About Granite State Challenge

The Host

Jon Cannon’s journey to the game show podium began when he was still in high school. As a junior at Belmont High, he competed on the GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE team. Watching longtime, beloved host Jim Jeannotte in action, Cannon had a defining thought: That’s what I want to do.

He went on to attend University of New Hampshire, where he worked as a work-study student at New Hampshire Public Television. There, he learned television from the inside out—serving as a camera operator and floor director for GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE and gaining firsthand experience behind the scenes of the very show that had inspired him.

After graduating, Cannon spent three years teaching social studies. Then came the call that would change everything: he was selected to join the Jeopardy! Clue Crew, a team of roving correspondents who traveled the globe producing video clues for the iconic quiz show. Over four years, he visited a dozen countries and half the United States, bringing clues—and a bit of adventure—to viewers everywhere.

Eventually, Cannon returned to his New Hampshire roots, teaching social studies at Bedford High School. But his passion for quiz bowls never faded. In 2010, he launched the Bedford High GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE team and served as its coach. He now teaches social studies at Bow High School.

Today, Cannon stands as the third host of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE since its 1984 premiere. He follows Tom Bergeron, who hosted the show’s first season, and Jim Jeannotte, who led the program from 1985 until his retirement in 2018. They’re big shoes to fill—but Cannon’s lifelong connection to the show makes him more than ready for the challenge.

The Production

SUSAN ADAMS, PRODUCER

Susan is a former classroom teacher, news producer, and instructional technology specialist who now serves as Manager of Educational Services at New Hampshire PBS. In that role, she leads educational outreach efforts across the state, connecting students, educators, and families with meaningful learning opportunities.

As producer of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE, Susan writes every single question. On any given day, she might be researching Etruscan art for an upcoming matchup, then pivoting to crafting googly-eyed puppets for a children’s activity.

She insists this variety suits her perfectly—after all, she never quite decided what she wanted to be when she grew up. We just know one thing: you absolutely want her on your Trivial Pursuit team.

The Judge

ANN BOULANGER has been part of GRANITE STATE CHALLENGE since 1989, when she began writing questions for the program. A 1966 graduate of Dover High School, Ann went on to teach social studies at Portsmouth High School and Portsmouth Middle School, inspiring generations of students before retiring in 2006.

An avid cook—especially when it comes to desserts—Ann also enjoys gardening, reading, and traveling. Still adding destinations to her list, she hopes one day to make the ultimate journey: a trip to Antarctica!

 

TV Schedule

Full Schedule

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