in the category “From Samuel Johnson’s 1755 Dictionary.” He wagered all $3,000 but answered incorrectly. Host Ken Jennings revealed the correct response was “lexicographer,” plunging Goins to $0.
After the first 15 clues, Feltner led with $2,200. Goins mounted an impressive comeback. By the end of the first round, Feltner held the lead with $4,800, Cubbage sat at $3,600, and Goins trailed in third with $2,800. All three missed Final Jeopardy, but Goins’ wagering strategy left him $1 ahead of Feltner — enough to advance to the semifinals. He ultimately fell to Long Nguyen in the semifinal round, adding another close-but-not-quite finish to his trademark style.
A Family Affair On Netflix
Zach Goins, who hosts the podcast Inside the Film Room and works as a social producer at STN Digital, in addition to his career as a reporter, will join his brother for their first appearance in episode nine of the new Netflix season, airing May 21.
Pop Culture Jeopardy! Season 2 will drop one new episode every weekday for four weeks, beginning May 11. With Drew’s reputation as the show’s most lovable underdog and their instantly viral team name, fans are already setting reminders for the siblings’ debut.
