History of Wheel of Fortune (American game show) in Timeline
Wheel of Fortune is an American television game show created by Merv Griffin that premiered in 1975 and continues to air in nightly syndication. The show features contestants solving word puzzles similar to hangman. Contestants spin a large carnival wheel to determine cash and prizes awarded for solving puzzles. The current syndicated version of the show premiered in 1983.
1972: The Price Is Right Premieres
The Price Is Right, which later became the longest-running game show in the US, premiered in 1972.
December 1975: Wheel of Fortune Features Hour-Long Episodes
During December 1975, Wheel of Fortune aired hour-long episodes for a six-week period.
1975: Wheel of Fortune Premiere
In 1975, Wheel of Fortune premiered with Chuck Woolery as the original host.
1975: First "Wheel of Fortune" Board Game Released
Milton Bradley released the first board game based on "Wheel of Fortune" in 1975.
January 1976: Wheel of Fortune Features Hour-Long Episodes
During January 1976, Wheel of Fortune aired hour-long episodes for a six-week period.
August 1976: Rhinehart Departs, Jones Promoted
In August 1976, John Rhinehart left, and Nancy Jones was promoted to sole producer.
1977: Susan Stafford's First Extended Absence
In 1977, Susan Stafford took an extended absence from Wheel of Fortune due to a back injury.
1978: Carson Becomes Director
Dick Carson became the director in 1978.
1978: "Frisco Disco" Used on Wheel of Fortune
Merv Griffin's "Frisco Disco," previously the closing theme for a Jeopardy! revival, was used for prize announcements on Wheel of Fortune in 1978.
1979: "Frisco Disco" Used on Wheel of Fortune
Merv Griffin's "Frisco Disco," previously the closing theme for a Jeopardy! revival, was used for prize announcements on Wheel of Fortune in 1979.
1979: Susan Stafford's Second Extended Absence
Susan Stafford took a second extended absence from her role on Wheel of Fortune in 1979 following a car accident.
August 1980: NBC Announces Cancellation of Wheel of Fortune
NBC announced the cancellation of Wheel of Fortune in August 1980, but later reversed the decision.
August 1980: Alex Trebek's Guest Appearance
In August 1980, Alex Trebek briefly hosted Wheel of Fortune while Chuck Woolery was absent.
1980: Charlie O'Donnell Leaves Temporarily
Charlie O'Donnell left his announcing position at Wheel of Fortune in 1980.
December 21, 1981: Larger Puzzle Board Introduced
A larger puzzle board with 48 trilons was introduced on December 21, 1981.
December 25, 1981: Chuck Woolery's Departure
On December 25, 1981, Chuck Woolery's time as host of Wheel of Fortune ended due to a salary dispute with Merv Griffin.
December 28, 1981: Pat Sajak's Debut
On December 28, 1981, Pat Sajak debuted as the new host of Wheel of Fortune, despite initial objections from NBC regarding his "local" status.
October 1982: Susan Stafford Leaves Wheel of Fortune
Susan Stafford, the original hostess, departed from Wheel of Fortune in October 1982.
December 1982: Vanna White Joins Wheel of Fortune
Vanna White was selected as Susan Stafford's replacement in December 1982, after a nationwide search.
1983: Jack Clark Becomes Syndicated Announcer
Jack Clark became the announcer for the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune in 1983.
1983: "Changing Keys" Becomes Wheel of Fortune Theme
Merv Griffin's composition, "Changing Keys," replaced the original theme, "Big Wheels," in 1983.
1983: Syndicated Version Premieres
The syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune premiered in 1983.
1984: Syndicated Wheel of Fortune Becomes Highest-Rated
By the beginning of 1984, the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune became the highest-rated syndicated show, surpassing Family Feud.
June 1986: Susan Stafford's Brief Return
Susan Stafford returned to Wheel of Fortune for a short period in June 1986, filling in for Vanna White.
1986: Syndicated Wheel and Jeopardy! Impact Other Game Shows
By the fall of 1986, the syndicated success of Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy! led to the end of other popular game shows such as Tic-Tac-Dough, The Joker's Wild, and Family Feud.
1987: First "Wheel of Fortune" Video Game Released
The first "Wheel of Fortune" video game was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 by GameTek.
July 1988: Jack Clark's Death
Jack Clark, the announcer for Wheel of Fortune, passed away in July 1988.
August 1988: M.G. Kelly Replaces Jack Clark
M.G. Kelly replaced Jack Clark as the announcer for Wheel of Fortune's daytime series in August 1988, and the syndicated series a month later.
1988: Move to CBS Television City
Wheel of Fortune moved production to CBS Television City in Los Angeles in 1988.
January 9, 1989: Pat Sajak Leaves Daytime Wheel
On January 9, 1989, Pat Sajak left his role as the daytime host of Wheel of Fortune to pursue a late-night talk show.
1989: Charlie O'Donnell Returns
Charlie O'Donnell returned as the announcer for Wheel of Fortune in 1989.
January 1991: Tricia Gist Fills in for Vanna White
During January 1991, Tricia Gist filled in for Vanna White on Wheel of Fortune.
1991: Vanna White Continues on Syndicated Version
In 1991, Vanna White continued her role as hostess on the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune.
1991: Daytime Series Returns to NBC
The daytime version of Wheel of Fortune returned to NBC in 1991, while still taping at Television City.
1992: Wheel of Fortune Airs on ABC Owned Stations
In 1992, Wheel of Fortune began airing on most of the owned-and-operated stations for ABC (now ABC Owned Television Stations).
1993: Sajak Wins First Daytime Emmy
Pat Sajak won his first Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1993.
1995: Move to Sony Pictures Studios
The show relocated to Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City in 1995.
1995: Friedman Joins as Producer
Harry Friedman joined Wheel of Fortune's production team as a producer in 1995.
1995: Friedman Succeeds Jones
Harry Friedman replaced Nancy Jones as producer in 1995.
November 1996: Pat Sajak and Vanna White Trade Places
In November 1996, Pat Sajak and Vanna White briefly switched roles on Wheel of Fortune due to Sajak's laryngitis.
1996: "Wheel of Fortune" Slot Machines Launched
In 1996, International Game Technology (IGT) launched its first line of slot machines based on "Wheel of Fortune".
February 24, 1997: Computerized Puzzle Board
A computerized puzzle board with touch-activated monitors was introduced on February 24, 1997.
March 4, 1997: Rosie O'Donnell Co-Hosts
On March 4, 1997, Rosie O'Donnell co-hosted a round of Wheel of Fortune with Vanna White.
April 1, 1997: Host and Show Swap with Jeopardy!
On April 1, 1997, Pat Sajak and Alex Trebek traded hosting duties, with Sajak hosting Jeopardy! and Trebek hosting a special Wheel of Fortune episode.
September 1997: Wheel 2000 Premieres on CBS and Game Show Network
Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune, premiered in September 1997 on CBS and Game Show Network.
1997: Griffith and Schwartz Join
Karen Griffith and Steve Schwartz joined as producers in 1997.
1997: Wheel 2000 Aired
Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune, aired in 1997.
1997: Steve Kaplan Becomes Music Director
Steve Kaplan became the music director for Wheel of Fortune in 1997.
1997: Sajak Wins Second Daytime Emmy
Pat Sajak won his second Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1997.
1997: Video Display Added
A large video display was incorporated into the set's center stage in 1997.
January 1998: Wheel 2000 Ends its Run
Wheel 2000, the children's version of Wheel of Fortune, concluded its run in January 1998.
1998: GameTek Files for Bankruptcy
GameTek, the publisher of several "Wheel of Fortune" video games, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and closed down in 1998.
1998: Corwin Replaces Carson
Mark Corwin succeeded Dick Carson as director at the end of the 1998-1999 season.
1998: Sajak Wins Third Daytime Emmy
Pat Sajak won his third Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game Show Host in 1998.
1999: Friedman Becomes Executive Producer
Harry Friedman took on the role of executive producer of Wheel of Fortune in 1999, initially sharing the title with Griffin.
2000: Wheel 2000 Aired
Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune, aired in 2000.
2000: Wheel 2000 Aired
Wheel 2000, a children's version of Wheel of Fortune, aired in 2000.
2000: Griffin's Retirement
In 2000, Merv Griffin retired as executive producer of the syndicated version of Wheel of Fortune.
2000: "Happy Wheels" Debuts as Wheel of Fortune Theme
Steve Kaplan's composition, "Happy Wheels," became the new theme song for Wheel of Fortune in 2000.
2001: TV Guide Ranks "Wheel" #25 Among Greatest Game Shows
In 2001, TV Guide ranked "Wheel of Fortune" number 25 among the 50 Greatest Game Shows of All Time.
December 2003: Steve Kaplan, Wheel of Fortune Music Director, Dies
Steve Kaplan, music director for Wheel of Fortune, died in December 2003 in a plane crash.
2003: Modern Wheel Introduced
The current, modernized wheel, weighing 2,400 pounds and measuring 16.5 feet in diameter, was introduced in 2003.
2003: HD Upgrade and Themed Weeks
The video display was upgraded, and the show transitioned to high-definition broadcasting in 2003. The mid-1990s also marked the beginning of the show's tradition of weekly themes.
September 12, 2005: "Wheel Around the World" Premieres
The "Wheel Around the World" theme week premiered on September 12, 2005, celebrating international versions of Wheel of Fortune.
August 2006: "Wheel of Fortune" Ranked #6 on GSN's Greatest Game Shows List
In August 2006, "Wheel of Fortune" was ranked #6 on GSN's list of the 50 Greatest Game Shows.
2006: Frankie Blue and John Hoke Take Over Music Direction
Frankie Blue and John Hoke became the music directors for Wheel of Fortune in 2006.
2007: King World Productions Folded into CBS Media Ventures
King World Productions merged with CBS Media Ventures in 2007.
June 6, 2009: "Wheel of Fortune" Receives Multiple GSN Game Show Award Nominations
On June 6, 2009, "Wheel of Fortune" was nominated for several GSN Game Show Awards, including Best Game Show, Best Game Show Host (Sajak and White), Best Announcer (O'Donnell), Favorite Game Show Catchphrase ("I'd like to buy a vowel"), and Favorite Game Show Sound Effect (new round start sound). The show won for Favorite Game Show Sound Effect.
May 10, 2010: "Wheel of Fortune" Hall of Fame Opens
A hall of fame honoring Wheel of Fortune was introduced on the episode aired May 10, 2010, at Sony Pictures Studios.
November 2010: Charlie O'Donnell's Death
Charlie O'Donnell, the long-time announcer of Wheel of Fortune, died in November 2010.
2010: "Two and a Half Men" Dethrones "Wheel" as Highest-Rated Syndicated Show
In 2010, "Two and a Half Men" surpassed "Wheel of Fortune" as the highest-rated show in syndication.
February 2011: "Vanna for a Day" Contest
In February 2011, Wheel of Fortune held a "Vanna for a Day" contest where viewers could submit auditions to host alongside Pat Sajak.
March 24, 2011: Katie Cantrell as "Vanna for a Day"
On March 24, 2011, contest winner Katie Cantrell filled in for Vanna White as part of the "Vanna for a Day" event.
2011: Jim Thornton Becomes Announcer
Jim Thornton was selected as the new announcer for Wheel of Fortune in 2011.
2011: "Wheel of Fortune" and "Jeopardy!" Share Daytime Emmy
In 2011, "Wheel of Fortune" shared the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show with "Jeopardy!".
2011: Judge Judy Overtakes Wheel of Fortune in Ratings
In 2011, Judge Judy dethroned Wheel of Fortune as the most-watched syndicated program in the United States.
2012: Wheel of Fortune Celebrates Milestones
By the end of 2012, Wheel of Fortune was recognized by over 90 million Americans and had awarded over $200 million in cash and prizes.
2012: "Wheel of Fortune" Honored with Ride of Fame
In 2012, "Wheel of Fortune" was honored with a Ride of Fame on a double-decker tour bus in New York City.
July 2013: Corwin's Passing
Mark Corwin, the director, passed away in July 2013.
November 2013: Cisneros Becomes Director
Bob Cisneros took over as full-time director in November 2013.
2013: TV Guide Ranks "Wheel" #2 Among Greatest Game Shows
In 2013, TV Guide ranked "Wheel of Fortune" number 2 in its list of the 60 greatest game shows ever.
2014: Ennis Fills in as Director
Robert Ennis served as a guest director in 2014 while Cisneros recovered from surgery.
September 14, 2015: Ennis Promoted to Director
Robert Ennis became the full-time director on September 14, 2015.
August 1, 2019: Friedman's Retirement Announcement
On August 1, 2019, Sony Pictures Television announced Harry Friedman's retirement as executive producer of both Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy!.
August 29, 2019: Richards Named as Replacement
Mike Richards was announced as Friedman's replacement on August 29, 2019.
November 2019: Vanna White Temporarily Hosts
Vanna White took over hosting duties for three weeks in November 2019 while Pat Sajak was recovering from surgery.
March 2020: Wheel of Fortune Production Suspended Due to COVID-19
Production of Wheel of Fortune was suspended in March 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
August 2020: Wheel of Fortune Resumes Taping
Taping for Wheel of Fortune resumed in August 2020 with new safety protocols in place due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
September 14, 2020: Wheel of Fortune Returns with New Episodes
On September 14, 2020, new episodes of Wheel of Fortune began airing after a production hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These episodes were filmed with new safety measures, including no studio audience and only essential staff and crew present.
November 2020: ABC Orders Primetime Spin-off "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune"
In November 2020, ABC ordered a primetime spin-off of "Wheel of Fortune" called "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune." The show will feature Sajak and White as hosts and Richards as the initial executive producer.
2020: Richards Officially Replaces Friedman
Mike Richards officially took over from Friedman as executive producer at the start of the 2020-2021 season.
May 2021: ABC Renews "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for Season 2
In May 2021, ABC renewed "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for a second season.
August 31, 2021: Richards' Dismissal
Richards was fired from his role as executive producer on August 31, 2021.
September 2021: Maggie Sajak Joins as Correspondent
Maggie Sajak started as a special correspondent on Wheel of Fortune in September 2021.
September 2021: Sajak Becomes Consulting Producer
Pat Sajak took on the role of consulting producer in September 2021.
September 26, 2021: "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" Season 2 Premieres
The second season of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" premiered on September 26, 2021.
2021: Rearranged "Changing Keys" Returns as Theme
A rearranged version of "Changing Keys" became the main theme music for Wheel of Fortune in 2021.
March 23, 2022: Blackstone Becomes Executive Producer
Bellamie Blackstone was appointed as the permanent executive producer for Wheel of Fortune on March 23, 2022.
May 2022: "Wheel of Fortune Live!" Touring Show Announced
In May 2022, a touring stage production called "Wheel of Fortune Live!" was announced.
May 2022: ABC Renews "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for Season 3
In May 2022, ABC renewed "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for a third season.
July 2022: Live Studio Audiences Return to Wheel of Fortune
In July 2022, Wheel of Fortune producers announced the return of live, in-person studio audiences for the show's 40th season. Other COVID-19 protocols were also lifted, allowing contestants to stand closer, spin the wheel without grips, and interact more closely with host Pat Sajak.
September 25, 2022: "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" Season 3 Premieres
The third season of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" premiered on September 25, 2022.
December 2022: First Run of "Wheel of Fortune Live!" Concludes
The initial run of "Wheel of Fortune Live!" concluded in December 2022, after over 60 performances.
2022: Puzzle Board Refurbished
The puzzle board was updated with a single video board and lidar sensors in 2022.
2022: Ennis Retires, Van Wagner Takes Over
Ennis retired, and Alex Van Wagner replaced him as director in 2022.
May 10, 2023: Maggie Sajak Appears on Celebrity Wheel
On May 10, 2023, Maggie Sajak appeared on Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, while her father, Pat Sajak, was recovering.
May 2023: ABC Renews "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for Season 4
In May 2023, ABC renewed "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" for a fourth season.
June 12, 2023: Pat Sajak Announces Retirement
On June 12, 2023, Pat Sajak announced his plan to retire from Wheel of Fortune after the 41st season.
July 2023: Vanna White Signs New Deal
In July 2023, Vanna White signed a new deal to return as hostess of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune".
September 19, 2023: Vanna White Extends Contract
Vanna White extended her contract with Wheel of Fortune through the 2025-2026 season on September 19, 2023.
September 27, 2023: "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" Season 4 Premieres, Blackstone Takes Over
The fourth season of "Celebrity Wheel of Fortune" premiered on September 27, 2023. Blackstone took over as executive producer.
July 11, 2024: Pat Sajak to Host Celebrity Season
On July 11, 2024, it was announced that Pat Sajak would host the upcoming celebrity season of Wheel of Fortune on ABC.
September 2024: Ryan Seacrest Announced as New Host
Ryan Seacrest was announced as the new host for Wheel of Fortune starting in September 2024.
2024: New Set Design
A new set design was introduced in 2024, featuring Art Nouveau influences and a redesigned video wall.
2025: Vanna White's Contract Extension
Vanna White's contract extension ensures her presence on Wheel of Fortune until 2025.