‘Wheel of Fortune’ Viewers Demand Changes. A recent debate has arisen about one of America’s favorite game shows after a disappointing prize reveal.
A recent debate has arisen about one of America’s favorite game shows after a disappointing prize reveal. Wheel of Fortune is known for adding fabulous prizes that the contestants compete to win. As they spin for a chance to land on the wedge with the largest cash amount, a surprise vacation, or substantial prizes like recreational vehicles or automobiles, contestants do their best to solve each puzzle quickly, so that they will be the one to advance to the final spin. But a recent episode’s disappointing final prize ignited online backlash against the perceived decline in prize quality on the series.
Fans Went Haywire After This ‘Wheel of Fortune’ Prize Reveal
Earlier this March, contestant Ricky Lowery won the opportunity to spin the wheel in the final round to compete for some of the biggest prizes the show has to offer. Series host Ryan Seacrest reminded the man from Fresno, Texas, that the wheel offered him the chance to spin for prizes of $100,000, $75,000, and a car. Lowery then went on to attempt to solve the final puzzle in the category “Phrase,” choosing the letters G, H, D, and A, in addition to the standard letters famously given to the contestants in the final round, R, S, T, L, N, and E. Unfortunately, Lowery wasn’t able to piece together the solution to the puzzle, which was the phrase “Gone Haywire.”
When it was revealed that the prize Lowery had lost was the car that had been up for grabs, it didn’t add to the excitement of the episode, since many viewers felt that the car that was offered was disappointing in the first place. The prize was a Mini Cooper, made by BMW, but its value was only around $40,000, and online commentators were quick to point out the negative qualities of the prize.
Some noted that even if Lowery had won the vehicle, it might not even be worth the tax he would have to pay on it. Others commented that the prize should have been a vehicle of higher value, to make it more appealing. Plus, on a practical note, Lowery was significantly taller than Seacrest, which also suggested he might not even have use for the diminutive vehicle.
Win or Lose, the Final Spin Is Supposed To Be Exciting
The reveal of which prize the contestant landed on in the final spin near the conclusion of the episode is often the most exciting part of the series, whether the contestant solved the final puzzle or not. Even if the prize hidden behind the envelope was one of the less significant amounts of prize money, the moment of the reveal adds excitement to the episode. But, when the prize on the line is a car that lacks luster, it isn’t exciting, win or lose.
The most exciting prizes are, of course, the highest valued. If the $100,000 prize is behind the final envelope, it is exciting just to see the amount show up at all, whether the contestant solved the final puzzle or not. If they end up winning, their reaction is infectious as their joy and disbelief add to the viewing experience. The same can be said of their disappointment if they had failed to solve the puzzle.
But when the prize on the line is an arguably eclectic vehicle that many feel underwhelmed by, whether the contestant wins or loses out on the final prize, it doesn’t add to the excitement in the episode. Rather, it only seems to cause viewers to wonder if the legacy game show is losing its luster.
Wheel of Fortune airs weeknight on ABC. Check your local listings.
