In a striking turn of events on the beloved game show "Jeopardy!", undergraduate student Liam Starnes from Barrington, Illinois, has captured the attention of fans not just for his impressive trivia skills, but also for his uncanny resemblance to Sheldon Cooper, the iconic character from the hit sitcom "The Big Bang Theory." Starnes made his debut on April 18, 2025, competing against Rachel Gray and one-day champion Steven Hoying. His appearance quickly ignited a flurry of social media commentary, with viewers expressing their astonishment at how closely he resembles the character portrayed by Jim Parsons.
“Seriously, that’s Sheldon!!!!!!!” exclaimed one fan on X, formerly known as Twitter. Another user chimed in, saying, “Liam looks like a real life Sheldon Cooper.” The comparisons continued, with comments like, “Big time Sheldon Cooper vibes from Liam,” and, “Liam looks like Sheldon Cooper’s little brother.” Such reactions highlight the powerful connection fans have to both the character and the show, which ran for an impressive 12 years from 2007 to 2019.
Starnes showcased his trivia prowess during his first game, leading with a total of $19,600 heading into Final Jeopardy! After wagering $12,801, he emerged victorious with a total of $32,401. Following his win, fans continued to draw parallels between him and Sheldon. “Liam on #Jeopardy looks like he could be Jim Parsons’ much younger brother,” one viewer noted, while another commented, “SHELDON IS LEGIT ON #JEOPARDY RIGHT NOW… LOL.”
As Starnes returned for a second episode on April 22, he continued to impress, ultimately becoming a two-day champion with a grand total of $52,802. His success on the show has not only brought him fame but has also rekindled interest in "The Big Bang Theory," a series that has left a lasting mark on popular culture.
In addition to Starnes' remarkable resemblance to Sheldon Cooper, the connection between "The Big Bang Theory" and "Jeopardy!" goes deeper. Mayim Bialik, who played Amy Farrah Fowler, co-hosted "Jeopardy!" from August 2021 to December 2023, further intertwining the two shows in the minds of fans. This crossover adds a layer of nostalgia for viewers who fondly remember the sitcom's characters and their quirky adventures.
However, Starnes' journey on "Jeopardy!" took a dramatic turn on April 23, 2025, when he returned for his fourth game, competing against Abigail Arnold and Eric Cordova. With a cumulative total of $72,202, Starnes aimed for his fourth consecutive win to qualify for the upcoming Tournament of Champions. The competition was fierce, especially as Arnold dominated the first round, leading with $6,000 compared to Starnes' $1,400 and Cordova's $0.
During the game, Arnold found a Daily Double and wagered all her money, but unfortunately for her, she answered incorrectly. This misstep allowed Starnes to take the lead with $2,200 by the end of the round. As the game progressed into the Double Jeopardy round, Starnes continued to showcase his knowledge, correctly answering a Daily Double clue about the northernmost Summer Olympics held in Helsinki in 1952, which boosted his total to $18,000.
Despite a strong performance, the Final Jeopardy round proved challenging for both Starnes and Arnold. The category was "20th Century History," and the clue read, “A 1919 Punch cartoon titled ‘The Gap In The Bridge’ showed Uncle Sam sleeping on the missing keystone of this.” Arnold answered incorrectly with “What is the London Bridge?” and Starnes, too, faltered with “What is the Golden Gate Bridge?” The correct response was the League of Nations.
Starnes wagered $9,201, bringing his final total to $9,599, just $400 above Arnold's score. His victory, albeit narrow, secured his place in the Tournament of Champions, with a four-day total of $81,801. Fans expressed mixed feelings about the intense competition, with many praising Arnold's gameplay and lamenting her unfortunate loss due to wagering decisions.
“Happy for Liam but I really feel for Abigail here. She played one of the best games of the season and could have won here,” one Reddit user noted, reflecting the community's support for both contestants. The episode has sparked discussions about the nature of wagering on the show, with some viewers criticizing the Final Jeopardy question as poorly phrased, leading to confusion over its intent.
As Starnes prepares for his fifth game, set for April 24, 2025, anticipation builds among fans eager to see if he can continue his winning streak. His journey from an ordinary college student to a television sensation echoes the very themes of aspiration and intellect celebrated in "The Big Bang Theory," making his story all the more compelling.
In the world of trivia and pop culture, Starnes has not only made a name for himself but has also reignited the love for a show that continues to resonate with audiences. Whether he is seen as a doppelgänger of Sheldon Cooper or a formidable competitor in his own right, one thing is clear: Liam Starnes is a name that fans will be watching closely in the days to come.
