Internet Is Thirsting Over 'Jeopardy's 'Hot Priest' Contestant

While not every contestant on Jeopardy! can go home a winner, that doesn't mean they won't end up winning the hearts of viewers.

Such was the case with Father Steve Jakubowski . A competitor on the Sept. 19 episode of Jeopardy! , the Catholic priest from Grand Rapids, Michigan, unfortunately, lost the game with just $99—but as far as the internet was concerned, he was the standout player of the night.

Fans took to social media to gush over Jakubowski, calling him "hot priest" (in a nod to the Emmy-winning series Fleabag , which starred Andrew Scott as a clergy member given the same nickname by Phoebe Waller-Bridges ' character).

X users were surprised—but delighted—by Jakubowski's appearance.

Some were even inspired to have a religious awakening of sorts.

Others used Fleabag references to express their feelings.

Related: 5 Major Changes Coming to 'Jeopardy!'

Overall, it seems Jakubowski was the contestant audiences needed to see.

Jeopardy! 's new season, which debuted on Sept. 9, has been met with mixed reviews thus far. Many fans were frustrated during the season premiere when Final Jeopardy!  was interrupted in some areas by a local news report about the death of James Earl Jones , while others called the episode "awkward" on the whole.

Still, plenty of viewers have praised the season thus far, including Ken Jennings as host. A behind-the-scenes clip of Jennings laughing about a blooper had some fans comparing him to former Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek , who passed away in 2020.

Reading a question from the category "Song Titles," Jennings accidentally said "black" when he should have said "blank."

"Paint it black and back to...paint it..." Jennings paused, smiling and shaking his head. "We gotta toss it."

"A touch of Alex in him with the way he handles that gaffe. Ken's got a brilliant sense of humor," wrote one Instagram user.

Next: 'Jeopardy!' Fans Weigh In After Contestant's 'Rough Day' Costs Him the Game