Press Releases

Culver City, CA (April) - Wheel of Fortune, America's Favorite Game Show, adds another page to its chapter in television history, celebrating its 6000th episode during a week-long event. Beginning April 28th and running through May 2nd, each episode will honor the rare milestone by upping the rewards for players and viewers alike.

During "Wheel 6000 Week," players will find a Wheel $6K wedge on the wheel, replacing the $5K wedge during the final rounds of play. In addition, each day, two at-home Wheel Watchers Club members whose SPIN IDs are revealed will win $6,000 instead of the standard $5,000, as $5K Every Day becomes "$6K Twice A Day". Co-hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White will also share memories on the game show's three decade-plus run.

"Reaching 6000 episodes is a feat by any measure," said Harry Friedman, Executive Producer. "We owe our longevity to a few plain facts: the game is simple to learn and anyone can play. Whether a contestant is at the Wheel or playing along at home, everyone is eager to solve the puzzle. And Pat and Vanna continue to charm audiences with their warm, friendly personalities."

Staying relevant and close to its fans also contributes to the show's ongoing success. The Wheel Watchers Club, an online viewer loyalty program, exceeds eight million members and rewards viewers for doing what they are already doing -- watching America's Game&reg. The Wheelmobile - a 35-foot long, 13-foot high, bright yellow Winnebago - has logged over 300,000 miles and hosted more than 275 contestant search events, giving viewers an "up close and personal" Wheel of Fortune experience right in their hometown. For 13 years, over one million Wheel of Fortune fans have turned out at these events hoping for an opportunity to audition for a coveted spot on America's Game&reg.

Since its syndication debut in 1983, tens of thousands of puzzles have been played and more than $200 million in cash and prizes has been awarded. Other fun facts include:

• - More than 10,000 people try out each year and fewer than 600 lucky contestants are selected to appear on the show.
• - Over 116 million Americans have never known a world without Wheel of Fortune
• - The price of a vowel hasn't changed in 30 years. It's still a bargain at $250.
• - Vanna has worn 6,000 different outfits while at the puzzleboard.
• - Thirty-one years ago, there were only six puzzle categories. Now there are 46.

About Wheel of Fortune
Wheel of Fortune is America's Game&reg. It has been the number one syndicated game show since its inception and has earned six Emmy Awards, including the 2011 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Game/Audience Participation Show. With more than 30 million viewers per week, syndication's most successful series continues to attract a larger audience than many primetime television shows. Wheel of Fortune is produced in High Definition by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Studios International, both units of CBS Corp.

Contact information:
Suzy Rosenberg
Wheel of Fortune
310-244-5894
suzy_rosenberg@spe.sony.com
Sarah Gumina
Wheel of Fortune
310-244-5894
sarah_gumina@spe.sony.com