‘Wheel of Fortune’ Blasted After Ryan Seacrest Stops Show in Controversial Ruling
Wheel of Fortune viewers are enjoying Ryan Seacrest’s spin on the beloved game show for the most part. However, on Thursday, December 5’s episode, controversy ensued after a player, who finished a close second, was denied a $2,000 puzzle solve that many felt should have been accepted.
The dicey moment happened during the triple-toss-up puzzles near the tail end of the show, where letters fill in automatically. In the third puzzle, which consisted of two words in the “Food and Drink” category, Clint guessed “Well-Seasoned Meal” incorrectly. Adrianne then rang in but trailed off after saying, “Well…” leaving Jenn Walker from Sarasota, Florida, as the only player who could answer.
“It’s down to you, Jenn, so take your time and don’t let it fill out,” host Seacrest told her. Jenn proceeded to solve it correctly as “Well-Balanced Meal.” Viewers expected her to be rewarded with the puzzle, but when she solved it, Seacrest cut her off and could be heard saying off-screen, “Buzzer!”
The trouble was that Jenn didn’t ring in before offering the correct guess, silence abounded, and she was not rewarded the $2,000. The studio audience broke into a gasp as the full puzzle was displayed, and the incorrect sound buzzed meaning the puzzle was thrown out.
The broadcast cut to Seacrest, who was standing by all three players. “Can we get the judges on that?” he awkwardly asked, looking at the producers. “She didn’t buzz but gave an answer?” After a moment of deliberation instead of going to the Final Spin puzzle, it was decided she would not be given the puzzle because she didn’t ring in first. “No sorry, you gotta buzz in,” Seacrest shared. “’Well-Balanced Meal’ was the correct answer but you gotta use the little device.” Jenn uttered, “Okay.”
Fans on social media debated the ruling, arguing that Jenn deserved the puzzle. While she didn’t ring in, they felt it shouldn’t have mattered in this rare scenario since, as Seacrest outlined, she was the only player who could answer it.
“Wheel of Fortune has been extra frustrating as of late lmao like what do you mean you forgot to buzz in,” one X user wrote.
“I don’t get that either,” wrote another. “She was the last eligible player, as the others had already shot their shot. So she didn’t have to buzz in for a turn at solving.”
“She got screwed out of that……” replied a third.
“Wheel of Fortune did Jenn dirty,” wrote a fourth.
That said, the bumpy moment did not impact the results of the game, but it came close to doing so. Clint finished with $26,150, thus winning the episode, while Jenn finished with $20,490. She also appeared flustered during the deciding Final Spin puzzle, which Clint got correct, ultimately clinching the win.
Meanwhile, Seacrest, of course, had huge shoes to fill replacing the legendary Pat Sajak alongside the iconic Vanna White after four decades for Season 42. His debut month was the strongest ratings month for WoF in the past three years, and he’s impressed fans by forgoing cue cards. Plus, viewers were already treated to a viral moment (via a round of sausage). That said, there have been some other questionable hosting moments according to fans.
In September, Seacrest suffered what fans dubbed his “first blooper”, involving a prolonged reaction to rewarding a bonus round. Fans also called out the host for ruling against another player before the timer was up. Most controversially, last month, fans called out the host for not reminding a player to pick a letter, leading to him losing the game in a misunderstanding and by a mere $147. Many fans also blamed a lack of experience on Seacrest’s mishandling of a contestant’s $1million wedge, which she instantly forfeited, the new host having not reminding her what was at stake.
What do you think of the ruling against Jenn? Do you think the judges should have allowed her the $2,000 puzzle? Let us know in the comments section below!
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G
Wheel was correct in ruling. Otherwise people would just shout out answers without buzzing in.
42
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G
But when you\'re the only player permitted to respond at that point...?
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G
The rules are - you have to ring in first in order to solve the puzzle. It was an error on Jenn\'s part - not Ryan Seacrest.
41
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C
They have to follow the rules. Ryan asked the judges for a ruling and that\'s what they decided
36
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N
Nothing was done in error, on all game shows that have a buzzer you still have to buzz in even if you are the only one that can get the win. Just like on Jeopardy, if the first 2 people buzzed in but got answer wrong but the third person knows answer they still have to buzz in to answer and get correct answer. No difference.
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O
I agree. And I think that Ryan is doing a great job. I like his energy, his interaction with the players and his relaxed demeanor. He is a natural and wish to him to stay for many years. And rules are rules. The players have to follow the rules. Every gaming show I watch have rules.
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G
On Jeopardy, you lose money for a wrong answer, so the buzzer is used to say \"I really mean to answer this.\" On Wheel, when no other player has to be locked out, and there\'s no penalty for a wrong answer, the remaining player should be allowed to answer. I get that they\'re \"following the rules,\" and they\'ve probably disallowed others in that circumstance and are thus being fair to them, but maybe that\'s a rule that should be changed.
12
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O
Everyone else has buzzed in when they were the last one left. Nothing to change. Just because 1 dumb person didn\'t buzz in, all of a sudden we need to change rules?
1
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O
You only buzz in if you know the answer.....if you buss in and are wrong.....you loose money. BIG difference.
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P
Ryan is trying to hard and not looking relaxed, he rushes players and talks or comments to much I don’t really enjoy the interactions with players. Him not using cards like pat makes me feel like he thinks he’s better . I think the cards helped pat pace his comments and relaxed the players too. He is making too many mistakes n making people miss out on money the deserve. Pick someone else. He told her to take her time she was the only one left so she didn’t buzz in why must she??
31
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J
Sour Grapes...I think he\'s way better than Pat!
4
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C
Apparently Pat never used cards years ago, that is what I read.
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G
I think Ryan is doing a great job! He brought a new energy and fun to the show. I think critics should relax and enjoy the show.
28
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O
OK people, you just need to follow the rules. That\'s the name of the game!!!
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B
Rules are rules! I believe Ryan is doing an awesome job. Majority of what I read that he’s getting blamed for is not his fault. Plus there’s people there that makes the final call. Not him. He is just the host. So if they roll against Jen or for her, that was the people that makes sure the rules are followed.
26
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C
She absolutely should have been given
the $2000.00!! She was the only contestant left who could answer the puzzle. She did answer it correctly!!
25
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B
Completely agree with you on this one! I have been watching Wheel of Fortune since I was a kid and I don’t recall a situation like this ever happening. Maybe it’s never been addressed by the staff prior to the show when going over the rules with the contestants, but since she was the last person to solve the puzzle, I don’t think she should have to buzz in to do so! She should have been awarded the prize money!
2
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R
I think Ryan needs to go. He is making too many mistakes and the wheel seems to hit on bankrupt a lot since he took over as host.
22
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C
Ryan Seacrest is not near to as good as Pat.
3
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C
Tell him to take h I s hands out if his pockets. It\'s annoying.
1
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G
Picky,picky it\'s just a habit just like pat had his cards for questions to ask contestants and Ryan uses his memory
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J
It is beyond me as to how Ryan could possibly influence the Wheel to land on Bankrupt any more than it ever did before he took over.
15
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O
That\'s because they had to give Pat his severance package and pay Ryan! They have to make up their money somehow lol
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P
I think Jenn should have had that puzzle. She was the only eligible player so there was really no reason to buzz in. I think something similar happened when Pat was host and I think the player got the money.
15
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B
I think she should have been awarded the money as she was the only one that was allowed to answer! I was shocked!
15
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G
Are you new to watching the show? If not, you shouldn’t have been shocked
4
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R
I did not see the episode, but there seems to be too much emphasis on Ryan’s mistakes. Shouldn’t someone be instructing him on the moves? Ryan’s support team is letting him down.
14
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R
Yes!!! She was the only one left that could have given the correct answer. She should not have been required to \"buzz\" in!!!
10
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G
Do you still stop at red lights if nobody is there? No one is there to use the green light so you might as well run the red ones.... Grow up.
3
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G
It’s been the same rule the whole time. Why are we trying to dumb down this game even more? The people on this season have been horrible.
9
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G
She didn\'t follow the rules. Why do people watch if all they is complain. I love Ryan. He\'s a nice guy& I think he\'s doing a great job!
8
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R
Rules are rules. If he gave it to her with out the buzzer, then you\'d have people calling out answers without buzzing in.
5
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R
she got screwed over by ryan…plain and simple!
5
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R
Rules can be amended, but the rule presently is you got to buzz. It\'snot fair to make exceptions. It\'s very concerning how today\'s society constantly wants rules to not apply to just them.
4
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G
What\'s next give every contestant a trophy? Dems the rules.
4
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O
Little things matter. She knows the rules. And they say you have to buzz in. The judges ruling was correct.
3
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P
People are on Ryan case way too much. Even though he has been in show business for some time, this is still a new job. Most of us know starting a new job is stressful. You are trying to impress the boss while not trying to look like a brown noser to other employees. He is stepping into some pretty big shoes. He will never be Pat Sajak, but we need to give him time to make the game his own.
2
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B
Rules are rules
2
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R
Wheel of Fortune did Jenn wrong!! She was the only player left! Very shocked over decision! Cheap move WOF!
2
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C
Ryan was just doing his job. I like him on the show. I think the judges should have let her have the money though
2
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P
She needed to buzz in because you only have time a time frame to answer once you buzz.
1
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P
All persons going on the show should know the rules and buzzing in no matter if your the last person to solve is still the rule. It takes time to get your footing as host on any show but Ryan\'s getting better.
1
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G
If guest on Jeopardy don’t answer in the form of a question, they don’t get the money, so if the guest on Wheel of Fortune do not buzz in before they answer, they shouldn’t get the money either.
1
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G
Rules are rules. You have to buzz in whether you’re the last one who can answer or the first one.
1
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R
Ryan deferred to the producers, so how is that his fault? People need to get a life, including those writing the headlines for these articles.
1
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C
It’s not up to Ryan, it’s up to the judges
1
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C
Rules are rules. Ya gotta follow them like everybody else.
1
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G
Ryan Seacrest is a terrible host. He does know how to play the game and couldn\'t solve most of the puzzles if he did know the answers.
1
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C
Watched this episode, I also felt she should’ve been given the solve for the $2000. Why was she penalized for not buzzing in when she the only one left to solve the puzzle? Doesn’t make sense.
1
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O
Because the rule is you buzz in to answer. Why is this so difficult for people to understand?
2
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C
How long have you been watching the show. It’s always been the rule the buzzer needs to be pressed, end of discussion.
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R
She shouldn\'t of had to buzz in being the only one left who could answer. The buzzer is only necessary when the contestants are competing to see who buzzes in the fastest to be called on to solve the puzzle. It was so ridiculous for her to buzz in to beat herself to the answer. Stay classy Wheel of Fortune, stay classy.
1
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P
She absolutely should have been awarded that puzzle
1
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O
If Ryan would get his hands out of his pockets maybe he could think more clearly. What game is he playing in his pants?
1
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J
Get your mind out of the gutter!
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O
Ryan is the worst part of the show right now.
1
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B
The judges were wrong and should have given it to her. The other two people were out of play and she knew she was the only one qualified to answer. I feel it was unnecessary to have to ring the buzzer at the time, in fact, I feel it would have sounded stupid hearing a buzzer go off at that time.
1
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O
Yes, she should have been awarded the money.
1
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O
I think it was an unfair ruling.
1
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G
It\'s ridiculous that she was the only player and still had to hit the little device to buzz in. I think since that prize puzzle was thrown out, they should have given the players one more prize puzzle. I mean that was the obvious choice.
1
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R
Only one who could answer! No need to buzz in!
1
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R
Time to cancel the show or find a new host.
1
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G
Too late they signed a multi million dollar contract
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O
I think Seacrest is worthless. He\'s so self-absorbed he cares about no one except himself. All his hugs and putting his arms around female contestants is totally inappropriate. Plus eating out of a serving spoon was gross and way out what normal behavior is expected by an adult. I hope he\'s one and done!!
1
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G
I disagree. He\'s just learning. He\'s a breath of fresh air. Especially after pat
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J
It\'s still a free country...if you don\'t like it switch to another channel!
1
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O
Ryan said \" it\'s your puzzle\" just don\'t let it fill out. She solved the puzzle before the buzzer. So she had no reason to buzz in.
1
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G
Except for the rule that you have to buzz in. That’s the reason.
9
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P
Ryan should have told her to buzz in before it filled in all the way; not say Jenn it\'s yours to solve.
6
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C
Stop making excuses for stupidity. Contestants are well aware of the rules before the game is even played. Anyone who’s watched the show for even a
Decade knows this. Get over it
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G
Imagine a contestant on Jeopardy who does not buzz in before giving an answer. The rules are in place for a reason and no one can win without following them, not even if they are the only contestant left to solve the puzzle. It’s a sad conclusion yet fair.
3
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B
It should have been awarded to her. Ryan said it was all up to her, think carefully and answer before it finished filling in. That\'s what she did. Therefore, give her the money 🤑 💰!
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O
Exactly 👍
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O
Rules are Rules for every scenario and every contestant. The ruling was correct! Ryan is phenomenal, could not have selected a better host, he’s such a “people’s person”👍 STOP trying to find faults, enjoy the show and RYAN who is AMAZING.
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B
She was not penalized nor was she rewarded.
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B
Oh WOW 🤣
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B
The whole \"take your time\" would certainly give me the impression I didn\'t need to buzz in BUT you do 🤷🏼♀️
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B
After Sajak hosting for my entire life, I think Ryan Seacrest is the PERFECT guy to take over!
Mistakes have happened and they always will, what\'s important is learning from them.
In the scenario of contestant, Jenn, she learned that rules are rules and to take a guess, you have to buzz in.
I\'m not saying the ruling was fair but it was right.
Signed,
An Uptight Rule Follower
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O
She was ripped off. To WOF a measly $2k is nothing. Give it to her!! Being she was the only one left to answer, the only concern should have been, did she answer in time?
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P
I love Ryan Seacrest. I now watch WOF every night. He is great. I quit watching when Pat Sajak was on. Ryan is so good. Friendly and great.
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B
I think Ryan is doing great. We forget that even though he is a seasoned host for many other shows, he is new to WOF. Give him a break, he’s only human.
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B
The rule is that the buzzer has to be be rung. She didn’t ring it. She doesn’t get the 2000. She should be lucky as she got over 20,000 as it was. Shouldn’t even be an issue.
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P
Seacrest is messing EVERYTHING up! >:(
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G
She should be brought back for another game
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C
She followed his instructions and was the only eligible player pointed out by Seacrest, she should have been awarded the money. Obviously not his fault or decision
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O
I think Jenn got screwed. I’ve been a Long time viewer of the wheel and she didn’t need to buzz in because she was the only player eligible to guess. She should be brought back to the show and given another chance. Make it right wheel.!!!
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G
Yes. She should get the $2000
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B
I haven\'t watched the show since Pat left
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G
Yes she should have been awarded. I quit. Watching the show after many years
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O
Jen should have gotten the money. I\'m not watching the game show any more. There\'s nobody else that can fill Pat\'s shoes.
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O
The last person left in the triple toss up does not have to buzz in.They never had to buzz in this was ridiculous!
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R
Rule is a rule....it\'s just like working in the company without punching in.....you don\'t get paid
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C
send her a check
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C
She didn’t get screwed out of anything. It’s a known rule, YOU HAVE TO BUZZ IN REGARDLESS IF YOU\'RE THE ONLY ONE GUESSING. All of you morons who think she should have gotten it should pay attention to the game more. Contestants are given the rules of the game in great detail so stop your groping and get a life.
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G
I think the rule is the rule everybody knows you must buzz in before answering if she answered without buzzing in first she does not get the prize. What is the problem people rules are in place for a reason Everybody Must comply.
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P
I saw that. In the past in that situation a contestant didn’t need to “buzz in”, no need as she was the only one who could answer. It has happened in years past even with Sajack. She deserved the money.
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B
I think he sucks they need to find somebody else to replace him, the buzzer went off before the guy solved the puzzle and he still got it. Ryan\'s attitude is like a robot
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M
She should have been awarded the money.
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M
She should have awarded the money.
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G
I think all game shows have rules and part of accepting participation in those shows is accepting to abide by those rules. I have been a contestant on a game show and had to sign an agreement to play. If someone does\'nt like the rules, they should not play.
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G
Rules say you have to buzz in and be acknowledged Last vote not use the Buzzer!
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C
He\'s a Joke. He never should have been given the Host position. What ass thought he could handle hosting Wheel of Fortune. Pitiful choice.
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G
Yes she got screwed
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G
Should have been rewarded the money. Ryan had said take your time which implies she can just answer when she wants...no buzzer necessary!
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O
there should not have been a reason to hit the buzzer. Either reward the $2,000 to the player or invite her back to the show. Be fair!!!
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C
I think it depends on how the rules are written. But in the situation, it seems ridiculous to have her use the buzzer when she is the only contestant able to answer.
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P
She was ROBBED!!!!!
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P
She, being the last player to guess, should not have needed to buzz in.
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G
Who gives a shit
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P
Just put WOF and Jeapordy to bed already. I stopped watching both since the original hosts are gone. Didn\'t really care for Pat either. He ran his course and really didn\'t watch him towards the end.
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C
I think Ryan is doing great. I enjoy his friendly warm interaction with the contestants. Pat had gotten just kind of cranky sounding and distant to contestants. I think it was time for him to go. I don\'t really blame him for being bored and tired of doing the show though.
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W
Ryan Is A Idiot
This is my First Season
Since Wheel of Fortune First Aired
That I have not watched one Episode
I can not Stand Looking at Ryan
He Makes My
Skin Crawl
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O
Seacrest Sucks big time!!
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R
Ryans should have jenn walker should still have given 2,000 because I watched the show and buzzard or no buzzard it\'s her puzzle it might be buzzed in or not buzzed at all the puzzle got solved 2,000 goes to Jenn walker fill.it put the puzzle
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O
Writing sentences that make sense is difficult.
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G
I TOTALLY AGREE THAT \"THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE\" TV SHOW CAN SPARE $2,000.00 DOLLARS 💸 WITHOUT HESITATION! THINGS THAT MAKES YOU GO HMMMM!!
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O
Don\'t people realize these shows are recorded. That means if there are any faux pas...they will be corrected before the show is finalized. The shows executives will have made corrections. ..so stop blaming Ryan Seacrest for assumed errors in taping these show!!!!
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B
He told her \"it\'s your puzzle\" Why would she need to buzz in? Wrong call!
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P
She got ripped off! She ABSOLUTELY deserved the $2,000. She was told she was the only one left to solve it. Shame of Wheel of Fortune for being so CHEAP!
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P
She absolutely deserved the money!! She lost out on $2,000!!
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G
Let her back on to try again. It seems unfair to address her as the only one who can solve the puzzle and then call her out for not buzzing in.
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G
They have always had to ring in before they can answer. Because she didn’t, cost her 2,000 but still won over 20,000. The winner had more money than that, so what is the problem
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B
I have never liked Ryan Seacrest therefore I don’t and will not watch WOF anymore. He’s arrogant as heck! Anyone would be a better host! 🤣
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B
Ryan is doing great! Give him a break, he is new and mistakes happen people! As for Jenn, she should 💯 % get the $2,000.00!
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C
Hope they didn\'t give him a long contract, it\'s all about the contestants, not Ryan, she should of won the money,he told her to take her time but don\'t let it fill in,Pat would of said she won,
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R
Yes they should have! Ryan is doing a good job!
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G
She didn’t have to ring.
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O
I think they should have given her the $2,000.00. As you stated, no one else was eligible to answer and she answered it correctly.
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G
She shouldn\'t have to buzz in.
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R
Seeing as how it did not affect the winner, give her the money.....
.what the heck, didn\'t come out of my pocket.
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P
No, rules are rules.
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P
Yes she deserved it as she was the only contestant eligible. Ringing in would have been redundant. Come on judges, loosen up. Rules are made to be broken.
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O
Host said, ITS YOUR PUZZEL. I might not have rung in. At least give her a free buzz in on a new puzzle.
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P
She should have been awarded the solve!
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C
Contestants need
to buzz in before the buzzer
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P
I know it seems wrong, but the rules state you have to buzz in then answer. It sucks, I know. It is what it is. I sat watching and wondering why she wasn\'t buzzing in. I have been watching the show from day 1. So I am old. Shows make changes all the time. Maybe this is one time that they could change the rules. I mean if your the last one who can guess, maybe you don\'t have to buzz in, but you have to answer before all letters are shown. Who knows maybe the contestant was just confused about it.
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G
Ryan is not the one to decide on that. Even though we all loved Pat Sajak, Ryan is doing a great job….so stop criticizing and picking on him🥺
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P
Those complaining about this are probably the same people who think if they bitch enough, Johnny Carson will return to \"The Tonight Show.\"
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O
She deserves the win.
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G
She should have got it ,and it wasn\'t Ryan\'s fault
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B
I do not feel she had to ring in since she was the only person that was able to answer at that point. She was robbed!
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G
The wheel of robbery with Ryan robber
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O
She should have gotten the money
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P
She didn\'t have to beat anyone else to buzzer so why buzz when the answer is all yours.
What with these trips to US sites instead of the usual international destinations.
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P
Who wants to go to Mexico and get kidnapped.
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C
I think they should have called Pat Sajak and got his opinion
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O
He told her it was her puzzle
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O
She should have gotten the money i dont think hez doin a goòd job
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G
He\'s doing a great job! Don\'t watch if u don\'t like it!
3
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G
I think she shldve gotten the money
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G
Why have to buzz in if you are only player playing??? Dumb decision. Either increase her winnings by $2,000 or have Jenn back for another night. And why didnt the second A in balanced show on the video screen that accompanied this article?!
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C
When you press the buzzer it stops the letters from appearing. As she was saying it the whole puzzle could\'ve been shown.
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