Wheel of Fortune (American game show)
Wheel of Fortune | |
---|---|
![]() | |
Also known as | Wheel |
Genre | Game show |
Created by | Merv Griffin |
Directed by |
|
Presented by | |
Announcer | |
Theme music composer |
|
Ending theme | "Changing Keys" |
Country of origin | United States |
Original language | English |
No. of seasons | 41 (syndicated) |
No. of episodes | over 8,000 |
Production | |
Executive producers |
|
Producers |
|
Production locations | |
Running time | approx. 22 minutes |
Production companies | |
Original release | |
Network | NBC |
Release | January 6, 1975 June 30, 1989 | –
Network | Syndication |
Release | September 19, 1983 present | –
Network | CBS |
Release | July 17, 1989 January 11, 1991 | –
Network | NBC |
Release | January 14 September 20, 1991 | –
Network | ABC (Celebrity Wheel of Fortune) |
Release | January 7, 2021 present | –
Related | |
Wheel 2000 Celebrity Wheel of Fortune |
Wheel of Fortune (often known simply as Wheel[b]) is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin. The show has aired continuously since January 1975. Contestants solve word puzzles, similar to those in hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel. The current version of the series, which airs in nightly syndication, premiered on September 19, 1983.
The original version of Wheel was a network daytime series that ran on NBC from January 6, 1975, to June 30, 1989, and subsequently aired on CBS from July 17, 1989, to January 11, 1991; it returned to NBC on January 14, 1991, and was cancelled that year, ending on September 20, 1991. The network daytime and syndicated nighttime versions aired concurrently from 1983 until the former's conclusion. The network version was originally hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. Woolery left in 1981, and was replaced by Pat Sajak. Sajak left the network version in January 1989 to host his own late-night talk show, while remaining as host of the nighttime Wheel. Sajak was replaced in the daytime by Rolf Benirschke, who was in turn replaced by Bob Goen when the network show moved to CBS. Goen remained as host for the second NBC run. Stafford left in 1982 and was replaced by Vanna White, who remained on the network show for the rest of its run. The show has also had four announcers in its history: Charlie O'Donnell, Jack Clark, M. G. Kelly, and Jim Thornton. Sajak retired from the show in June 2024; Ryan Seacrest is scheduled to replace Sajak beginning on September 9, 2024.
Wheel of Fortune ranks as the longest-running syndicated game show in the United States, with 8,000 episodes taped and aired as of June 7, 2024.[2] TV Guide named it the "top-rated syndicated series" in a 2008 article,[2] and in 2013, the magazine ranked it at No. 2 in its list of the 60 greatest game shows ever.[3] The program has also come to gain a worldwide following with 60 international adaptations. The syndicated series' 41st season premiered on September 11, 2023. With the show's 36th season in 2018, Sajak became the longest-running host of any game show, surpassing Bob Barker, who hosted The Price Is Right from 1972 to 2007.[4] Two spin-off versions exist as well. The first was Wheel 2000, a version featuring child contestants which aired simultaneously on CBS and Game Show Network between 1997 and 1998. This version's hosts were David Sidoni and Tanika Ray, the latter in the role of a CGI hostess named "Cyber Lucy". The second, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, began airing on ABC on January 7, 2021, and features celebrities playing a modified version of the game with winnings donated to charity.
Gameplay
[edit]Main game
[edit]Wheel of Fortune is based on hangman. In each round, three players compete to be the first to guess the answer to a word puzzle.[5] At the start of each round, the host reveals the category. In general, puzzles must be read exactly, except for crossword puzzles (which were added to the show in 2016) where the host gives a clue linking the words and contestants may give the words in any order, so long as all words are given without repeating or adding any.[6] The titular Wheel of Fortune is a roulette-style wheel with 24 wedges. Most are labeled with dollar amounts ranging from $500 to $900, with a top value in each round: $2,500 in round 1, $3,500 in rounds 2 and 3, and $5,000 for round 4 and any subsequent rounds. The wheel also features two Bankrupt wedges and one Lose a Turn wedge. Landing on either forfeits the contestant's turn, with the Bankrupt wedge also eliminating any cash or prizes the contestant has accumulated within the round.[7]
Most matches consist of three contestants, although some variants feature three teams of two people each. Contestants in control spin the wheel to determine a dollar value, then guess a consonant.[c] Landing on a dollar amount and calling a correct consonant results in the hostess revealing every instance of that letter, also awarding the value of the spin multiplied by the number of times the letter appears in the puzzle.[9] After a correct consonant, a contestant is able to spin again, buy a vowel for a flat rate of $250 (until no more remain in the puzzle), or attempt to solve the puzzle.[7] Control passes to the next contestant clockwise if the contestant lands on Lose a Turn or Bankrupt, calls a letter not in the puzzle, calls a letter already called in that round, attempts unsuccessfully to solve the puzzle, or takes too much time to call a letter or decide on their next action.
Each game also features five toss-up puzzles, in which one random letter is revealed at a time; the first contestant to ring in with the right answer wins a cash bonus. The first, worth $1,000, determines the order of the pre-game interviews conducted by the host. The second, worth $2,000, determines who spins first in round one. The third through fifth, collectively the "Triple Toss-Up", take place prior to the fourth round. The Triple Toss-Up consists of three consecutive puzzles, each with the same category and a common theme. Solving any awards $2,000, while solving the third also earns the right to start the fourth round. Beginning in 2021, an additional $4,000 is awarded for a total of $10,000 if the same contestant solves all three.[10] Contestants may only ring in once for each toss-up puzzle, and no cash is awarded if all three fail to solve; if this occurs, then the contestant closest to the host controls the next portion of the game. In addition to the toss-ups, each game has a minimum of four rounds, with more played if time permits.[9] Rounds 2 and 3 are respectively started by the next two contestants clockwise from the contestant who began round 1.
In the first three rounds, the wheel also contains a Wild Card over a selected wedge. If this is claimed by calling a correct letter, the contestant may use it after a correct consonant to call a second consonant for the same value as the present spin, or take it to the bonus round. There is also a special wedge which offers a pre-determined prize, typically a trip or credit to a company. Both also offer $500 per correct letter. The first three rounds also contain a special wedge known as the "Million Dollar Wedge", in which, if won and taken to the bonus round, offers an opportunity to play for $1,000,000. A contestant must solve the puzzle in order to keep any cash, prizes, or extras accumulated during that round except for the Wild Card. Bankrupt does not affect score from previous rounds or prizes from previous rounds, but it takes away the Wild Card and/or the Million Dollar Wedge if either was claimed in a previous round.[11] Contestants who solve a round for less than $1,000 in cash and prizes ($2,000 on weeks with two-contestant teams) have their scores increased to that amount.
Round 2 features two "Mystery Wedges". Calling a correct letter on one offers the chance to accept its face value of $1,000 per letter, or forfeit that to flip over the wedge and see whether its reverse side contains a $10,000 cash prize or Bankrupt. Once one is flipped over, the other becomes a standard $1,000 space and cannot be flipped. Round 3 is a Prize Puzzle, which offers a prize (usually a trip) to the contestant who solves. Since 2013, this round also has an "Express" wedge. A contestant who lands on this space and calls a correct consonant receives $1,000 per appearance. The contestant can then either "pass" and continue the round normally, or "play" and keep calling consonants for $1,000 each (without spinning) and buying vowels for $250. If the contestant calls an incorrect letter, runs out of time during the Express, or solves the puzzle incorrectly, it is treated as a Bankrupt.[12]
The final round of every game is always played at least in part as a "speed-up". At this point, the contestant who is in control of the wheel spins one last time (known as the "final spin"). Prior to Season 39, the host performed the final spin.[d] When the final spin lands on a dollar amount, that amount has $1,000 added to create the value of a consonant for the rest of the game, and vowels are free. If the final spin lands on anything that is not a dollar amount, another one is performed until one lands on a dollar amount.[13] The contestant in control calls a letter. If the letter appears in the puzzle, the hostess reveals all instances of the letter and the contestant has three seconds to attempt solving once the hostess moves to the side of the board. If the three-second time limit expires, control passes to the next contestant and gameplay continues in this fashion until the puzzle is solved.
After the speed-up round, the contestant with the highest total winnings wins the game and advances to the bonus round. Contestants who did not solve any puzzles are awarded a consolation prize of $1,000 (or $2,000 on weeks with two-contestant teams). If a tie for first place occurs after the speed-up, an additional toss-up puzzle is played between the tied contestants. The contestant who solves the toss-up puzzle wins $1,000 and advances to the bonus round.[14]
Bonus round
[edit]Since 2017, the winning contestant chooses one of three puzzle categories before the round begins (prior to 2017, the category and puzzle were predetermined). After doing so, the contestant spins a smaller wheel with 24 envelopes to determine the prize. The puzzle is revealed, as is every instance of the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E. The contestant provides three more consonants and one more vowel, plus a fourth consonant if he or she has the Wild Card. After any instances of those letters are revealed, the contestant has 10 seconds to solve the puzzle; he or she may make multiple guesses, as long as the entire answer is started before time expires. Whether or not the contestant solves the puzzle, the host opens the envelope at the end of the round to reveal the prize at stake. Prizes in the bonus round include various cash amounts ranging from $40,000 to $100,000 as well as a vehicle.
If the contestant has the Million Dollar Wedge, the $100,000 envelope is replaced with a $1,000,000 envelope.[15] The $1,000,000 prize has been awarded three times to contestants, and one time to a celebrity, for a total of four Million Dollar winners. It was won by Michelle Loewenstein (Regular version; October 14, 2008),[16] Autumn Erhard (Regular version; May 30, 2013),[17] Sarah Manchester (Regular version; September 17, 2014),[18] and Melissa Joan Hart (Youth Villages) (Celebrity Wheel of Fortune; October 17, 2021).[19] In the regular version, contestants who win the $1,000,000 may receive it in installments over 20 years, or in a lump sum of that amount's present value.[20]
Previous rules
[edit]Originally, after winning a round, contestants used their winnings to purchases prizes in showcases that were presented onstage, referred to as a "shopping round". At any time during a shopping round, a contestant could choose to put his or her winnings either on a gift certificate or "on account" for use in a later shopping round.[21] Money put "on account" was lost if the contestant hit Bankrupt or failed to solve another puzzle.[7] The shopping element was eliminated from the syndicated version on the episode that aired October 5, 1987,[22] both to speed up gameplay and to alleviate the taxes paid by contestants.[9] However, the network version continued to use shopping until the end of its first NBC run on June 30, 1989.[23]
Before the introduction of toss-up puzzles in 2000,[24] the contestant at the red arrow always started the first round, with the next contestant clockwise starting each subsequent round.[25] In addition, ties for first place were broken by another speed-up round. If a tie for first place occurred on the daytime version, all three players returned to continue the game on the next episode, and it counted as a single appearance.[26] The wheel formerly featured a Free Spin wedge, which automatically awarded a token that the contestant could turn in after a lost turn to keep control of the wheel.[27] It was replaced in 1989 with a single Free Spin token placed over a selected cash wedge. Free Spin was retired in 2009. From 2009 to 2021, it was replaced by Free Play, a wedge that allowed a contestant to call any consonant or a free vowel, with no penalty if the letter was not in the puzzle or had already been called in the round.[28]
Between September 16, 1996[29] and 2013, the show featured a progressive Jackpot wedge, which had been in several different rounds in its history.[e] The jackpot began at $5,000 and had the value of every spin within the round added to it. To claim the jackpot, a contestant had to land on the wedge, call a correct letter, and solve the puzzle all in the same turn. In later years, it also offered $500 per correct letter and $500 to the jackpot, regardless of whether or not it was won in that turn.
The network version allowed champions to appear for up to five days originally, which was later reduced to three. The syndicated version, which originally retired contestants after one episode, adopted the three-day champion rule in 1989.[32] In 1996, this was changed to have the top three winners from the week's first four shows return to compete in the "Friday Finals". When the jackpot wedge was introduced, it began at $10,000 instead of $5,000 on Fridays. The rules allowing returning champions were eliminated permanently beginning with the syndicated episode aired September 21, 1998, and contestants appear only on a single episode, reverting to the pre-1989 rules.[33] The Friday Finals are occasionally used for special themed weeks, such as in nighttime season 40, using teams consisting of contestants and members of World Wrestling Entertainment as part of WrestleMania XXXIII.[34]
Before December 1981, the show did not feature a bonus round.[7] However, two experimental bonus rounds were attempted before then. In 1978, some episodes featured a round known as the "Star Bonus", where a star-shaped token was placed on the wheel. Contestants who picked up the token played an additional round at the end of the game to win one of four prizes, whose value determined the difficulty of the puzzle. The contestant provided four consonants and a vowel, and was given 15 seconds to attempt solving.[35] In one week of episodes airing in March 1980, contestants who won the main game were given 30 seconds to attempt solving a puzzle for a chance to win a luxury automobile, in a week called "Super Wheel Bonus Week".[36] When the current bonus round was introduced in 1981, no letters were provided automatically. The contestant asked for five consonants and a vowel, and then had fifteen seconds to attempt solving the puzzle. Also, bonus prizes were selected by the contestant at the start of the round.[37] The current time limit and rules for letter selection were introduced on October 3, 1988.[38] In the nighttime version, from season 7 to season 19 (September 4, 1989 to October 19, 2001), bonus prizes were selected by the contestant choosing from one of five envelopes labeled W, H, E, E, and L. One prize was always $25,000 in cash, and the rest were changed weekly. Any prize that was won was taken out of rotation for the rest of the week.[32] From 1998 to 2001, the $25,000 remained in-place for each episode during the entire week, regardless if it was won. In 2001, three car envelopes and two $25,000 envelopes were available the entire week of shows.[39] The five-envelope format was replaced by the current bonus wheel on October 22, 2001. From season 19 to 31, the minimum cash value was $25,000.[40] In seasons 32 to 40, the minimum was $1,000 multiplied by the season number.
Conception and development
[edit]Merv Griffin conceived Wheel of Fortune using inspiration from hangman, which he would play with his sister on family road trips. After he discussed the idea with Merv Griffin Enterprises' staff, they thought that the idea would work as a game show if it had a "hook". He decided to add a roulette-style wheel because he was always "drawn to" such wheels when he saw them in casinos. He and Merv Griffin Enterprises' then-president Murray Schwartz consulted an executive of Caesars Palace to find out how to build such a wheel.[41]
When Griffin pitched the idea for the show to Lin Bolen, then the head of NBC's daytime programming division, she approved, but wanted the show to have more glamour to attract the female audience. She suggested that Griffin incorporate a shopping element into the gameplay, and so, in 1973, he created a pilot episode titled Shopper's Bazaar, with Chuck Woolery as host and Mike Lawrence as announcer. The pilot started with the three contestants being introduced individually, with Lawrence describing the prizes that they chose to play for. The main game was played to four rounds, with the values on the wheel wedges increasing after the second round. Unlike the show it evolved into, Shopper's Bazaar had a vertically mounted wheel,[42] which was spun automatically rather than by the contestants. This wheel lacked the Bankrupt wedge and featured a wedge where a contestant could call a vowel for free, as well as a "Your Own Clue" wedge that allowed contestants to pick up a rotary telephone and hear a private clue about the puzzle. At the end of the game, the highest-scoring contestant played a bonus round called the "Shopper's Special" where all the vowels in the puzzle were already there, and the contestant had 30 seconds to call out consonants in the puzzle.
Edd Byrnes, an actor from 77 Sunset Strip, served as host for the second and third pilots, both titled Wheel of Fortune.[43] These pilots were directed by Marty Pasetta, who gave the show an aesthetic that more closely resembled the look and feel that the actual show ended up having, a wheel that was now spun by the contestants themselves, and a lighted mechanical puzzle board with letters that were now manually turnable. Showcase prizes on these pilots were located behind the puzzle board, and during shopping segments a list of prizes and their price values scrolled on the right of the screen. By the time production began in December 1974, Woolery was selected to host, the choice being made by Griffin after he reportedly heard Byrnes reciting "A-E-I-O-U" to himself in an effort to remember the vowels.[43] Susan Stafford turned the letters on Byrnes' pilot episodes, a role that she also held when the show was picked up as a series.[41][44]
Personnel
[edit]-
Chuck Woolery was the original host of the daytime version of Wheel of Fortune, holding this position from 1975 to 1981.
-
Pat Sajak has hosted the nighttime version of the show from 1983 to 2024 and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune since 2021; he also hosted the daytime version from 1981 to 1989.
-
Rolf Benirschke took over hosting duties on the daytime version in January 1989.
-
Bob Goen hosted the daytime version from mid-1989 until its cancellation in 1991.
-
Ryan Seacrest will replace Pat Sajak as the host of Wheel of Fortune beginning with its 42nd syndicated season in 2024.
Hosts and hostesses
[edit]The original host of Wheel of Fortune was Chuck Woolery, who hosted the series from its 1975 premiere until December 25, 1981, save for one week in August 1980 when Alex Trebek hosted in his place.[7][45] Woolery's departure came over a salary dispute with show creator Merv Griffin, and his contract was not renewed.[9] On December 28, 1981, Pat Sajak made his debut as the host of Wheel.[46] Griffin said that he chose Sajak for his "odd" sense of humor. NBC president and CEO Fred Silverman objected as he felt Sajak, who at the time of his hiring was the weatherman for KNBC, was "too local" for a national audience. Griffin countered by telling Silverman he would stop production if Sajak was not allowed to become host, and Silverman acquiesced.[47]
Sajak hosted the daytime series until January 9, 1989, when he left to host a late-night talk show for CBS. The show's producers auditioned a number of potential successors upon his departure. These potential replacements included Michael Reagan, John Davidson, Bert Convy, and Tim Brando.[48] Rolf Benirschke, a former placekicker in the National Football League, was chosen as his replacement and hosted for a little more than five months. Benirschke's term as host came to an end due to NBC's cancellation of the daytime Wheel after fourteen years, with its final episode airing on June 30, 1989.[7] When the newly formatted daytime series returned on CBS on July 17, 1989, Bob Goen became its host. The daytime program continued for a year and a half on CBS, then returned to NBC on January 14, 1991, and continued until September 20, 1991, when it was cancelled for a second and final time.[7]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6f/Vanna_White_and_Pat_Sajak%2C_2006_edit.jpg/220px-Vanna_White_and_Pat_Sajak%2C_2006_edit.jpg)
Susan Stafford was the original hostess, serving in that role from the premiere until October 1982. Stafford was absent for two extended periods, once in 1977 after fracturing two vertebrae in her back and once in 1979 after an automobile accident.[7][49] During these two extended absences, former Miss USA Summer Bartholomew was Stafford's most frequent substitute, with model Cynthia Washington and comedian Arte Johnson also filling in for Stafford.[50]
After Stafford left to become a humanitarian worker,[41] over two hundred applicants signed up for a nationwide search to be her replacement.[51] Griffin eventually narrowed the list to three finalists, which consisted of Summer Bartholomew, former Playboy centerfold Vicki McCarty, and Vanna White.[52] Griffin gave each of the three women an opportunity to win the job by putting them in a rotation for several weeks after Stafford's departure.[9] In December 1982, Griffin named White as Stafford's successor, saying that he felt she was capable of activating the puzzle board letters (which is the primary role of the Wheel hostess) better than anyone else who had auditioned.[53] White became highly popular among the young female demographic,[54] and also gained a fanbase of adults interested in her daily wardrobe, in a phenomenon that has been referred to as "Vannamania".[51] White also hosted the daytime version until its cancellation in 1991, except for one week in June 1986 when Stafford returned so that White could recover after her fiancé, John Gibson, died in a plane crash.[55][56]
Sajak and White have starred on the syndicated version continuously as host and hostess, respectively, since it began, except for very limited occasions. During two weeks in January 1991, Tricia Gist, the girlfriend and future wife of Griffin's son Tony, filled in for White when she and her new husband, restaurateur George San Pietro, were honeymooning.[57] Gist returned for the week of episodes airing March 11 through 15, 1991, because White had a cold at the time of taping.[58] On an episode in November 1996, when Sajak proved unable to host the bonus round segment because of laryngitis, he and White traded places for that segment.[59][60] On the March 4, 1997 episode, Rosie O'Donnell co-hosted the third round with White after O'Donnell's name was used in a puzzle.[61]
On April 1, 1997, Sajak and Alex Trebek traded jobs for the day. Sajak hosted that day's edition of Jeopardy! in place of Trebek.[62] Trebek presided over a special two-contestant Wheel celebrity match between Sajak and White, who were playing for the Boy Scouts of America and the American Cancer Society, respectively.[63] Lesly Sajak, Pat's wife, was the guest hostess for the day.[62] In January and February 2011, the show held a "Vanna for a Day" contest in which home viewers submitted video auditions to take White's place for one episode, with the winner determined by a poll on the show's website.[64] The winner of this contest, Katie Cantrell of Wooster, Ohio (a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design),[65] took White's place for the second and third rounds on the episode that aired March 24, 2011.
In November 2019, three weeks of episodes were taped with White hosting in Sajak's place while he recovered from intestinal surgery.[66] During her time as hostess, several guests appeared at the puzzle board, including costumed performers of Mickey and Minnie Mouse (during the Secret Santa shows)[67] and Maggie Sajak (Sajak's daughter).[68][69][70] Maggie joined the show as a special correspondent, making appearances similar to the "Clue Crew" on companion program Jeopardy!, in September 2021.[10]
On June 12, 2023, Sajak announced he would be leaving Wheel at the end of the 41st season.[71] A few weeks later, Ryan Seacrest was announced to be the new host, starting in September 2024. Seacrest further stated that he looked forward to working alongside White.[72] On September 19, 2023, Sony announced that White had extended her contract for additional two years to continue as co-host through the 2025–26 season.[73] White was absent from the week of episodes airing October 2 through 6 due to her testing positive for COVID-19; taking her place for these episodes was schoolteacher Bridgette Donald-Blue, who was named Teacher of the Year for 2023 by the California Teachers Association.[74] Sajak's final episode aired on June 7, 2024.[75] It was announced on July 11, 2024, that because of American Idol auditions likely to occur that will take up Ryan Seacrest's time, Sajak will host the upcoming celebrity season on ABC.[76]
Announcers
[edit]Charlie O'Donnell was the program's first and longest tenured announcer. In 1980, NBC was discussing cancelling Wheel and O'Donnell agreed to take the position as announcer on The Toni Tennille Show. The network decided against the cancellation but O'Donnell decided to honor his commitment and left the series.[77] His replacement was Jack Clark, who added the syndicated series to his responsibilities when it premiered in 1983 and announced for both series until his death in July 1988.[78] Los Angeles radio personality M. G. Kelly was Clark's replacement, starting on the daytime series in August 1988 and on the syndicated series a month later.[79] Kelly held these positions until O'Donnell was able to return to the announcer position, doing so after his duties with Barris Industries came to an end at the end in 1989.[7] O'Donnell remained with the series until shortly before his death in November 2010.[80] Don Pardo, Don Morrow, and Johnny Gilbert have occasionally served as substitute announcers.[7]
After O'Donnell's death, the producers sought a permanent replacement, and a series of substitutes announced, including Gilbert, John Cramer, Joe Cipriano, Rich Fields, Lora Cain, and Jim Thornton. In 2011, Thornton was chosen to be the show's fourth announcer.[81] In season 39, Thornton appeared on-camera at the start of every episode.[10]
Production staff
[edit]Wheel of Fortune typically employs a total of 100 in-house production personnel, with 60 to 100 local staff joining them for those episodes that are taped on location.[82] Griffin was the executive producer of the network version throughout its entire run, and served as the syndicated version's executive producer until his retirement in 2000. Since 1999, the title of executive producer has been held by Harry Friedman, who had shared his title with Griffin for his first year,[83] and had earlier served as a producer starting in 1995.[1]
On August 1, 2019, Sony Pictures Television announced that Friedman would retire as executive producer of both Wheel and Jeopardy! at the end of the 2019–20 season.[84] On August 29, 2019, Sony Pictures Television announced that Mike Richards would replace Friedman at the start of 2020–21 season.[85] Following Richards' earlier resignation as permanent host of Jeopardy!, he was fired on August 31, 2021, from his executive producer position at both Jeopardy! and Wheel. A Sony memo indicated that Michael Davies from Embassy Row would serve as interim executive producer of both Wheel and Jeopardy!; however, Davies was not credited on any episodes of Wheel, and Deadline subsequently reported that supervising producer Steve Schwartz oversaw the balance of the show's 39th season.[86][83][87] Sajak was named a consulting producer in September 2021.[10] On March 23, 2022, Bellamie Blackstone was announced to be a permanent executive producer for Wheel, with Schwartz getting promoted to co-executive producer.[87]
John Rhinehart was the program's first producer, but departed in August 1976 to become NBC's West Coast Daytime Program Development Director. Afterwards, his co-producer, Nancy Jones, was promoted to sole producer, and served as such until 1995, when Friedman succeeded her.[1] In 1997, Karen Griffith and Steve Schwartz joined Friedman as producers. They were later promoted to supervising producers, with Amanda Stern occupying Griffith's and Schwartz's former position.[83]
The show's original director was Jeff Goldstein, who was succeeded by Dick Carson (a brother of Johnny Carson) in 1978.[7] Mark Corwin, who had served as associate director under Carson, took over for him upon his retirement at the end of the 1998–99 season, and served as such until he himself died in July 2013 (although episodes already taped before his death continued airing until late 2013).[88] Jeopardy! director Kevin McCarthy,[89] Corwin's associate director Bob Cisneros,[90] and Wheel and Jeopardy! technical director Robert Ennis filled in at various points,[91] until Cisneros became full-time director in November 2013.[92] Ennis returned as guest director for the weeks airing October 13 through 17 and November 17 through 21, 2014, as Cisneros was recovering from neck surgery at the time of taping.[93][94] On September 14, 2015, Ennis was promoted to full-time director.[95] Ennis retired at the end of the 2022–23 season and was replaced by Alex Van Wagner.[73]
Production
[edit]Wheel of Fortune is owned by Sony Pictures Television (previously known as Columbia TriStar Television, the successor company to original producer Merv Griffin Enterprises).[96] The production company and copyright holder of all episodes to date is Califon Productions, Inc., which like SPT has Sony Pictures for its active registered agent, and whose name comes from a New Jersey town where Griffin once owned a farm.[97] The rights to distribute the show worldwide are owned by CBS Media Ventures, into which original distributor King World Productions was folded in 2007.[98]
Wheel of Fortune originally taped at NBC Studios in Burbank.[99] The first fourteen years of the daytime series, as well as the first six of the syndicated series, emanated from Studio 4.
At the conclusion of the 1988–89 television season, which saw NBC drop the daytime series from its lineup, Wheel left Burbank and production moved to CBS Television City in Los Angeles. Both the nightly series and a relaunched daytime series taped in Studio 33 upon the move. The daytime series remained in production until 1991, by which point it had returned to NBC, while continuing to tape at Television City, the syndicated series remained there until 1995.[100] After that, the show moved to its current home at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City, where it occupies Stage 11.[101] Some episodes are also recorded on location, a tradition which began with two weeks of episodes taped at Radio City Music Hall in late 1988.[102] Recording sessions usually last for five or six episodes in one day.[82]
Set
[edit]![A screen shot of Wheel of Fortune, showing the entirety of the show's set](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/46/Wheel_set.jpg/220px-Wheel_set.jpg)
![A screen shot of Wheel of Fortune, showing the puzzle board displaying the words "baked potato with sour cream & chives"](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/5/52/Wheel_puzzle_board.jpg/220px-Wheel_puzzle_board.jpg)
Various changes have been made to the basic set since the syndicated version's premiere in 1983. In 1997, a large video display was added center stage, which was then upgraded in 2003 as the show began the transition into high-definition broadcasting. In the mid-1990s, the show began a long-standing tradition of nearly every week coming with its own unique theme. As a result, in addition to its generic design, the set also uses many alternate designs, which are unique to specific weekly sets of themed programs. The most recent set design was conceived by production designer Renee Hoss-Johnson, with later modifications by Jody Vaclav.[103] Previous set designers included Ed Flesh[104] and Dick Stiles.[103]
Shopper's Bazaar used a vertically mounted wheel which was often difficult to see on-screen. Ed Flesh, who also designed the sets for The $25,000 Pyramid and Jeopardy!, redesigned the wheel mechanism, in which the wheel lays flat while a camera zooms in from above.[105] The first incarnation of the wheel was mostly made of paint and cardboard, and has since seen multiple design changes.[104] Until the mid-1990s, the wheel spun automatically during the opening and closing of the show. The current incarnation, in use since 2003, is framed on a steel tube surrounded by Plexiglas panels and contains more than 200 lighting instruments. It is held by a stainless steel shaft with roller bearings. Altogether, the wheel weighs approximately 2,400 pounds (1,100 kg).[82] The wheel, including its light extensions, is 16.5 ft (5.0 m) in diameter.[106]
The show's original puzzle board had three rows of 13 manually operated trilons, for a total of 39 spaces. On December 21, 1981, a larger board with 48 trilons in four rows (11, 13, 13, and 11 trilons) was adopted. This board was surrounded by a double-arched border of lights which flashed at the beginning and end of the round. Each trilon had three sides: a green side to represent spaces not used by the puzzle, a blank side to indicate a letter that had not been revealed, and a side with a letter on it.[25] While the viewer saw a seamless transition to the next puzzle, with these older boards in segments where more than one puzzle was present, a stop-down of taping took place during which the board was wheeled offstage and the new puzzle loaded in by hand out of sight of the contestants. On February 24, 1997, the show introduced a computerized puzzle board composed of 52 touch-activated monitors in four rows (12 on the top and bottom rows, 14 in the middle two).[82] During regular gameplay, when a contestant chose a letter that is in the puzzle, the monitors at those positions became illuminated and the hostess touched the right edge of each one to reveal the letter.[107] The puzzle board was refurbished for season 40 in 2022, replacing the individual monitors for each letter with a singular video board, and using lidar sensors for touch input.[108]
Although not typically seen by viewers, the set also includes a used letter board that shows contestants which letters are remaining in play, a scoreboard that is visible from the contestants' perspective, and a countdown clock.[109][110] The used letter board is also used during the bonus round, and in at least one case, helped the contestant to see unused letters to solve a difficult puzzle.[111]
COVID-19 accommodations
[edit]In March 2020, Sony suspended production of the show due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In August 2020, taping resumed with new safety measures. These new episodes began airing September 14, 2020.[112] When production began again after shutting down, new episodes taped without studio audiences with only essential staff and crew allowed onstage.[113]
At tapings during that time, personal protective equipment was provided to everyone off-camera and behind the scenes.[113] All staff and crew underwent testing on a regular basis, while contestants were tested before they stepped onto the set.[113] Additionally, social distancing measures were enforced both on the set and off stage, and Sajak's and the players' podiums were widened to allow for greater physical distance between contestants during gameplay. Contestants spun the wheel with a white flat bicycle handlebar grip to fit over the wheel's pegs so they did not have to touch the wheel directly, and no longer handed lost prizes back to the host, instead placing them in a receptacle behind their podium.[114]
In July 2022, the show's producers announced that live studios in-person audiences would return for season 40.[115] At the start of season 40, most other COVID era protocols had also been lifted, with the contestants standing closer together, no longer using the grips to spin the wheel, and Sajak walking up and down the podium to shake hands/hug contestants at the end of the game.
Music
[edit]Alan Thicke composed the show's original theme, which was titled "Big Wheels". In 1983, it was replaced by Griffin's own composition, "Changing Keys",[116] to allow him to derive royalties from that composition's use on both the network and syndicated versions. Steve Kaplan became music director starting in 1997, and continued to serve as such until he was killed when the Cessna 421C Golden Eagle he was piloting crashed into a home in Claremont, California, in December 2003.[117] His initial theme was a remix of "Changing Keys", but by 2000, he replaced it with a composition of his own, which was titled "Happy Wheels".[118] Since 2006, music direction has been handled by Frankie Blue and John Hoke.[103] Themes they have written for the show include a remix of "Happy Wheels" and an original rock-based composition.[118] A rearranged version of "Changing Keys" composed by Hoke and performed by Bleeding Fingers Music has been used as the main theme music starting in 2021.[119]
In addition to "Changing Keys", Griffin also composed various incidental music cues for the syndicated version which were used for announcements of prizes in the show's early years. Among them were "Frisco Disco" (earlier the closing theme for a revival of Jeopardy! which aired in 1978 and 1979),[120] "A Time for Tony" (whose basic melody evolved into "Think!", the longtime theme song for Jeopardy!),[121] "Buzzword" (later used as the theme for Merv Griffin's Crosswords), "Nightwalk", "Struttin' on Sunset", and an untitled vacation cue.[118]
Audition process
[edit]![A yellow Winnebago recreational vehicle. Visible on its body is the text "Wheel of Fortune, America's game", as well as photos of Pat Sajak and Vanna White](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/be/Wheel_of_Fortune%27s_Wheelmobile.jpg/220px-Wheel_of_Fortune%27s_Wheelmobile.jpg)
![Marty Lublin interviewing a woman on a small stage. Three other women and a roulette-style wheel are also visible on the stage](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Wheel_of_Fortune%2C_Morongo.jpg/220px-Wheel_of_Fortune%2C_Morongo.jpg)
Anyone at least 18 years old has the potential to become a contestant through Wheel of Fortune's audition process. Exceptions include employees and immediate family members of Paramount Global, Sony Pictures Entertainment, or any of their respective affiliates or subsidiaries; any firm involved in supplying prizes for the show; and television stations that broadcast Wheel and/or Jeopardy!, their sister radio stations or newspapers (if any), and those advertising agencies that are affiliated with them. Also ineligible to apply as contestants are individuals who have appeared on a different game show within the previous year, three other game shows within the past ten years, or on any version of Wheel of Fortune itself, including the 1997–98 children's version, Wheel 2000.[122]
Throughout the year, the show uses a custom-designed Winnebago recreational vehicle called the "Wheelmobile" to travel across the United States, holding open auditions at various public venues. Participants are provided with entry forms which are then drawn randomly. Individuals whose names are drawn appear on stage, five at a time, and are interviewed by traveling host Marty Lublin. The group of five then plays a mock version of the speed-up round, and five more names are selected after a puzzle is solved. Everyone who is called onstage receives a themed prize, usually determined by the spin of a miniature wheel. Auditions typically last two days, with three one-hour segments per day.[123] After each Wheelmobile event, the "most promising candidates" are invited back to the city in which the first audition was held, to participate in a second audition. Alternatively, a participant may submit an audition form with a self-shot video through the show's website to enter an audition. Contestants not appearing on stage at Wheelmobile events have their applications retained and get drawn at random to fill second-level audition vacancies. At the second audition, potential contestants play more mock games featuring a miniature wheel and puzzle board, followed by a 16-puzzle test with some letters revealed. The contestants have five minutes to solve as many puzzles as they can by writing in the correct letters. The people who pass continue the audition, playing more mock games which are followed by interviews.[124][125]
Since the show's hiatus due to COVID-19 ended, all auditions have been conducted online.[126]
Broadcast history
[edit]Wheel of Fortune premiered on January 6, 1975, at 10:30 am (9:30 Central) on NBC. Lin Bolen, then the head of daytime programming, purchased the show from Griffin to compensate him for canceling the original Jeopardy! series, which had one year remaining on its contract. Jeopardy! aired its final episode on the Friday before Wheel's premiere. The original Wheel aired on NBC, in varying time slots between 10:30 am and noon, until June 30, 1989. Throughout that version's run, episodes were generally 30 minutes in length, except for six weeks of shows aired between December 1975 and January 1976 which were 60 minutes in length. NBC announced the cancellation of the show in August 1980, but it stayed on the air following a decision to cut the duration of The David Letterman Show from 90 to 60 minutes.[77] The network Wheel moved to CBS on July 17, 1989, and remained there until January 11, 1991.[7] After that, it briefly returned to NBC, replacing Let's Make a Deal,[127] but was canceled permanently on September 20 of that year.[7]
The daily syndicated nighttime version of Wheel premiered on September 19, 1983. From its debut, the syndicated version offered a larger prize budget than its network counterpart.[46] The show came from humble beginnings: King World chairmen Roger, Michael, and Robert King could initially find only 50 stations that were willing to carry the show, and since they could not find affiliates for the syndicated Wheel in New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago, Philadelphia was the largest market in which the show could succeed in its early days. Only nine stations carried the show from its beginning,[128] but by midseason it was airing on all 50 of the stations that were initially willing to carry it, and by the beginning of 1984 the show was available to 99 percent of television households. Soon, Wheel succeeded Family Feud as the highest-rated syndicated show,[7] and at the beginning of the 1984–85 season, Griffin followed up on the show's success by launching a syndicated revival of Jeopardy!, hosted by Alex Trebek.[129] The syndicated success of Wheel and Jeopardy! siphoned ratings from the period's three longest-running and most popular game shows, Tic-Tac-Dough, The Joker's Wild, and Family Feud, to the point that all three series came to an end by the fall of 1986. At this point, Wheel had the highest ratings of any syndicated television series in history,[46] and at the peak of the show's popularity, over 40 million people were watching five nights per week. The series, along with companion series Jeopardy!, remained the most-watched syndicated program in the United States until dethroned by Judge Judy in 2011.[130] The program has become America's longest-running syndicated game show and its second-longest in either network or syndication, second to the version of The Price Is Right which began airing in 1972. In 1992, the show began airing on most of the owned-and-operated stations for ABC, currently known as the ABC Owned Television Stations.[131] The syndicated Wheel has become part of the consciousness of over 90 million Americans, and awarded a total of over $200 million in cash and prizes to contestants.[82] In most TV markets, Wheel airs on the same station as Jeopardy! with many affiliates airing the two shows back-to-back. Like Jeopardy!, Wheel airs internationally on the American Forces Network and Canada's Yes TV, NTV, and CHEK-DT.[132]
The popularity of Wheel of Fortune has led it to become a worldwide franchise, with over forty known adaptations in international markets outside the United States.[82] Versions of the show have existed in such countries as Australia,[133] Brazil,[134] Denmark,[135] France,[136] Germany,[137] Italy,[138] Malaysia,[139] New Zealand,[140] the Philippines,[141] Poland,[142] Russia,[143] Spain,[144] the United Kingdom, and Vietnam.[145] The American version of Wheel has honored its international variants with an occasional theme of special weeks known as "Wheel Around the World", the inaugural episode of which aired when the 23rd syndicated season premiered on September 12, 2005.[146]
Between September 1997 and January 1998, CBS and Game Show Network concurrently aired a special children's version of the show titled Wheel 2000. It was hosted by David Sidoni, with Tanika Ray providing voice and motion capture for a CGI hostess named "Cyber Lucy".[147] Created by Scott Sternberg,[147] the spin-off featured special gameplay in which numerous rules were changed. For example, the show's child contestants competed for points and prizes instead of cash, with the eventual winner playing for a grand prize in the bonus round.[148]
Celebrity Wheel of Fortune
[edit]In November 2020, ABC ordered a prime time spin-off show, Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, with Sajak and White as hosts and initially with Richards as executive producer,[149] which premiered on January 7, 2021.[150] Each hour-long episode consists of two complete games; in addition to tossups and the bonus round, the first game has three regular rounds, while the second has at least three regular rounds, with the last round a speed-up round. Scores are reset between games, and celebrities' charities are guaranteed a minimum of $30,000. Game play proceeds as in regular games with three notable changes. First, a bonus cash prize is awarded in every regular round: $5,000 in Round 1, $10,000 in Round 2, and $20,000 in Round 3 (and subsequent rounds in the second game). Second, there are four Million Dollar Wedges that occupy a full space (on the regular game, it occupies the central third of a space with the other two thirds as Bankrupt spaces); if a player lands on one when they already hold one, it counts as a $1,000 space. Third, the bonus round features four $100,000 spaces, and a minimum of $25,000; a Million Dollar Wedge replaces one of the four $100,000 spaces with a $1,000,000 space. Original airings of the show feature giveaways to home viewers in certain rounds, most notably $10,000 in the second round of each game and a vacation package in the third round of the first game starting in the third season.
In May 2021, ABC renewed Celebrity Wheel of Fortune for a second season,[151] which premiered on September 26, 2021.[152] In May 2022, ABC renewed Celebrity Wheel of Fortune for a third season,[153] which premiered on September 25, 2022.[154] In May 2023, ABC renewed Celebrity Wheel of Fortune for a fourth season which premiered on September 27, 2023[155] by which point Blackstone had taken over as executive producer.[156] In July 2023, White had signed a new deal to return as hostess of the show.[157] In May 2024, ABC renewed the series for a fifth season, which will premiere on October 7, 2024.[158][159]
Reception
[edit]Wheel of Fortune has long been one of the highest-rated programs on U.S. syndicated television. It was the highest-rated show in all of syndication before it was dethroned by Two and a Half Men in 2010.[160][161] The syndicated Wheel shared the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show with Jeopardy! in 2011, and Sajak won three Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Game Show Host—in 1993, 1997, and 1998. In a 2001 issue, TV Guide ranked Wheel number 25 among the 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time,[162] and in 2013, the magazine ranked it number 2 in its list of the 60 greatest game shows ever, second only to Jeopardy![3] In August 2006, the show was ranked number 6 on GSN's list of the 50 Greatest Game Shows.[163]
Wheel was the subject of many nominations in GSN's Game Show Awards special, which aired on June 6, 2009.[164] The show was nominated for Best Game Show, but lost to Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?. Sajak and White were nominated for Best Game Show Host, but lost to Deal or No Deal's Howie Mandel; and O'Donnell was considered for Best Announcer but lost to Rich Fields from The Price Is Right (Fields later was a Wheel substitute announcer after O'Donnell's death). One of the catchphrases uttered by contestants, "I'd like to buy a vowel", was considered for Favorite Game Show Catch Phrase, but lost to "Come on down!", the announcer's catchphrase welcoming new contestants to Price. The sound effect heard at the start of a new regular gameplay round won the award for Favorite Game Show Sound Effect. The sound heard when the wheel lands on Bankrupt was also nominated. Despite having been retired from the show for nearly a decade by that point, "Changing Keys" was nominated for Best Game Show Theme Song. However, it lost to its fellow Griffin composition, "Think!" from Jeopardy![165]
A hall of fame honoring Wheel of Fortune is part of the Sony Pictures Studios tour, and was introduced on the episode aired May 10, 2010.[166] Located in the same stage as the show's taping facility, this hall of fame features memorabilia related to Wheel's syndicated history, including retired props, classic merchandise, photographs, videos, and a special case dedicated to White's wardrobe.[167] Two years later, in 2012, the show was honored with a Ride of Fame on a double-decker tour bus in New York City.[168]
Merchandise
[edit]Numerous board games based on Wheel of Fortune have been released by different toy companies. The games are all similar, incorporating a wheel, puzzle display board, play money and various accessories like Free Spin tokens. Milton Bradley released the first board game in 1975. In addition to all the supplies mentioned above, the game included 20 prize cards to simulate the "shopping" prizes of the show, with prizes ranging in value from $100 to $3,000. Two editions were released, with the only differences being the box art and the included books of puzzles. Other home versions were released by Pressman Toy Corporation, Tyco/Mattel, Parker Brothers, Endless Games, and Irwin Toys.[169]
Additionally, several video games based on the show have been released for personal computers, the Internet, and various gaming consoles spanning multiple hardware generations. Most games released in the 20th century were published by GameTek, which produced a dozen Wheel games on various platforms, starting with a Nintendo Entertainment System game released in 1987 and continuing until the company closed in 1998 after filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.[170] Subsequent games were published by Hasbro Interactive and its acquirer Infogrames/Atari; Sony Online Entertainment, THQ and Ubisoft.[171]
In May 2022, a touring staged production show, Wheel of Fortune Live!, was announced, with an initial run of over 60 dates from September to December 2022. The show is produced by Right Angle Entertainment in partnership with Sony and United Talent Agency. Similar to The Price Is Right Live!, the touring version features alternate hosts, which have included past daytime host Bob Goen, but not Sajak, Seacrest, or White.[172][173]
Notes
[edit]- ^ As Sony Pictures Television Studios from 2020 to 2023
- ^ The simplified title is often used by host Pat Sajak on-air and has been used instead of the full title in numerous promotional materials for the show.
- ^ If a contestant cannot spin the wheel due to a physical limitation or disability, they are accompanied by a "designated spinner", a friend or family member who spins for them but is otherwise not involved in the game.[8]
- ^ Sajak made this move after being promoted to consulting producer, as he objected to the idea of the host's actions having a direct impact on the outcome of a game.[13]
- ^ The jackpot wedge was originally in round 3,[30] was moved to round two at the start of the in 2000,[24] and after that moved to round one from 2009 to 2013.[31]
References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ a b c "Harry Friedman Named Producer of 'Wheel of Fortune'" (Press release). PR Newswire. June 14, 1995 – via HighBeam Research.
- ^ a b "'Wheel of Fortune' Ups Bonus Round Jackpot to $1M". TV Guide. Retrieved August 12, 2010.
- ^ a b Fretts, Bruce (June 17, 2013). "Eyes on the Prize". TV Guide. pp. 14–15.
- ^ Season Premiere Tomorrow! Wheel of Fortune on YouTube
- ^ Griffin & Bender 2007, p. 100
- ^ Ali, Rasha (June 7, 2016). "Watch 'Wheel of Fortune' Unveil a New Puzzle Format". The Wrap. Retrieved November 2, 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Schwartz, Ryan & Wostbrock 1999, pp. 250–252
- ^ Wheel of Fortune. Season 33. May 31, 2016. Syndication.
- ^ a b c d e Newcomb 2004, p. 2527
- ^ a b c d Schneider, Michael (September 8, 2021). "Pat Sajak and Vanna White to Stay on 'Wheel of Fortune' Through 2024; Sajak Named Consulting Producer". Variety. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Rules". Wheel of Fortune Live. Retrieved April 21, 2024.
- ^ "'Wheel of Fortune': About the Show". CBS Press Express. Retrieved July 22, 2014.
- ^ a b "No More Final Spin for Pat! 😱". Wheel of Fortune. YouTube. September 13, 2021. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved September 13, 2021.
- ^ Wheel of Fortune. Season 33. May 25, 2016. Syndication.
- ^ "COMING THIS FALL ON WHEEL OF FORTUNE ONE SPIN ONE SOLVE ONE MILLION DOLLARS". wheeloffortune.com. July 7, 2008. Archived from the original on September 28, 2008.
- ^ "Watch Now: Wheel's 1st Million Dollar Winner". Philadelphia: WPVI-TV. October 15, 2008. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
- ^ "California woman becomes 2nd million dollar winner on Wheel of Fortune". Tuscaloosa, AL: WCFT-TV. May 30, 2013. Retrieved May 31, 2013.
- ^ "Silver Spring math teacher, Sarah Manchester, wins $1 million on 'Wheel Of Fortune'". Washington, DC: WJLA-TV. September 17, 2014.
- ^ "Melissa Joan Hart, Tituss Burgess, and Lacey Chabert". Celebrity Wheel of Fortune (2021). Season 2. Episode 4. October 17, 2021. ABC.
- ^ "Celebrating 30, Episode 4". Wheel of Fortune. Season 30. Episode 5834. May 30, 2013. Syndicated. Closing credits: "Contestants are advised prior to taping that they may elect to receive the million dollar prize paid over 20 years or as a present value lump sum payment."
- ^ Sams & Shook 1987, p. 41
- ^ Kubasik, Ben (September 26, 1987). "TV Spots". Newsday. ProQuest 277825104. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
- ^ "NBC Daytime 1st Finale". Wheel of Fortune. June 30, 1989. NBC.
- ^ a b "Season 18, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 18. September 4, 2000. Syndicated.
- ^ a b Sams & Shook 1987, p. 33
- ^ "WOF 1986 Mike Jill Dawn". Wheel of Fortune. November 13, 1986. NBC. Archived from the original on July 10, 2020.
- ^ Sams & Shook 1987, p. 34
- ^ Poniewozik, James (September 9, 2009). "'Wheel of Fortune' Kills Free Spin: Is Nothing Sacred?". Time. Retrieved May 21, 2013.
- ^ "Episode 2546". Wheel of Fortune. Season 14. October 22, 2001. Syndicated.
- ^ "Season 14, Episode 11". Wheel of Fortune. Season 14. September 16, 1996. Syndicated.
- ^ "Season 27, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 27. September 14, 2009. Syndicated.
- ^ a b "Season 7, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 7. September 4, 1989. Syndicated.
- ^ "Season 16, Episode 15". Wheel of Fortune. Season 16. September 21, 1998. Syndicated.
- ^ "Wheel of Fortune WrestleMania Giveaway". Wheel of Fortune. Sony Pictures Television. Retrieved March 22, 2023.
- ^ "April 7, 1978". Wheel of Fortune. April 7, 1978. NBC.
- ^ "Super Wheel bonus round". Kenosha News. March 8, 1980. p. 11. Retrieved March 2, 2020.
- ^ Sams & Shook 1987, pp. 40–41
- ^ "Episode 996". Wheel of Fortune. Season 6. October 3, 1988. Syndicated.
- ^ "Desert Southwest Week, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 19. September 3, 2001. Syndicated.
- ^ "Big Money Week, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 19. October 22, 2001. Syndicated.
- ^ a b c Griffin & Bender 2007, pp. 99–100
- ^ "Meet the 'Wheel'". The Chicago Tribune. March 6, 2008. ProQuest 420699286. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ a b Graham 1988, p. 183
- ^ Stafford 2011, p. 194
- ^ Trebek & Barsocchini 1990, p. 9
- ^ a b c Terry, Clifford (May 23, 1986). "'Wheel of Fortune' long ago spun its way to the top". St. Petersburg Evening-Independent. p. 5B. Retrieved November 5, 2009.
- ^ Griffin & Bender 2007, p. 101
- ^ "Sports update". Birmingham Post Herald. October 7, 1988. pp. B4. Retrieved March 3, 2023.
- ^ "No title". Weekly Variety: 80. September 7, 1977.
- ^ "2 to substitute for Susan Stafford". Youngstown Vindicator. May 22, 1979. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ a b "Vanna White biography". Biography.com. Retrieved December 2, 2013.
- ^ "No title". Observer-Reporter. August 14, 2007. Retrieved August 13, 2011.
- ^ "Vanna White Celebrates 30 Years on "Wheel of Fortune"". Katie. April 30, 2013. Syndicated.
- ^ Greene, Bob (January 8, 1986). "Here comes Vanna White". The Free-Lance Star. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ "Vanna White takes time off from 'Wheel of Fortune'". The Greenville News. June 1, 1986. p. 9. Retrieved October 26, 2019.
- ^ Greene, Bob (February 22, 1987). "THAT'S HOW 'WHEEL OF FORTUNE' SPINS". The Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on October 14, 2018. Retrieved November 2, 2018.
- ^ "Stargazing". The Kansas City Star. March 11, 1991. Retrieved November 13, 2010.
- ^ Speers, W. (March 6, 1991). "Dog Bites Queen, And That's News". The Inquirer. Philadelphia. Associated Press, Reuters. Retrieved August 29, 2014.
- ^ "Sajak Reveals Reason for 1-Day Job Switch With Vanna White". Good Morning America. ABC. April 26, 2013.
- ^ "Episode 2594". Wheel of Fortune. Season 14. Episode 2594. November 21, 1996. Syndication.
- ^ "Episode 2662". Wheel of Fortune. March 4, 1997. Syndicated.
- ^ a b Encyclopedia of Observances, Holidays, and Celebrations. MobileReference. 2007. ISBN 978-1-60-501177-6.
- ^ "April Fool's Day Special". Wheel of Fortune. April 1, 1997. Syndicated.
- ^ Grosvenor, Carrie (January 4, 2011). "Want to be Vanna for a day?". About.com. Archived from the original on April 14, 2014. Retrieved January 29, 2011.
- ^ Gehring, Lydia (February 23, 2011). "Triway High School grad voted Vanna for a Day". The Daily Record. Archived from the original on March 7, 2012. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
- ^ Amir Vera (November 8, 2019). "Vanna White hosts 'Wheel of Fortune' as Pat Sajak undergoes emergency surgery". CNN. Retrieved November 11, 2019.
- ^ Salam, Maya (December 9, 2019). "Vanna White Takes a Spin as 'Wheel of Fortune' Host After 37 Years". The New York Times. Retrieved December 9, 2019.
- ^ "Maggie Sajak Introduced as the Special Guest Letter-Turner for Weekend Getaways". YouTube. January 6, 2020. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
- ^ Caitlin O'Kane (January 7, 2020). "Pat Sajak's daughter turns letters on "Wheel of Fortune" as Vanna White takes over hosting duties". CBS News. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ Shawn M. Carter (January 7, 2020). "'Wheel of Fortune': Pat Sajak's daughter fills in for dad". Fox Business. Retrieved January 10, 2020.
- ^ Swift, Andy (June 12, 2023). "Pat Sajak Leaving Wheel of Fortune After 41 Seasons — Read the Host's Full Statement". TVLine. Retrieved June 12, 2023.
- ^ Jackson, Angelique (June 27, 2023). "'Wheel of Fortune': Ryan Seacrest Takes Over as Host After Pat Sajak Retires". Variety. Retrieved June 27, 2023.
- ^ a b Andreeva, Nellie (September 19, 2023). "'Wheel Of Fortune' Co-Host Vanna White Closes New Deal As Game Show Kicks Off Final Season With Pat Sajak". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
- ^ "Here's why Vanna White will be absent from 'Wheel of Fortune' for a week". The Los Angeles Times. August 11, 2023. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
- ^ Salam, Maya; Jacobs, Julia (June 7, 2024). "'The Time Has Come to Say Goodbye': Pat Sajak Bids Farewell to 'Wheel of Fortune'". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2024.
- ^ Porter, Rick (July 10, 2024). "Pat Sajak Returning as 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune' Host at ABC". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved July 11, 2024.
- ^ a b West, Randy. "Charlie O'Donnell Tribute". Randy West official website. Retrieved January 8, 2011.
- ^ "Jack Clark, announcer on TV's 'Wheel of Fortune'". The Miami Herald. July 27, 1988. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ Graham, Jefferson (September 20, 1988). "'Wheel' takes a turn to new twists for fall". USA Today. p. 3D. ProQuest 306123769. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ Lycan, Gary (November 1, 2010). "'Wheel of Fortune' announcer Charlie O'Donnell dies at 78". The Orange County Register. Retrieved November 1, 2010.
- ^ "Veteran Announcer Jim Thornton is the New Voice of 'Wheel of Fortune'". Wheel of Fortune. June 13, 2011. Archived from the original on November 12, 2013. Retrieved June 15, 2011.
- ^ a b c d e f "History & Fun Facts". Wheel of Fortune. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved March 16, 2011.
- ^ a b c End credits lists from appropriate Wheel of Fortune episodes.
- ^ Albiniak, Paige (August 1, 2019). "Harry Friedman, EP of 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy!,' to Step Down in 2020". Broadcasting & Cable.
- ^ Petski, Denise (August 29, 2019). "Mike Richards To Executive Produce 'Jeopardy!' & 'Wheel Of Fortune' When Harry Friedman Exits Next Year". Deadline. Retrieved October 31, 2019.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (August 31, 2021). "Mike Richards Fired as Executive Producer of Jeopardy! and Wheel of Fortune". Variety. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ a b White, Peter (March 23, 2022). "Wheel Of Fortune: Bellamie Blackstone Named Exec Producer Following Mike Richards Departure". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 10, 2022.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (July 25, 2013). "'Wheel of Fortune' Director Mark Corwin Dies at 65". The Hollywood Reporter. Prometheus Global Media. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
- ^ "Episode 5851". Wheel of Fortune. Season 31. Episode 5851. September 16, 2013. Syndication.
- ^ "Episode 5866". Wheel of Fortune. Season 31. Episode 5866. October 7, 2013. Syndication.
- ^ "Episode 5891". Wheel of Fortune. Season 31. Episode 5891. November 11, 2013. Syndication.
- ^ Barnes, Mike (November 19, 2013). "Bob Cisneros Named Director of 'Wheel of Fortune'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 20, 2013.
- ^ "Episode 6066". Wheel of Fortune. Season 32. Episode 6066. October 13, 2014. Syndication.
- ^ "Episode 6091". Wheel of Fortune. Season 32. Episode 6091. November 17, 2014. Syndication.
- ^ "WHEEL OF FORTUNE NAMES ROBERT ENNIS DIRECTOR". Wheel of Fortune. September 14, 2015. Archived from the original on September 16, 2015. Retrieved September 17, 2015.
- ^ Gilbert, Tom (August 19, 2007). "'Wheel of Fortune', 'Jeopardy!': Merv Griffin's True TV Legacy". TVWeek. Archived from the original on September 22, 2013.
- ^ Holl, John (August 14, 2007). "To Califon, Merv was just a regular farm guy". The Star-Ledger. Archived from the original on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 4, 2007.
Viewers who pay careful attention to the closing credits on 'Wheel of Fortune' will see the game show is produced by Califon Productions, a subtle nod from Merv Griffin, the program's creator, to the Hunterdon County community where he once owned a farm.
- ^ "Pat, Vanna and Alex Play On!". Sony Pictures Television. Archived from the original on November 7, 2017. Retrieved July 24, 2017.
- ^ "Inside 'Wheel of Fortune': Why Pat and Vanna Have a 'W-NN-R'". TV Guide. 1987. p. 148.
- ^ "Shows–CBS Television City". Archived from the original on July 13, 2011. Retrieved July 25, 2011.
- ^ "'Wheel of Fortune', America's Favorite Game Show, Spins Into Its 20th Season". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. September 17, 1995. p. G5. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ Walker, Joseph (July 26, 1988). "'Wheel of Fortune's' other blonde". Saturday Morning Deseret News. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ a b c "Production credits". Wheel of Fortune. Archived from the original on June 25, 2014. Retrieved February 26, 2014.
- ^ a b Slotnik, Daniel E. (July 21, 2011). "Ed Flesh, Designed the Wheel of Fortune, Dies at 79". The New York Times. Retrieved October 11, 2014.
- ^ "Ed Flesh, Designer of the Wheel on 'Wheel of Fortune,' Dies at 79". The Hollywood Reporter. July 19, 2011. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
- ^ "'Spin the Wheel' EP Says 'Knowledge, Strategy & Luck' Could Win Players $23M". TV Insider. June 13, 2019. Retrieved October 6, 2019.
- ^ "'Wheel' gets modern board". The Vindicator. February 25, 1997. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ McGrath, Allison (July 19, 2022). Bill Monk: National Archives of Game Show History. Retrieved August 22, 2022 – via Vimeo.
- ^ "Featured Contestant: Dana C." Wheel of Fortune. March 11, 2013. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ "Featured Contestant: Seth N." Wheel of Fortune. December 18, 2013. Archived from the original on March 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2014.
- ^ Teti, John (March 20, 2014). "Watch the most amazing solve in 'Wheel of Fortune' history". The A.V. Club. Retrieved July 17, 2014.
- ^ Nemetz, Dave (July 29, 2020). "Jeopardy!, Wheel of Fortune to Resume Production With New Precautions". TVLine. Retrieved August 14, 2020.
- ^ a b c White, Peter (July 28, 2020). "'Wheel Of Fortune' & 'Jeopardy!' Head Back To The Studio With Redesigned Wheel & Podium". Deadline. Retrieved November 8, 2020.
- ^ Hill, Michael P. (September 14, 2020). "'Wheel of Fortune' reveals some new spins on gameplay due to COVID-19". newscaststudio.com. NewscastStudio, an HD Media Ventures LLC company. Retrieved February 20, 2021.
- ^ "Great news! Audiences are BACK, just in time for our 40th season celebration!". Wheel of Fortune. Retrieved July 24, 2022 – via www.facebook.com.
- ^ Jeffries, David. "Merv Griffin biography". Allmusic. Retrieved July 16, 2014.
- ^ Morin, Monte (December 17, 2003). "Pilot Killed in Crash Was TV, Film Composer; Steve Kaplan, who died when his plane crashed into a Claremont home, had written music for 'Jeopardy!' and 'Wheel of Fortune.'". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 422033337. Archived from the original on July 26, 2014. Retrieved May 24, 2013.
- ^ a b c "'Wheel of Fortune' soundtrack". Ringostrack.com. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ Schneider, Michael (September 8, 2021). "Pat Sajak and Vanna White to Stay on 'Wheel of Fortune' Through 2024; Sajak Named Consulting Producer". Variety. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Merv Griffin soundtrack". Ringostrack.com. Retrieved June 21, 2013.
- ^ Bickelhaupt, Susan (September 5, 1989). "Placing himself in 'Jeopardy!' tonight". The Boston Globe. p. 54.
- ^ "Frequently Asked Questions". Wheel of Fortune. How can I get an audition to be a contestant?. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved January 21, 2021.
- ^ "Wheelmobile Audition Tips". Portland, OR: KATU-TV. Archived from the original on November 2, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
- ^ "Show Guide: Show FAQs". Wheel of Fortune. Archived from the original on February 10, 2014. Retrieved November 7, 2010.
- ^ "Wheelmobile". Wheel of Fortune. Archived from the original on February 9, 2014. Retrieved April 16, 2013.
- ^ Miller, Madison. "'Wheel of Fortune' Contestant Explains Auditioning Process During the Pandemic". Outsider.
- ^ Feder, Robert (December 26, 1990). "'Wheel of Fortune' spins back to NBC". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved June 26, 2011.
- ^ "Television Programs". TV Guide. 32: 64. 1984.
- ^ Griffin & Bender 2007, p. 106
- ^ "Syndication Ratings: 'Judge Judy' Is Queen of Syndie Season". Broadcasting & Cable. September 5, 2012. Archived from the original on December 4, 2013. Retrieved December 13, 2012.
- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (November 5, 2018). "ABC Shells Out to Keep Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy After Big Offer From Fox". Variety. Retrieved December 10, 2019.
- ^ "WHEEL OF FORTUNE – YES TV". yestv.com. Retrieved December 19, 2023.
- ^ "'Wheel of Fortune' (Australia)". Australian Game Show Homepage. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "SBT – Roda a Roda Jequiti". Official SBT Website. Retrieved February 27, 2019.
- ^ Liebst, Asger (2009). "Opfindelsen af Lykkehjulet". Reklamens århundrede: 1901–2001, billeder fra danskernes hverdrag. Nordisk Forlag A/S. p. 138. ISBN 978-87-02-08311-8.
- ^ "La Roue de la Fortune" (in French). Émission TV. Archived from the original on November 10, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "Glücksrad" (in German). fernsehserien.de. November 7, 1988. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "La WEB Ruota della Fortuna". GiocaItalia.it. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ Yeoh Seng Guan (2011). Media, Culture and Society in Malaysia. Routledge. pp. 29, 31, 35. ISBN 978-0203861653.
- ^ "What Goes Around: The Wheel of Fortune Returns". Stuff.co.nz. April 13, 2008. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ Dimaculangan, Jocelyn (January 13, 2008). "Philippine version of 'Wheel of Fortune' premieres on January 14". Philippine Entertainment Portal. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "Koło Fortuny: Rules of Polish 'Wheel of Fortune'". Casino Observer. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "Pole Chudes, or The Russian 'Wheel of Fortune'". Wheel-Roulette.net. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "La ruleta de la suerte" (in Spanish). Laguia TV. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "Wheel of Fortune". UKGameShows.com. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
- ^ "Wheel Around the World Inaugural Week, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 23. September 12, 2005. Syndicated.
- ^ a b "Popular game show takes kids for a spin". Austin American-Statesman. p. 11. Retrieved April 18, 2013.
- ^ Schwartz, Ryan & Wostbrock 1999, p. 252
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (November 9, 2020). "ABC Spins 'Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune', Orders Primetime Series Hosted By Pat Sajak & Vanna White". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 9, 2020.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (November 10, 2020). "ABC Sets Premiere Dates For 'The Bachelor', 'American Idol', 'To Tell The Truth' & New Game Shows". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved November 11, 2020.
- ^ Petski, Denise (May 13, 2021). "'Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune' & 'Supermarket Sweep' Renewed For Season 2 By ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2021.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (July 15, 2021). "ABC Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Wonder Years' & 'Queens' Join 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Good Doctor', 'Bachelorette', 'Goldbergs' & More". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 15, 2021.
- ^ White, Peter (May 13, 2022). "'America's Funniest Home Videos', 'Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune' & 'Shark Tank' Renewed At ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 13, 2022.
- ^ Rice, Lynette (June 16, 2022). "ABC Sets Fall Premiere Dates; Tom McCarthy's New Drama 'Alaska Daily' To Follow 'Grey's Anatomy'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 16, 2022.
- ^ "ABC Announces Revised Fall Schedule, Sets Premiere Dates" (Press release). ABC. August 21, 2023. Retrieved December 16, 2023 – via The Futon Critic.
- ^ Cordero, Rosy (May 16, 2023). "ABC Renews 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' And 'Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune'". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ Petski, Denise (July 20, 2023). "Vanna White Inks Deal To Continue On 'Celebrity Wheel Of Fortune'". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
- ^ White, Peter (May 10, 2024). "'Dancing With The Stars', 'Shark Tank', 'Celebrity Wheel of Fortune', 'Celebrity Jeopardy!' & 'What Would You Do?' Renewed At ABC". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 10, 2024.
- ^ Pedersen, Erik (July 10, 2024). "ABC Fall Premiere Dates: 'Abbott Elementary', 'Grey's Anatomy', 'Golden Bachelorette', Ryan Murphy's 'Doctor Odyssey' & More". Deadline. Retrieved July 13, 2024.
- ^ "U.S. television ratings: top 10 syndicated programs in season 2009/10: Statistic". Statista.com. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
- ^ "2010–11 Report: 'Two and a Half Men' Still Strong; Network Ratings Still Sliding". The Wrap TV. Retrieved April 22, 2013.
- ^ "'TV Guide' Names the 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time". Hall of Game Show Fame.
- ^ The 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time. GSN. Retrieved on August 31, 2006.
- ^ Catlin, Roger. "On Tonight: First Game Show Awards". TV Eye. Archived from the original on June 8, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
- ^ "Title Unknown". Archived from the original on May 19, 2009. Retrieved June 9, 2009.
- ^ "State Fair Week, Episode 1". Wheel of Fortune. Season 27. May 10, 2010. Syndicated.
- ^ Glaus, Heidi (November 10, 2011). "Tour the 'Wheel of Fortune' Hall of Fame". St. Louis, MO: KSDK-TV. Archived from the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ Wheel Of Fortune Honored By Gray Line New York's Ride Of Fame Getty Images. May 23, 2012.
- ^ "Wheel of Fortune board games". Board Game Geek. Retrieved June 10, 2013.
- ^ "GameTek Games". IGN. Archived from the original on December 7, 2012. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ "'Wheel of Fortune' Licensees". MobyGames. Retrieved October 2, 2014.
- ^ Burton, Carson (May 17, 2022). "Wheel of Fortune Hits the Road with First-Ever Live Tour (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 17, 2022.
- ^ "Host Bob Goen talks Wheel of Fortune Live! show in Salt Lake City". KUTV.com. November 29, 2023. Retrieved June 12, 2024.
Works cited
[edit]- Graham, Jefferson (1988). Come on Down!!!: The Game Show Book. New York: Abbeville Press. ISBN 0-89659-794-6.
- Griffin, Merv & Bender, David (2007). Merv: Making the Good Life Last. New York: Simon and Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7434-5696-8.
- Newcomb, Horace (2004). Encyclopedia of Television (2nd ed.). New York: Fitzroy Dearborn. ISBN 1-57958-411-X – via Google Books.
- Sams, David R. & Shook, Robert L. (1987). Wheel of Fortune. New York: St. Martins Press. ISBN 0-312-90833-4.
- Schwartz, David; Ryan, Steve & Wostbrock, Fred (1999). The Encyclopedia of TV Game Shows (3rd ed.). New York: Facts on File. ISBN 0-8160-3846-5.
- Stafford, Susan (2011). Stop the Wheel, I Want to Get Off! (eBook). Xlibris. ISBN 978-1-4568-7438-4 – via Google Books.[self-published source]
- Trebek, Alex & Barsocchini, Peter (1990). The 'Jeopardy!' Book: The Answers, the Questions, the Facts, and the Stories of the Greatest Game Show in History. Introduction by Merv Griffin. New York: Harper Perennial. ISBN 978-0-06-096511-2.
External links
[edit]![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- 1970s American game shows
- 1975 American television series debuts
- 1980s American game shows
- 1983 American television series debuts
- 1990s American game shows
- 1991 American television series endings
- 2000s American game shows
- 2010s American game shows
- 2020s American game shows
- CBS game shows
- Culver City, California
- Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show winners
- American English-language television shows
- First-run syndicated television programs in the United States
- NBC game shows
- Roulette and wheel games
- Television productions suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic
- Television series by CBS Studios
- Television series by Merv Griffin Enterprises
- Television series by Sony Pictures Television
- Television series created by Merv Griffin
- Wheel of Fortune (franchise)
- Television series by King World Productions
- Television shows adapted into video games