‘Wheel of Fortune’ viewers are spinning with rage over ‘all-time horrible’ answer
“Wheel of Fortune” viewers may no longer be able to laugh at Pat Sajak’s snark moments after the former host’s departure, but they now have a new focus.
On the episode that aired Dec. 30, “Wheel of Fortune” contestants had to guess a three-word answer in the “food & drink” category.
Contestant Gaelyn Nease guessed several letters right, until the board read: “Ne_ / _or_ / _heese_a_e.”
The board on the Dec. 30 episode of “Wheel of Fortune.” Sony Pictures Television
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest at the “Wheel of Fortune” pier launch at Santa Monica, Calif., in August. Getty Images for CBS Media Ventures / Sony Pictures Television
Instead of guessing the correct answer of “New York Cheesecake,” she guessed “New York Cheesesteak” and lost.
“A new all-time horrible answer on #wheel,” one viewer said on X, formerly Twitter.
“I knew this would end up making the rounds. Oooooooof!!!” another viewer wrote.
Another fan snarked, “Game shows are hard but yes that should’ve been gotten.”
“I was watching. Worst I’ve ever seen ‘live’ on tv. What a nerd,” another said.
In the past, Nease might have faced similar comments not just from the audience, but from the show’s host.
Contestant Gaelyn Nease on “Wheel of Fortune.” Sony Pictures Television
The Dec. 30 episode of “Wheel of Fortune.” Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television
Sajak, who retired in June at age 77 after a 41-season reign hosting the show, was notorious for getting snippy with contestants.
For instance, Sajak made fun of contestant Scott Ingwersen’s introduction story during an episode in March 2022.
Ingwersen told viewers that when he was 12 years old his toe got cut off when he fell off a speed bike, and then paramedics reattached his toe.
“That may have been the most pointless story ever told,” Sajak said to Ingwersen.
In December 2023, Sajak lobbied a verbal bomb at player Jill who failed to guess the phrase from the letter puzzle “_ _ _ C _ N _ _ _ R _ _ _ N _ _ N.” (The answer was “Voicing our opinion.”)
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“What kind of puzzle is that?” Jill asked.
Sajak quipped, “It’s a puzzle you didn’t solve.”
Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest on “Wheel of Fortune.” Eric McCandless/Sony Pictures Television
Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White and Pat Sajak. Instagram / @ryanseacrest
But, Nease didn’t face criticism from new host Ryan Seacrest, who began hosting “Wheel of Fortune” on Sept. 9, joining co-host Vanna White.
Viewers have been divided over Seacrest, with some appreciating his seasoned hosting and other fans commenting, “Not a fan of the way the show’s being produced since he’s taken over the lead.”
During an interview with Fox News Digital on Dec. 31, Seacrest shared his goal for 2025.
“I love giving away the money,” he said. “I get so excited when people win the money, and they win a lot of money. I’m hoping to give away a million dollars in 2025.”
