Virtel: A Career in Entertainment Writing and Game Show Fame
From the fast-paced world of digital pop culture reporting to the high-stakes environment of televised game shows, Virtel has carved out a multifaceted career as a writer, host, and trivia expert. With a professional trajectory that spans major publications, late-night television, and award-winning variety specials, Virtel has become a recognized voice in the entertainment industry.
Key Facts
- Current Role: Writer for Jimmy Kimmel Live! and host of the Keep It! podcast.
- Major Awards: Won a Writers Guild of America Award for Pop Culture Jeopardy!.
- Game Show Success: Won $38,000 on The Chase and became a viral sensation on Jeopardy!.
- Writing Credits: Contributed to Billboard, Time, Vulture, and TVLine.
- Emmy Recognition: Nominated for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special and Variety Series.
Early Career and Digital Media
Virtel's journey began during college with an internship at The Advocate. After graduating and moving to Los Angeles in 2009, he established himself as a versatile writer for outlets including Hollywood Life and Movieline. By March 2011, he transitioned into television coverage for TVLine, where he provided recaps for the 11th season of The Apprentice and the 13th season of Big Brother.
Beyond writing, Virtel explored hosting and comedy. He hosted the Logo webseries Weeklings! and created Verbal Vogueing on his personal YouTube channel. His digital presence expanded in 2012 when he served as the West Coast entertainment editor for AfterElton (later rebranded as The Backlot) and hosted The Snap for the entertainment site HitFix. By 2014, he had entered the world of scripted television, writing for Billy on the Street.
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Game Show Appearances and Viral Notoriety
An avid trivia enthusiast, Virtel began competing on game shows in 2014. His first major success came on The Chase (Game Show Network), where he won $38,000 on January 28. In 2015, he appeared on Jeopardy!, following in the footsteps of his brother, Jim Virtel, who had competed in 2012.
While Virtel did not win his Jeopardy! game, he gained internet fame for a viral moment. After correctly answering a Daily Double clue about Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, Virtel performed an aggressive "snap" that became a widely shared GIF. Despite the fame, Virtel later expressed regret for not disclosing his sexual orientation during the episode, noting that visibility as a gay man could have provided comfort to LGBTQ adolescents in isolated areas. In 2022, LGBTQ Nation named him one of the seven most famous LGBTQ Jeopardy! contestants.
This viral moment led to a political controversy in January 2016 when the House Republican Conference used the "snap" GIF to promote their Snapchat coverage of the State of the Union address with the hashtag #SnapOfTheUnion. Virtel strongly denounced this use of his likeness via Twitter, a Slate interview, and a HitFix essay, stating that his expression of pride and self-possession did not align with the GOP's ideals.
Evolution into Late-Night and Award-Winning Writing
Following his game show appearances, Virtel continued to expand his portfolio. He wrote for the TV Land show Throwing Shade in 2017 and provided American Idol recaps for Vulture in 2018. He also contributed pieces to prestigious publications such as Time and Billboard.
Since 2018, Virtel has hosted the Crooked Media podcast Keep It!. After a period of co-hosting with Ira Madison III, who departed in July 2025, Virtel worked with various guest hosts until Nina Parker became the permanent co-host on July 8, 2026.
Virtel's career reached new heights through his work with Jimmy Kimmel Live!, where he serves as a writer and occasionally appears in the "Virtel It Like It Is" segment. His work with Kimmel extended to the 72nd Primetime Emmy Awards and the 95th and 96th Academy Awards. For the latter, he wrote a joke regarding actor Gérard Depardieu. His contributions to the show earned him a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series at the 78th awards.
In 2024, Virtel joined the writing team for Pop Culture Jeopardy! on Amazon Prime Video. This work earned him a win at the 77th Writers Guild of America Awards for Quiz and Audience Participation show. He also contributed as a writer for the 31st Screen Actors Guild Awards.
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Career Summary Table
| Period/Year | Role/Appearance | Organization/Program |
|---|---|---|
| 2009–2011 | Writer | Hollywood Life, Movieline, TVLine |
| 2012 | West Coast Entertainment Editor | AfterElton / The Backlot |
| 2014 | Contestant (Winner) | The Chase ($38,000) |
| 2015 | Contestant (Viral Moment) | Jeopardy! |
| 2018–Present | Host | Keep It! (Crooked Media) |
| 2026–Present | Writer / On-Air Talent | Jimmy Kimmel Live! |
| 2024 | Writer (WGA Award Winner) | Pop Culture Jeopardy! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much money did Virtel win on The Chase?
Virtel won $38,000 during his appearance on the Game Show Network program The Chase on January 28, 2014.
Why did Virtel go viral on Jeopardy!?
Virtel became a viral sensation after aggressively snapping his fingers following a correct answer to a Daily Double clue about Arthur Miller's play The Crucible.
What award did Virtel win for Pop Culture Jeopardy!?
Virtel won the award for Quiz and Audience Participation show at the 77th Writers Guild of America Awards for his work on the series.
Who is the current co-host of the Keep It! podcast?
As of July 8, 2026, television personality and fashion designer Nina Parker is the permanent co-host of Keep It!.
What is Virtel's role on Jimmy Kimmel Live!?
Virtel works as a writer for the show and occasionally appears in a segment titled "Virtel It Like It Is."