Wheel of Fortune (1983)
America's favorite word-puzzle game show, where contestants spin a giant carnival wheel and solve puzzles to win cash and prizes.
Wheel of Fortune - Series Information
- Original Title: Wheel of Fortune
- First Air Year: 1983
- Last Air Year: 2025
- Created by: Merv Griffin
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Family, Reality
- Content Rating (US): TV-G
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (25 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 43
- Number of Episodes: 2549
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 19, 1983 (United States - TV-G), September 19, 1983 (United Kingdom - U), September 19, 1983 (Australia - G)
- Networks: Syndication
- Alternative Titles: Roue de la Fortune (FR)
- Production Companies: Califon Productions, Columbia TriStar Television, Global Entertainment Productions, Company Meidien KG, Sony Pictures Television, CBS, Merv Griffin Enterprises, NBC
- Production Countries: United States of America
Wheel of Fortune - Plot
This game show sees contestants solve word puzzles, similar to those used in Hangman, to win cash and prizes determined by spinning a giant carnival wheel.
Wheel of Fortune - Trailer
Watch the official Wheel of Fortune trailer and see the spinning wheel in action:
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Wheel of Fortune - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Merv Griffin
Main Cast
- Vanna White
- Pat Sajak
- Jack Clark
- Charlie O'Donnell
- Ryan Seacrest
- Jim Thornton
- Christonikos Tsalikis
Executive Producers
- Harry Friedman
Wheel of Fortune - FAQs
Who replaced Pat Sajak as host of Wheel of Fortune?
Ryan Seacrest took over as host of Wheel of Fortune starting with Season 42 in 2024, following Pat Sajak's retirement after more than four decades behind the podium. Seacrest brought a fresh energy to the beloved format while Vanna White continued in her iconic co-host role.
Is Wheel of Fortune worth watching in 2024?
Absolutely, especially if you enjoy classic game show fun. Wheel of Fortune remains one of the most-watched syndicated programs in American television history. The combination of word-puzzle strategy, the suspense of the spinning wheel, and the new hosting era with Ryan Seacrest keeps the format fresh and endlessly entertaining.
Where can you stream Wheel of Fortune?
You can stream Wheel of Fortune on Hulu, fuboTV, and Peacock Premium, all available via subscription. Availability may vary by region, so check your local listings or preferred streaming service for the most current episode access.
How long has Vanna White been on Wheel of Fortune?
Vanna White has been turning letters on Wheel of Fortune since 1982, making her one of the longest-serving personalities in television history. She holds a Guinness World Record for the most frequent clapper on television and remains a beloved fixture of the show even as the hosting lineup changed.
Who created Wheel of Fortune and when did it premiere?
Wheel of Fortune was created by entertainment legend Merv Griffin, who also created Jeopardy!. The syndicated nighttime version that most viewers know premiered on September 19, 1983, and has since become one of the longest-running and most successful game shows in American television history.
Has Wheel of Fortune won any major television awards?
Wheel of Fortune has earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards over its decades-long run, including wins for Outstanding Game Show. The series has also received recognition from the Television Critics Association and various industry bodies, cementing its status as a cornerstone of American daytime and syndicated television.
How does the bonus round work on Wheel of Fortune?
In the bonus round, the winning contestant is given the letters R, S, T, L, N, and E automatically, then picks three more consonants and one vowel. They have ten seconds to solve a final puzzle for a chance to win a grand prize, often a car or a large cash sum.
What shows are similar to Wheel of Fortune?
Fans of Wheel of Fortune often enjoy Jeopardy!, which shares the same creator, Merv Griffin, as well as Family Feud for its lively group-play format. Word and puzzle enthusiasts might also appreciate Lingo or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?, both of which blend strategy with high-stakes prize rounds.
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