WHEEL of Fortune viewers have taken to social media with a bone to pick as ABC interrupted Thursday’s episode at the worst possible time.
The game show was cut off by breaking news right in the middle of the bonus puzzle’s 10-second timer.
5
Vikings fan Kiera, who couldn’t have been sweeter, faced off against Army Reserves member Lewis and 49ers fan Brianna ahead of the Super Bowl.
Kiera revealed to Pat Sajak that her mom is “sick” and watching from home in an emotional interview moment.
She then put on her game face and by the end of the game, racked up a dazzling $46,250.
With a wildcard wedge in tow, she exclaimed, “I’m freaking out!” as she proceeded to the bonus puzzle.
Read more on Wheel of Fortune
Choosing “What are you wearing?” as her category, Kiera chose a DCHAM in addition to the provided RSTLNE.
“Alright, you have ten seconds to try to work that out,” Pat said.
Kiera guessed “Fleece cardigan,” and at that very moment, the broadcast cut to David Muir discussing Joe Biden delivering a special report on ABC News.
Fans were furious that the make-or-break moment was cut off at all affiliates where ABC airs the syndicated show nationwide.
‘GREAT, BREAKING NEWS’
One X user wrote: “Not them interrupting the end of wheel of fortune for this damn special report.”
Other comments read: “Great, breaking news #wheeloffortune.”
“YO ABC NEWS CUTTING THE END OF WHEEL OF FORTUNE??”
“DID SHE GET THE FINAL PUZZLE?? that was IGNORANT.”
“SHE WAS DOING SO WELL IM PISSED.”
“They cut off the end of wheel of fortune for this bull***t?! They only had to wait 2 more minutes!!”
“Thanks, @ABC was five seconds from puzzle solve @WheelofFortune Unnecessary breakaway.”
Most read in Entertainment
“@ABC11_WTVD y’all clowns broke into the last 30 seconds of wheel of fortune for this silliness? Thats pretty poor timing.”
DID SHE SOLVE THE PUZZLE?
Kiera did not ace the bonus puzzle as “Beige Cardigan” – missing out on $40,000 but she will return on tomorrow’s final with one of the week’s three highest scores.
5
5
‘WE ARE POWERLESS’
Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune have faced network issues multiple times during Pat’s sendoff season.
In December, an episode of the Celebrity spinoff was pushed back two weeks in a row.
Pat Sajak, 77, and Vanna White, 66, host both editions of Wheel.
Longtime host Pat even warned fans that his farewell before Ryan Seacrest takes his role this summer would have multiple network issues.
He posted to X (formerly Twitter) in September to address the issue at the start of his now-airing last season.
He wrote: “Because of football and squabbles between stations and carriers, a lot of you won’t be able to see some episodes of Wheel this season.
“We’re as sorry as you are, but we are powerless to do anything about it.”
MAJOR FORMAT CHANGE
Meanwhile, Wheel of Fortune changed up its format ahead of Super Bowl Sunday, and fans are into it.
The Superfan Tournament sees the three highest-scoring players face off in a final on Friday.
The overall winner gets a VIP trip to Super Bowl VII.
Tuesday’s champ, Buffalo Bills fan Jill, won $63,000, so she’ll be returning, as will Wednesday’s champ, Deanna, who won $35,000.
The intro includes a contestant bracket, announcer Jim Thorton got an ESPN-style booth on stage, and the puzzles are NFL-themed.
Not only is the change heightening the stakes, but it’s also a major shakeup for the game show, which usually does not have returning champions.
5