The Wheel of Fortune has long been one of America’s favorite gameshows, having been on television for over six decades and still syndicated today….
The Wheel of Fortune has long been one of America’s favorite gameshows, having been on television for over six decades and still syndicated today. This long-running show is famed for featuring word puzzles as well as numerous prizes that contestants can win while participating.
The concept behind the show is straightforward: three contestants compete to solve Hangman-style word puzzles themed after people, places or things with blank spaces that require letter substitution. Each round winner earns the most cash and prizes before moving onto bonus round competition – and in the final bonus round is declared overall episode winner.
Each turn begins with the Toss-Up Puzzle, which unveils a phrase automatically. The first player who successfully solves it wins their turn by spinning a large carnival wheel containing wedges with various cash values and hazards such as money prizes or special surprises such as “Lose A Turn” or “Bankrupt.” When this occurs, play passes onto another contestant in turn.
Through the years, many have tried their luck at becoming contestants of this show in hopes of winning some of its infamous prize money. To qualify as a contestant on the show, one must pass various tests set forth by its producers; those selected must then appear each week and must face off against hundreds of applications before being filmed in front of millions of viewers – an experience unlike anything seen anywhere else! Additionally, contestants are required to film promotional advertisements for local stations in order to advertise their appearance on TV show.
Though word puzzles may be difficult and frustrating, it’s the wheel that ultimately determines who wins Wheel of Fortune – making the odds fair for all players while still rewarding with plenty of money and prizes! This is what ensures it remains popular over time.
Pat Sajak began hosting the show in 1981 after briefly serving as KNBC weatherman, quickly becoming one of the fan favorites in this role. Vanna White joined him shortly thereafter as permanent hostess; since then she has become an excellent public speaker as well as having written an autobiography detailing her time on the show as well as appearing frequently as guest on talk shows and movies.