wheel of fortune
- Release Date
- January 6, 1975
- Cast
- Vanna White
- Main Genre
- Family
- Seasons
- 5
Summary
One of the most successful game shows in history, Wheel of Fortune actually is a version of the children's game Hangman (with a large carnival wheel and prizes added). The game show, which did modestly well in the 1970s, became a worldwide phenomenon in the 1980s through syndication and made household names out of its hosts, Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Simply put, the Wheel has never stopped spinning since its premiere as an NBC daytime show that winter day in January 1975. (Ironically, the series replaced Jeopardy!, which later in 1984 when it returned, became its current companion in syndication.) The rules of the game Three contestants -- at various times during the run, including a returning champion -- compete. The host announces a category to a mystery puzzle (person, place, thing, phrase, quotation, event, landmark, occupation, etc.). The puzzle was originally contained on a three-tier, 36-space board (in 1981, changed to a four-tier, 52-space board; and in 1997, an all-e
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Wheel of Fortune Spins On as Vanna White Receives Raise to Remain With New Co-Host Ryan Seacrest
Wheel of Fortune co-host Vanna White doesn't have to worry about landing on "bankrupt" as she inks new two-year deal.
Every Wheel of Fortune Host, Ranked
Let's rank ever host of one of the most successful game shows to hit American television.
Every Show Hosted by Ryan Seacrest, Ranked
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Ryan Seacrest to Replace Pat Sajak on Wheel of Fortune
It's also been announced that Wheel of Fortune is getting rebooted in the UK with host Graham Norton.
Vanna White Shooting for Wheel of Fortune Pay Raise Following Pat Sajak's Exit
Vanna White has reportedly not had a raise in nearly two decades, and she's looking to change that if Wheel of Fortune producers want her to stay.
Wheel of Fortune Host Pat Sajak to Retire After One Last Season
Pat Sajak is ending his run as Wheel of Fortune host after 41 seasons, saying it's "been a wonderful ride."
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Defends Pat Sajak After Headlock Celebration Sparks Backlash
Pro wrestler Fred Fletcher-Jackson "loved" having Pat Sajak put him in a cross-face chicken wing, calling it a highlight of his time on the show.
Pat Sajak Says He's Nearing Retirement, But Wheel of Fortune 'Will Not Die'
The Wheel of Fortune will keep on spinning after longtime host Pat Sajak retires, which could be coming soon.
Here's Jeopardy! and the Other Greatest Game Shows on TV, Ranked
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Pat Sajak Defends Wheel of Fortune Contestants from Twitter Critics
Pat Sajak couldn't stay silent when he saw people on Twitter insulting the contestants from a recent episode of Wheel of Fortune.
Wheel of Fortune Spins More Controversy with Pat Sajak's 40th Anniversary Episode
Fans were perplexed when Pat Sajak's 40th anniversary hosting the show didn't get a single mention on the program.
Wheel of Fortune Contestant Gifted Audi Q3 After Fan Outrage Over Technicality
Fans were outraged when a contestant missed out on getting an Audi Q3 on Wheel of Fortune, but now all is right in the world.
Pat Sajak Hopes Alex Trebek Posthumously Wins Daytime Emmy Over Him
Pat Sajak is up for Outstanding Game Show Host, but he's still rooting for late Jeopardy! host Alex Trebek to get the Emmy.
Wheel of Fortune Winner Gives All $145K in Prize Money Away to Charity
Wheel of Fortune contestant Scott Kolbrenner will donate every dollar of his $145,000 earnings to be split between two separate charities.
Pat Sajak Comes Under Fire for Mocking Wheel of Fortune Contestant
Twitter is calling for Pat Sajak to retire after the Wheel of Fortune host seemingly mocked a contestant's lisp on Monday's episode.
Watch as Pat Sajak Calls Out Ungrateful Wheel of Fortune Contestant Then Apologizes
Pat Sajak raised his voice during a recent Wheel of Fortune taping, which he later apologized for.
Nashville Gives Losing Wheel of Fortune Contestant a New Vacation Prize
A Nashville tourism company is bringing a Wheel of Fortune contestant to town after she lost a fully-paid trip to the city on the show.
Vanna White to Host Wheel of Fortune While Pat Sajak Recovers from Surgery
Letter-turner Vanna White will temporarily fill in for Pat Sajak after the Wheel of Fortune host had emergency surgery.
Jeopardy & Wheel of Fortune Both Get Renewed Through 2023
Alex Trebek, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White recently renewed their contracts, which led to CBS renewing the shows through 2023.
Man Claims Wheel of Fortune Host Ordered Him to Kill His Mom
An Ohio man believes that Wheel of Fortune host Pat Sajak spoke to him through the TV and told him to kill his elderly mother.