‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Slam Show’s ‘Unfair’ Decision to Give Contestants a Second Chance
Wheel of Fortune is taking a page from its quiz show cousin Jeopardy! in inviting back former players for another chance to spin the wheel, but not everybody is happy about it.
Many fans think it’s unfair that the show is allowing people to compete twice when hopeful viewers often take many years to appear on ‘Wheel’ and a large number never achieve their dream.
On Monday, May 27, the long-running game show kicked off its Fan Favorite week, which sees past contestants return for a shot at redemption or, in some cases, for repeated glory.
The latter was certainly the case for Cynthia King from Warren, Michigan, who won more than $83,000 during her first appearance back in February when she nailed the Bonus Round puzzle.
As she explained to host Pat Sajak at the start of Monday’s episode, she hosted 75 friends and family for a watch party of her first game and plans to do the same again for her second appearance, this time inviting along her co-workers.
King faced off against Rufus Cumberlander from Ewa Beach, Hawaii, who played back in February 2015, and Luidgi Altidor from Brooklyn, New York, who appeared in January 2020.
While the game started off a little shaky for King, she soon got back into the swing of things, bagging herself $15,390 cash in the Express Round and a trip to the Great Rivers of Europe. She ultimately won the closely-fought episode with $19,390 over Altidor’s $17,358.
Unfortunately for King, she couldn’t repeat her Bonus Round success. After selecting the “Event” category and the additional letters “C, P, M, and I,” she was faced with a puzzle board that read: “_ _ _ L E N T / _ E _ _ _ N _.”
She figured out the second word as “Wedding” but couldn’t put the whole thing together as “Opulent Wedding.” Still, she walked away with almost $20,000 to add to her previous winnings, taking her over the $100,000 mark in total.
Speaking to Maggie Sajak on social media, King, who had waited 30 years to get on the show the first time, opened up about her Wheel return.
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“It’s so crazy. I didn’t even believe it. Like, this can’t be true,” she said. “Just being on the show once is unreal, but being on here twice? It’s like, oh wow, okay, I’m walking. I’m a celebrity. You don’t want my signature, you want my autograph.”
Another contestant, Tracy McBride, appeared on the show earlier this month after waiting 28 years to get on and also won big. However, some fans have been waiting even longer, and they’re annoyed that returning contestants are taking up slots on the show.
“I’ve been trying to get on Wheel Forever!!!” wrote one fan on the Wheel of Fortune Instagram page.
“How are these people getting on a SECOND time when other people are trying for a chance! This is very unfair! I’m over this!” said another.
Another fan wrote, “I’ve been trying to get on wheel of fortune. I filled out the application for it in 2021.”
But others were happy to see the familiar faces, especially as a way to commemorate Sajak’s penultimate week as host.
“How fitting that Pat’s penultimate week of shows has fan favorites,” wrote one viewer on YouTube.
“[Cynthia] is the best. I’m happy she’s back tonight, along with Rufus!” added another commenter.
Another said, “I’m so happy she won she deserved it God bless her.”
What do you think about Wheel inviting back past contestants? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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Comments are closed on this story.
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R
If someone won the first time they competed they SHOULD NOT be allowed to compete again. Someone who did not win could have another chance but persons who have never had the opportunity should get a chance first. It was especially irritating that the contest who won lost night had won over $80,000 the first time.
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M
I have to agree for once. I have tried several times and these people get a second chance.
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R
It isn't fair, hopefully they don't continue to do this
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R
I think people who are trying to get on and haven't have a point. But I feel someone who has won $83,000 doesn't need to be on again. How about people who were on and lost should have a 2nd chance?
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R
I've been waiting since 1998 to get on the show. I went to a wheel mobile event and stood in line for 2 1/2 hours only to discover that even at a wheel mobile event people are just chosen randomly and not everyone that is there is allowed the chance to compete for a slot on the show. I have filled out all the info requested on the Wheel Watchers site and still nothing. Yes it is very unfair to bring back contestants to compete for a second time when others like myself have been waiting 20 to 30 years for an opportunity.
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D
Not sure what the point is of having winners come back, given the waiting list of people who'd like to play. I haven't find these players to be overly interesting or appealing, so calling this "fan favorites" seems misleading!
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R
It makes no sense to bring on people a second time so that you can win money again. It shows the quality of the producers of these shows like jeopardy and wheel of fortune.
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R
I do not think it is fair at all.
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R
My wife and I tried to get on couples week. We were interviewed via zoom…thought we did pretty well. Must not have….never heard back from them. Allowing people to play twice and we couldn’t even get a bite leaves a bad taste in my mouth. Every time they pander for new contestants, my blood pressure goes up!
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R
Give other players a chance you had yours. Don't get as bad as jeopardy
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R
Nope! If they’ve been on the show one time, then that’s all they get! Give others a chance!
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R
I agree don't get as bad as Jeopardy
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R
They had their nance so give someone else a turn.
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R
I can't say I disagree with all of the negative comments. My husband has filled out an application at least twice & never been called but people are being called back a second time! It doesn't seem fair but I'm not in charge. 🤷♀️ We love the show
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A
True, but think of all the people who sleep in their cars for a week just trying to get into the AUDIENCE on The Price is Right...
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R
I don't see anything wrong with it. I think it's a good way commemorate Pat's last season on the show. All TV shows do it in some form or another.
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R
I don't think past show winners should get a second chance. Maybe those who didn't win can be added to the contestant lottery along with those who have never been on the show. If their name is randomly picked, great! But at least they aren't being given a guaranteed opportunity over those who have been trying for years and have never made it.
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R
Don't like it..get new people...
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R
Unfair, unfair, unfair!!!
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R
If she was white, she wouldn't have been given a second chance, plus the fact that she had already played and won is unfair to those that have been waiting years to play.
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R
What a ridiculous thing to say! I find your remark to be both racist and offensive! She had the same fair opportunity as her two opponents, who were white. Do you think she should be disqualified, because she is black?! Yours is the only comment I've seen that is receiving thumbs down votes! Please keep such bigoted thoughts to yourself. (I am white, if you're wondering. I just don't share your racist views.)
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R
Great idea. Nice to see 3 "above average" contestants compete. So often one or more people are freaked out by the lights, cameras, audience and knowing millions of people are watching 👀!!
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R
People need to grow up. So much selfishness.
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R
I know I've brought this up before but why do you still have bialik standing back to back with Jennings on your site when she was fired.does your photog not know how. To put in a new picture.she was fired!
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R
I think that there are so many people (me included) who have tried and are trying to get on the show that it’s simply wrong and obviously very unfair to call players back for a second time. I am very disappointed in the show to see this happening
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R
I feel if someone didn't win the first time they were on should get a. second chance. However, I believe the name of the show was favorite contestants ; that's why some of them had won before.
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R
Totally against having previous winners with so many others trying to get on the show. Bad move,
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