Wheel of Fortune Returning With Original Episodes Following Extended Hiatus — See the New COVID-Safe Set
This is not spin: Wheel of Fortune is returning with new episodes — imminently.
Following a months-long coronavirus-imposed production hiatus, the venerable syndicated game show will be back on the air with original episodes beginning Monday, Sept. 14. Wheel is entering Season 38. As previously reported, fellow syndicated quiz show Jeopardy! is also back with original episodes on Sept. 14.
Among the pandemic-related changes: The show’s signature Wheel has been redesigned to allow for six feet of space between host Pat Sajak and each contestant. Additionally, each player is given their own spinning cap — which Sajak has apparently dubbed “The White Thing.” The cap fits over each spoke so contestants can spin the Wheel without actually touching it. (See photos of the revamped set below.)
Wheel resumed production in early August, five months after shooting was suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Reruns have been filling the airwaves throughout much of the summer.
“Our challenge was not unique, to get back up and running in a way that is safe for everyone involved while making subtle improvements to make America’s Game even better,” said Wheel’s new EP Mike Richards. “I think we have accomplished that in a big way, and our fans can be comfortable knowing that they’re going to tune in to see the Wheel of Fortune they love.”
Wouldn’t it have just been easier to give them a glove to wear while on set. If they only wear it while playing it shouldn’t cross contaminate anything. And if it’s cloth it could be cleaned and reused without fear of any issues.
Those contestants don’t look six feet apart, but the distance from Pat is good.
It’s the way the photo is shot. I think if we had another coming from Pat’s back, you can see the distance better.
It looks quite awkward to spin that wheel.
Obviously no audiences …but wasn’t mentioned. Seems important
Why give away millions of dollars to just few lucky ones who participate in the game when millions of Americans are still suffering in poverty?
i know a lot of people who will find comfort in seeing new episodes of these shows on their tv again. and that’s a huge thing nowadays
A simple pleasure that isn’t about politics, war, food deprivation and viruses. Just people having fun and we get to see if we can guess the puzzle before they do. I don’t mind a half-hour of consistency and relaxation. Thank you, Pat and Vanna.💖
Thank you for having Wheel of Fortune. We missed Vanna because of the repeated games over the summer 2020.
AND …, they are still RERUNS in 2023
They are shows where audiences are not necessary. But let’s make a deal and price is right require audience members for participation. I suspect those shows are not returning. Too bad.
They might end up getting cancelled because the pandemic isn’t ending anytime soon. Could take several years or longer if there isn’t the right vaccine.
Actually, Price is Right is starting taping soon. They have revamped the format quite a bit, but the games will still be there. LMAD will be…different. No idea when that’s starting to tape again.
Where do you get your info from?
Contestants need to be wearing masks too! I’m not seeing that.
Pat and Vanna are treasures! I love how they get on. They act like besties. My baby brother never misses Wheel! He’s 2 years old and really gets into it! I like watching him watch the show. He gets all excited! He acts like he knows every puzzle and he loves Vanna! 💜 😀
I’m glad Wheel coming back! I want my Spin ID to come up. Yeah, I’m way selfish.
Man, I’m so sick of COVID-19! I wish it would take a leave of absence. Or make a permanent move to a planet like Venus or Mars. Just hit it already!
It will be interesting to see how this works. Will there be an audience ?
Best to everyone, and good luck
Unless you want a national tragedy on your hands, no there will not be an audience.
No Way a Virus that infected the Earth in 6 months is going to survive with 6 foot separation
No Way a Virus that infected the Earth in 6 months is going to survive with 6 foot separation
My husband and I love Wherl of fortune and the new White Thing and 6 foot distancing will keep this family show going on for years. Thank you for coming up with a solution. 1 question. Are the contestants famiky, or whoever comes with to the show get to be in the audiemce?
Our family has missed you Pat and Vanna. We’re so pleased to have you back! An evening with you, along with Alex is a welcome respite from the daily turmoil. Thank you for your smiling faces and calming demeanor we can count on every weeknight.😷😷
I wonder how long these new podium arrangements on Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! last before the pandemic is over and they go back to the way they previously were.
Plus, in Jeopardy!, I think the contestants’ podiums have always been six-feet away from the host’s podium, anyway. How far is Pat away from the WoF contestants?
Why don’t Vanna and Pat wear masks and social distance when they enter at the beginning of the show?
And 5 months later they still don’t do it. But want to contestants to step back when they’re going to spin the wheel. But yet Drew Carey talks about wearing your mask at the end of The Price is Right.
I agree Jim! I’ve been asking the same question but no one ever seems to have the answer. It is so obvious that they walk out arm in arm, chat at the end of the show, etc. I wish someone would tell us why it’s not important for them to do so!
The background set is not pleasing to look at. It looks cheap. Who wants candyland?? The sets used to be fun to look at. That being said, I’m so glad that the show is back on. Love Pat and Vanna.
Do love your show games
DebeaflittonI
I saw the opening of the 50th/ season and nothing but reruns. What happened? No big million dollar wedge etc.
BS it’s 2023 AND the episodes are still reruns for the wheel of fortune! Jeopardy are new episodes !!
In 2023 the wheel of fortune sure has their share of gay people as contestants…… WHY ?
GREAT