Jeopardy! fans divided over 'annoying' new element in the show slammed as 'distracting'

On Monday, Jeopardy fans noticed something new about the board that left many of them confused. Some fans took to Reddit to discuss a white box that suddenly appeared around the categories as they were in play.

Jeopardy is in its 41st season, and though there have been a few tweaks here and there ( mostly to the set ), the gameplay has pretty much remained the same. This is something that fans appreciate about the show, especially since the departure and subsequent death of beloved host Alex Trebek in 2020.

However, fans are certainly divided about how they feel about the show's newest element. There is now a white outline around the box on the board that contains the category that is being played. While some found the change 'annoying' and 'distracting,' others speculated about the reasoning behind the white box.

• Jeopardy! fans detail change they 'loathe' and 'fail to comprehend' in a 'post-Alex Trebek era'

• Jeopardy! fans heartbroken as beloved 'odd quirk' is axed after Alex Trebek's death

While such a small change may not even be noticeable to a novice Jeopardy viewer, one fan wrote, "I immediately noticed...It’s crazy how small subtle changes to something that’s so familiar/routine can totally throw you off, I couldn’t focus on the questions the first half of the game at all it was so distracting!"

Another Redditor felt the opposite. They commented, "Noticed it right away and really like it. I can't just sit and watch TV...I also have to be reading or scrolling so I found this helpful when I forget what category we're on." Other users similarly noted that it may be for the players to remember which category they are on during gameplay.

In a completely different take on the white box, one user speculated that the change was for accessibility reasons. They wrote, "I think hearing impaired viewers probably benefit greatly from [the white box]," pointing to the fact that the box may be a visual aid for viewers who are hard of hearing.

Whatever the reason, Jeopardy fans seem to appreciate the fact that the game has remained the same for so long, that when even the slightest thing changes, it's going to be up for discussion.

Click here to follow the Mirror US on Google News to stay up to date with all the latest news, sport and entertainment stories.