‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Slam Ryan Seacrest Over ‘Tense’ Bonus Puzzle Misfire (VIDEO)
A contestant on Ryan Seacrest’s era of Wheel of Fortune lost a bonus round in a particularly unfortunate — and according to some fans questionable — fashion.
On Tuesday, October 15’s episode, Jamel Vanderburg from West Hempstead, New York, who earlier shared he’s “obsessed” with meteorology, stormed his way to victory. With a mighty $40,998 in cash, a prize trip to Alaska, and the selection of the “Phrase” category, he joined Seacrest to tackle the three-word puzzle.
Choosing a savvy “WYPA” as his additional letters, it read as “‘ALWAYS’ ‘_N’ ‘_E_AN_'” and the 10-second timer began. Near-instantly, Vanderburg talked his way to two of the three words: “Always On…Always On Demand!” he shouted.
With five seconds to go, Vanderburg turned to Vanna White for confirmation he was correct, so steadfast in his conviction that he stopped guessing. However, it didn’t come. The incorrect buzzer sounded and the timer ran down as his celebratory expression turned to disbelief.
“No, no,” Seacrest said as the letters began filling in. The full puzzle was revealed to be “Always In Demand.”
Vanderburg yelled, “Oh!” at the results, buckling over in shock. “Always In Demand,” Seacrest confirmed.
Seacrest shared that Vanderburg missed out on a brand-new Ford. He threw up his hands in disappointment, recovered, and was a good sport. “You know what? I got $40,000 I’m going to Alaska. It’s all good,” he concluded, hugging it out with Seacrest.
Fans took to social media accusing Seacrest of appearing to buzz the contestant before the timer was up. There was still one second on the clock when the letters began filling in, so technically, he could have still saved face (quite literally) last second.
“Oooh Wheel Of Fortune was a bit tense tonight during the bonus round,” one fan wrote.
“@WheelofFortune Jamal got screwed! They buzzed him with time still on the clock!” blasted another.
“What just happened on #WheelOfFortune ? The buzzer went off, but the clock was still running. Jamel was cheated,” accused a third.
“Ryan, tonight on @WheelofFortune they rang the buzzer and cut the Bonus Round music on Jamel with 40% of his time left. …Then started filling in the puzzle with 1 more tick left on the clock. He knew ‘Always on demand’. With that time left, he’d have solved ‘Always IN demand,'” argued a fourth.
The game show shared the clip on YouTube, where others were simply left in shock much like he was over how close he was (given he was off by a mere one letter and flat-out stopped guessing with time left).
“Omggggg how did he miss that he had time to fix it too always IN demand,” one YouTuber wrote.
“He was so close but I love his positivity in spite of not winning. “Always on Demand!” That was a good guess!” wrote another.
“Wow, that was just…wow! I bet a whole lot of people guessed ALWAYS ON DEMAND as well,” wrote a third.
“Oh man! That REALLY hurts! I thought he had it! That was crushing!” wrote one more. “Yikes, one letter away!”
Meanwhile, WoF viewers are getting used to Seacrest, who officially replaced Sajak as the nightly host after four decades last month. He’s kept ratings high with the strongest week in five years for the Season 42 debut. That said, he’s had his stumbles according to fans.
Earlier this month, fans called out the host for an on-air blunder they dubbed his “first blooper”, which also involved the coveted bonus round. In this instance, Seacrest’s reaction was delayed and he took multiple seconds to confirm a player had solved the puzzle despite White visibly applauding. In another instance, similar to this one, some fans felt he stepped in too early to rule.
And, not unlike during Sajak’s reign, there have been some questionable bonus puzzles; one that cost two gal pals $100,000 and another that fans flat-out called “unfair” (Cashew Nuts?).
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Comments are closed on this story.
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G
I agree with Vicky! Sure, I miss pat, but geez people Ryan is doing a great job. Give him a break
25 4
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R
Chill out. I absolutely love Ryan’s
Personality. He’s the perfect fit for this show. We don’t miss a day of watching. And love the fact that Vanna is more talkative also.
17 2
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O
I like Ryan you all need to stop bullying him
22 7
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O
I really love Ryan. I'm also very impressed with his extra effort to include our sweet Vanna in the show . I think that they are both doing a great job on the show 😄
10 2
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B
I’m sure Ryan doesn’t make the beep noise. So he thought time ran out as well when it beeped. People behind the scene messed up and should give that guy the vehicle
8 1
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O
Of course people miss Pat but I like how Ryan is making this his own. Remember Pat those to retire. You all need to accept that fact.
9 2
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G
Who wears suits and ties anymore. Those complaining about his appearance are probably 65+. If you want to attract younger viewers, he should dress the way they do. I enjoy his appearance and performance.
5 1
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O
Well this 65+ would be very happy to see them a bit more casual. I get why in Pat’s era they worse suits and ties but this is 2024 and things should be a little less “stiff” ….i don’t mean jeans and t-shirts but come on suits today for a game show?
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R
People need to chill out- Pat retired. Some of y'all wouldn't be happy no matter who hosts. I've never been too much of a Seacrest fan. But he's doing a good job. I actually like how excited he gets when someone wins big.
1
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O
He’s a little too handsy with the male contestants.
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P
Some of people need to get a life! I like the show and don't watch it just to tear it apart.
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G
What the heck are these so called fans doing not thinking the last thing the show will do is cheat. Truly these folks are stone cold DA's. Who love to stir the pot! Get a frickin Life!!!
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O
Old Vanna needs to go. Need somebody young and attractive to turn the letters and not a grandmother
1 1
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P
Show feels fake these days anyways. Seems like they only want black contestants these days
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O
Don’t like Ryan standing around with his hands in his pockets all the time. Haven’t been watching it much since Pat left.
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P
I can't stand Seacrest on wheel. Don't watch anymore !!
7 10
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G
Remind us....who are you?!
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R
Can we please get a petition going to replace Ryan with Rhetta (currently hosting Ugliest House in America on HGTV)!?!
She would be fantastic.
Ryan is clearly wrong for this gig.
1 10
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O
Two girls hosting is a great idea, but I think we should have Vanna host!
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B
He need to go!! He is now ready for this.
Boy!Bye....
2 16
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O
Agreed!
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