Wheel of Fortune: Mistakes Happen!

Everyone Makes Mistakes

Wheel of Fortune, the beloved game show that first graced our screens in 1975, has brought joy to countless viewers over the years. But as time marches on, even the best can slip up.

A Classic Game Show

This iconic game show features contestants solving word puzzles to win cash and prizes. Hosting duties have long been in the capable hands of Pat Sajak, who has been at the helm since 1981 and has earned 19 Daytime Emmy nominations, clinching three wins. Alongside him, Vanna White has been an enduring presence, joining the show as a hostess in 1982.

Host’s Slip-Up

Most of the show’s hiccups have been the result of contestant missteps. However, in April 2021, Pat Sajak surprised viewers when he unintentionally solved a puzzle on air. The puzzle on the board read, ” T E R A N L .”

Sajak uttered “quite frankly,” which was part of the correct answer. Surprisingly, the contestant didn’t pick up on the hint and solved the puzzle themselves. After the episode, Sajak admitted his mistake, saying, “I wonder how many people at home caught it. There weren’t many letters up there, and I said, ‘I’d rather be here than there, quite frankly’ — which was the puzzle. But it goes to show you that people are concentrating and they’re not paying any attention to me.”

A Chuckle-Worthy Blunder

Though Sajak and White didn’t consider the clue too obvious, Sajak couldn’t help but joke, “It’s funny what your … mouth will say that your brain says, ‘You shouldn’t do that.'”

First-Time Mishap

In the same year, Sajak made another goof when he opened a grand prize envelope before the contestant had spun the wheel. He quipped, “Oh, I already looked at it. I’m not sure why I did that. I know what she’s playing for and you don’t!” To this, White pointed out that it was the first time he had made such an error on the show. Sajak responded, “There’s a first time for every mistake. Even I’m not perfect. I know that’s shocking news.”

A Controversial Call

The game show made headlines again in December 2021 when a contestant missed out on an Audi car due to what fans saw as a technicality.

Charlene Rubush had already won $16,500 before entering the bonus round. During the “What Are You Doing?” puzzle, Rubush guessed “Choosing the right card” but then changed her answer to “Choosing the right … word” just before the buzzer.

Sajak clarified that she lost her prize because of the hesitation to complete her thought, even though she had guessed the correct phrase. He explained, “You know, this one’s tough because you said all the right words, including the word ‘word,’ but, as you know, it’s gotta be more or less continuous. We’ll allow for a little pause but not four or five seconds. I’m sorry. You did a good job in getting it, but we can’t give you the prize, and it was the Audi.”

Audi Steps In

After a wave of online backlash, Audi used their official social media account to offer a solution, tweeting, “You’re a winner in our eyes, Charlene. Now, let’s get you a prize. Time to #GiveHerTheQ3.”

Mistakes may happen, even on a show as beloved as Wheel of Fortune, but it’s heartwarming to see everyone come together to make things right.