Harper Lee Final Jeopardy Stumps All Three Champions in Shocking Upset

All three Jeopardy! contestants missed a crucial Final Jeopardy clue about author Harper Lee. The stunning triple stumper occurred during the November 20, 2025, episode. Champion Harrison Whitaker survived the blunder to claim his eighth consecutive victory.

This rare event highlights the unpredictable nature of the legendary quiz show. Even top-tier players can be undone by a single, challenging clue.

The Dramatic Final Round Unfolds

The Final Jeopardy category was “Women Authors.” The clue referenced a 2016 New York Times obituary. It described the author as having “gained a reputation as a literary Garbo.”

Contestants had 30 seconds to formulate their response. The correct answer was Harper Lee, the reclusive writer of *To Kill a Mockingbird*. Her withdrawal from public life mirrored that of film star Greta Garbo.

Champion Harrison Whitaker wrote, “Who is Well, it’s been fun?” Challenger Kara Brown guessed “Wolfe.” The third contestant, Blythe Roberson, answered “Alice Monroe.” The complete miss allowed Whitaker to retain his title despite a losing wager.

Breaking Down the Final Scores and Wagers

Harrison Whitaker entered Final Jeopardy with a commanding lead of $16,400. He wagered $6,001, a standard cover bet against his nearest competitor. His final score dropped to $10,399, but it was enough to win.

Kara Brown started with $11,200. Her aggressive wager of $5,201 was likely calculated to overtake Harrison if he missed. She finished with $5,999 after her incorrect response.

Blythe Roberson, in a distant third place with $3,000, bet everything. She was left with zero dollars. The game was a strategic masterclass in betting, even with a collective miss on the final clue.

What This Means for Harrison Whitaker’s Run

This victory extends Harrison Whitaker’s impressive winning streak. His total winnings now exceed $218,000. He has secured a spot in the future Tournament of Champions.

His ability to win, even on a night with nine total triple stumpers, demonstrates remarkable consistency. According to USA Today’s recap, his performance proves that savvy wagering is as important as vast knowledge.

The pressure will only mount as he continues his run. Every new champion draws increased scrutiny and tougher competition from future challengers.

This Harper Lee Final Jeopardy moment serves as a stark reminder that on this show, no victory is ever guaranteed until the final clue is revealed.

Info at your fingertips

What was the exact Final Jeopardy clue?

The clue was from the category Women Authors. It asked contestants to identify the author described in her 2016 New York Times obituary as having “gained a reputation as a literary Garbo.” The answer was Harper Lee.

How much money did Harrison Whitaker win this game?

Harrison Whitaker won $10,399 in this particular game. This added to his total winnings, which surpassed $218,000 over his eight-game streak.

Has a triple stumper happened in Final Jeopardy before?

Yes, triple stumpers in Final Jeopardy are rare but not unheard of. They typically occur when the clue is particularly obscure or requires very specific knowledge, as with the Harper Lee clue.

What is Harrison Whitaker’s profession?

Harrison Whitaker is a researcher from Terre Haute, Indiana. His broad knowledge base has been a significant asset throughout his winning streak on the show.

Why was the Harper Lee clue considered difficult?

The clue was difficult because it required knowledge beyond her famous novel. Contestants needed to know about her reclusive personal life and how it was publicly perceived, comparing her to Greta Garbo.