Please note that this story will be reprinted after it originally appeared in January 2024.
“Wheel of Fortune” fans are furious and protesting because they think Megan, a contestant, was unfairly denied $40,000 for what could have been the correct answer.
One bonus challenge that Megan, a married choir director at a California high school, had to solve involved two terms that fit into the “Living Thing” category.
As the wheel spun and host Pat Sajak guided Megan to the puzzle board, the unfinished phrase “_ N’R_- -” became visible.
Megan carefully arranged the letters on the board to read “P_N_’ RC _D.”
Megan revealed her last ten-second guess which she thought was a “pink orchid” or maybe “something with an orchid”. When the timer started and the correct letters appeared on the screen, Megan yelled that the answer was “Pink Orchid,” and was upset.
Suspecting that Megan was right, Sajak pulled the winning guess card and gave her a healthy $40,000 – far more than the $14,007 she actually earned.
Viewers watching from their living rooms were furious with Megan’s answer, believing it to be unfairly incorrect, with many venting their displeasure on Wheel of Fortune.
A viewer tweeted: “That woman screwed up the #WheelOfFortune bonus puzzle tonight; she said ‘PINK ORCHID’ right at the start.”
“As soon as she said I asked the judges questions! I’m partially hearing in one ear and deaf in the other so I lip-read and use subtitles. She referred to me as a ‘pink orchid’.” doubts,” another admirer shot back.
“I’m blowing up! She said, ‘Pink orchid,’ she got it! “WTF?” exclaimed a third person.
Hi @WheelofFortune I heard an opponent say “pink orchid” at the beginning of the problem so I cracked the last one. A disgruntled viewer said: “You owe her some $$$.”
Well done @WheelofFortune. To solve the last puzzle from the latest show, you can clearly hear her say “pink orchid” if you re-watch tonight’s broadcast. You didn’t give the winner proper credit. Now play it again.
She actually said that! Bright orchid.
After the scandal, Wheel of Fortune viewers increasingly criticized the show for obvious mistakes, such as the recent rhyme debate during the Express Round. When the Jan. 22 show seemed to stutter over the response in the “Rhyme Time” category, the audience erupted.
A running gag left two candidates in place, but Jill, the third candidate, figured it out by guessing two “y’s”, leading to the rhyme “Absolutely Positive”.
The decision was heavily contested by supporters who argued that “absolutely positively” did not rhyme.
“Hi @WheelofFortune,” one onlooker wrote. “Would you kindly explain the rhyme between the two words? Because it certainly doesn’t.”
The recent controversy surrounding “Wheel of Fortune” and contestant Megan has sparked considerable backlash among fans and highlighted the intense scrutiny the show faces over its decision-making. Many viewers believe Megan was unfairly denied the chance to win $40,000 after she made a clear reference to a “pink orchid”, raising questions about the show’s judging criteria and transparency. The incident resonated with a wider audience passionate about fairness in game shows and sparked a wave of protest on social media.
Moreover, this is not the first time that “Wheel of Fortune” has come under fire. The recent debate over the appropriateness of certain answers, particularly during the “Rhyme Time” category, demonstrates a growing dissatisfaction with the show’s standards. Fans have become increasingly vocal about perceived irregularities, with many calling for clearer rules and accountability in the judging process. Such criticisms reflect a larger trend of viewers expecting more from their favorite shows, particularly in terms of fairness and accuracy.
After all, the ongoing discourse surrounding these controversies underscores the challenges long-running programs like “Wheel of Fortune” face in maintaining their credibility and the trust of viewers. As fans continue to demand fairness and transparency, the show’s producers may need to rethink their judging procedures to ensure contestants get the credit they deserve. Addressing these concerns could help restore trust among loyal viewers and preserve the show’s legacy in the competitive landscape of television game shows.