Wheel of Fortune

Spin the wheel, guess the letter, and solve the puzzle before your opponents beat you to the buzzer. Wheel of Fortune turns the classic game of Hangman into prime-time spectacle, with a giant carnival wheel, themed puzzle rounds, and life-changing cash prizes.

Created by Merv Griffin, Wheel of Fortune debuted as a daytime NBC show in 1975 with Chuck Woolery, then launched its iconic syndicated nighttime version on September 19, 1983 with Pat Sajak and Vanna White. Sajak hosted for 41 years, retiring after the June 7, 2024 finale. Ryan Seacrest took over on September 9, 2024, with Vanna White continuing as co-host.

What makes it unique: Wheel is the longest-running syndicated game show in U.S. television history, holding the Guinness record for most-watched syndicated program. The Million Dollar Wedge (introduced 2008) turned the Bonus Round into a jackpot chase, and Autumn Erhard's $1,030,000 win on May 30, 2013 remains one of the largest single-day prizes ever awarded on daytime TV. The show films more than 190 episodes per season across themed weeks shot on location in Las Vegas, Hawaii, and other destinations.

Quick Facts

• Hosts: Ryan Seacrest (since Sept 2024); Vanna White, co-host
• Network: Syndicated (CBS Media Ventures)
• Premiere Year: 1975 (NBC daytime), 1983 (syndicated nighttime)
• Seasons: Season 44 premieres September 14, 2026
• Filming Location: Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City, California

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