Fans say Jeopardy!’s Stephen King category was “too easy”—can you answer all 5 clues?

A recent episode of Jeopardy! gave trivia lovers a chilling twist by featuring a full category dedicated to the “King of Horror” himself—Stephen King. But instead of sending shivers down contestants’ spines, the clues had many viewers scratching their heads for a different reason. Fans online were quick to point out that the questions seemed a little too simple for such a legendary author’s lineup.

Whether you’re a casual fan or a lifelong reader of King’s work, this category sparked a spirited debate. Could you have swept all five clues, or would one have tripped you up?

The Five Stephen King Jeopardy! Clues​

The episode, which originally aired in June 2025 and was recently shared on Jeopardy!’s Instagram for spooky season, featured a full category dedicated to the “King of Horror.”

Here’s how the five clues stacked up. Try guessing each one before scrolling down for the answers!

$200 clue: “The title entity of It appears in many different forms, including as Pennywise, one of these circus performers.”

$400 clue: “The cat brought back to life in this novel is called Church, short for Winston Churchill.”

$600 clue: “In a story set in Nebraska, an evil being is called ‘He who walks behind the rows,’ ‘rows’ referring to rows & rows of this.”

$800 clue: “Pyrokinetic powers are an attribute of Charlie McGee, a daughter of government test subjects & this book’s title character.”

$1,000 clue: “Two stories from this Stephen King collection were turned into an Anthony Hopkins movie.”

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Fans React: “Too Easy” or Just Right?​

After the episode aired, Jeopardy! fans took to social media to share their thoughts. Many self-proclaimed King devotees breezed through the category, with comments like “Too easy,” “Sweeped the category,” and even a flurry of broomstick emojis to celebrate a clean sweep. Others called it the “best category” of the night, and one fan summed it up with, “Now that’s a King!!!”

But is it really that simple? For those who grew up with King’s books on their bedside table (or hidden under it!), these clues might have been a walk in the park. For others, especially those less familiar with the horror genre, the questions could have been a bit more challenging.

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Why Stephen King Still Reigns Supreme​

Stephen King, now 78, has published over 60 novels and 200 short stories, many of which have become pop culture staples. From Carrie to The Shining, Misery to The Green Mile, his stories have been adapted into countless films, TV shows, and even stage plays. His ability to tap into many people’s deepest fears—and sometimes deepest hopes—has made him a household name for nearly five decades.

King’s work isn’t just about scares, either. His stories often explore themes of childhood, friendship, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. It’s no wonder his books continue to resonate with readers of all ages.

Test Your Own King Knowledge—How Many Did You Get?​

Ready to check your score? Here’s how the contestants (and fans) answered:

$200 clue: “The title entity of It appears in many different forms, including as Pennywise, one of these circus performers.”

Correct response: What is a clown? Pennywise the Dancing Clown has haunted readers since the release of King’s 1986 novel It, which inspired a 1990 miniseries, two blockbuster films, and an upcoming HBO prequel, IT: Welcome to Derry.

$400 clue: “The cat brought back to life in this novel is called Church, short for Winston Churchill.”

Correct response: What is Pet Sematary? This 1983 horror classic (and its two film adaptations) warned audiences about the dark side of resurrection—reminding us that sometimes, dead is better.

$600 clue: “In a story set in Nebraska, an evil being is called ‘He who walks behind the rows,’ ‘rows’ referring to rows & rows of this.”

Correct response: What is corn? A reference to Children of the Corn, King’s 1978 short story that turned ordinary farmland into a place of terror and spawned multiple film adaptations.

$800 clue: “Pyrokinetic powers are an attribute of Charlie McGee, a daughter of government test subjects & this book’s title character.”

Correct response: What is Firestarter? Published in 1980, Firestarter follows a young girl with the power to ignite flames with her mind—a story that has twice lit up the big screen, most recently in 2022.

$1,000 clue: “Two stories from this Stephen King collection were turned into an Anthony Hopkins movie.”

Correct response: What is Hearts in Atlantis? This 1999 short story collection inspired the 2001 film adaptation starring Anthony Hopkins and introduced many to King’s more reflective, emotional storytelling side.

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Key Takeaways

• A recent Jeopardy! The episode featured a category dedicated entirely to Stephen King, with clues many fans considered quite easy.
• The five clues covered well-known King works, including It, Pet Sematary, Children of the Corn, Firestarter, and Hearts in Atlantis.
• Social media users responded enthusiastically, with several saying they easily answered all the questions, and calling the category “the best” and “too easy.”
• The category’s popularity highlights Stephen King’s iconic status and the broad familiarity of his books and their adaptations among viewers.

How did you do—did you sweep the category or stumble on a clue or two? Do you agree with fans who thought it was too simple, or do you think Jeopardy! nailed the difficulty level for general audiences?