“Wheel of Fortune” fans are going to see some changes when the long-running game show returns for its new season.
Production of “Wheel” has been adjusted to accommodate safety protocols, according to a press release from the game show’s production company, Sony Pictures Television.
In addition to following local government guidelines and rigorous testing protocol for contestants, talent, staff and crew, the upcoming season of “Wheel of Fortune” will see the platform surrounding the wheel redesigned, allowing for contestants and host Pat Sajak to stand six feet away from each other.
A new, curved monitor has also been installed around the wheel.
Additionally, players must spin the wheel using a personal “spinning cap,” which is a small cloth pocket that allows contestants to grip and spin the wheel without actually touching it.
“Wheel of Fortune” isn’t the only show to return to production with new safety measures during the pandemic.
Many have switched filming locations, adjusted formats, changed contestants or shortened seasons to adjust to the COVID-19 era.
For instance, the American edition of “Love Island” on CBS has moved locations from its Season 1 Fiji villa to a less glamorous quarantine “bubble” at a Las Vegas hotel.
And CBS’ “Big Brother” returned in August, switching to an all-star edition after postponing its June premiere.
NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” returned to production in June with an outdoors, socially distanced and abbreviated Judge Cuts round, and ABC’s “Dancing With the Stars” returns Sept. 14 with no studio audience because of the pandemic.
Contributing: Bill Keveney
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