Lansing Filmmaker and MSU Professor Makes a Big Move on Jeopardy

If you were flipping channels and caught a familiar Mid-Michigan face on Jeopardy this week, that was actually one of ours. And by ours, we mean a Lansing native who just went national on this syndicated television show.

Who Is Pete Johnston

Pete Johnston, a filmmaker and Michigan State University professor who lives in Lansing (and grew up in Alma), got invited back for Jeopardy!’s “Second Chance Tournament,” which is basically the show’s way of saying, “You played well, didn’t get the win, but do you want another shot?” Producers pick players who they feel deserve a do-over.

READ MORE: West Michigan Man Fumbles His Way to ‘Jeopardy’ Glory And Still Wins

And Pete didn’t waste it. It was a classic comeback: steady play, with a Final Jeopardy bet.

What the Second Chance Tournament Means

In Friday night’s Second Chance final, he started the game chasing from behind. Then Final Jeopardy hit, he went for it, and that big swing pushed him to the top of Group 1.

Next stop is the Champions Wildcard, a bracket-style run that includes a quarterfinal, semifinal, and then a two-day final. If you want to watch the next chapter, Jeopardy! airs weeknights on WILX at 7:30 p.m., and Johnston’s Wildcard appearance is scheduled for January 8.

What Is Champions Wildcard

The Second Chance Tournament runs December 15 through January 2 and features 27 players total, nine per week. Each week includes three qualifying games and a two-day final, and the three weekly winners advance to Champions Wildcard.

If you’d like to see more of Johnston as he advances to the next level, you can keep cheering on this Lansing native on January 8 at 7:30 p.m.