‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Rip Show For ‘Undesirable’ Prizes After Being Promised ‘Biggest’ Giveaways

Darian Lusk October 8, 2024, 3:40 pm

Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest on 'Wheel of Fortune' Season 42 — Wheel of Fortune

Wheel of Fortune is spinning along just fine with new host Ryan Seacrest, but the prize puzzle destinations in Season 42 haven’t exactly been exotic according to fans.

Ahead of his big debut as Pat Sajak’s replacement, amped-up prize packages were promised. Good Morning America confirmed there would be “tons of new prizes,” including “tickets to NFL games” and “tickets to see some of the biggest musical artists.”

And yet, just a month into Seacrest’s hosting era alongside Vanna White, fans have noticed a pattern of lackluster locales for prize puzzle winners, especially this past week.

On Monday, October 7’s episode, Cathy and Jane won the Girlfriends Getaways special episode for $63,200 total. Solving the puzzle “Satin Sheets & Pillowcases,” they also won a vacation to The Elser Hotel & Residences in Miami, Florida. Rooms start at $242 according to Expedia.

On Friday, October 4’s episode, Cody Hunger won the week-long BetMGM Big Winners Tournament. He pocketed an astounding $94,900 jackpot (after a delayed reaction from Seacrest) — and an all-inclusive prize trip to the Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Rooms there start at $269.

Fans took notice and spun to X (formerly Twitter) during airtime of both instances, disappointed on the players’ behalf.

“Wheel of Fortune contestants won a Trip to Miami?… With another hurricane on its way. Prizes are not getting very desirable,” one X user wrote.

“Can Wheel of Fortune not afford any nice prize puzzles now that Pat has retired? Trips to Vegas, Miami……come on!” wrote another.

“Guy on Wheel of Fortune just won a trip to New Jersey. I’d be kinda salty with that lol not Jamaica or Mexico or Costa Rica… New Jersey lol,” wrote a third.

Wheel watchers will wait and see if the prizes get more enticing as the new season continues. That said, it could be worse.

Last March during Sajak’s sendoff season, a contestant named Tom nailed a puzzle in the “Living Things” category, winning himself a trip. It’s safe to say he was more than a little surprised that his trip would be to…South Dakota.

“You know, this is a really great trip you haven’t been on; we’re taking you on a tour of South Dakota!” former host Sajak declared. As the announcement was made, Tom winced directly at the camera, looking dejected.

“Dude just won a trip to South Dakota on Wheel of Fortune. He couldn’t look more excited,” wrote one fan on X at the time.

“Wow. Guy on wheel of fortune won a trip!!! To South Dakota. He and the rest of America couldn’t be more disappointed,” added another.

“Dude on Wheel of Fortune just won a vacation to South Dakota. LMAOOOO, I’d be heated,” said one commenter.

Announcer Jim Thorton then narrated a video describing the prize, stating, “Here’s a wild getaway where Coyotes howl,” before highlighting “iconic sights” such as Mount Rushmore.

Other viewers noticed a glaring mistake in the prize package video: one of the “iconic sights” shown was Devil’s Tower, a national monument at Devil’s Gate National Park in Crook County, Wyoming. Whoops!

Meanwhile, Seacrest has kept ratings high with the strongest week in five years for the Season 42 debut. That said, the transition hasn’t been letter-perfect. The host was called out for an on-air blunder fans dubbed his “first blooper” last Friday and a questionable bonus puzzle (Cashew Nuts?).