SONY TELEVISION PRESS RELEASE:
Culver City, CA (September 19, 2011) – Fresh off winning the Emmy Award for Outstanding Game Show, Wheel of Fortune will kick off its 29th season in syndication, on September 19, with more chances than ever for contestants and viewers to win big.

A new game feature, the “½ Car Tag,” will give contestants the opportunity to go home with a car, regardless of whether they go to the bonus round. Two “½ Car Tags” will appear on the wheel during the first three rounds of play. If a contestant collects both of them, he or she will win a new car.

Also new for Season 29, Jim Thornton will take over the microphone as the official voice of America’s No. 1 game show. Thornton comes to the show, after many years as one of the most popular and distinctive voices in Southern California.

At home, viewers will also have the chance to claim big prizes. Later this year, in partnership with Sears, “Wheel” will launch “The Secret Santa Sweepstakes,” which promises to be the biggest sweepstakes in the history of the show, giving at-home viewers the chance to win up to $1 million dollars, nightly, just for watching. Wheel of Fortune is also partnering with Sandals for two sweepstakes, each of which will offer the chance to win luxury vacations at Sandals properties.

Throughout Season 29, Wheel of Fortune will continue to celebrate America, by showcasing favorite cities and landmarks as well as honoring its heroes. In March, the producers will be packing up the iconic wheel and puzzleboard to make the show’s inaugural trip to Portland, Ore., where four weeks of shows will be taped, set to air in May.

Fans and contestants will also enjoy two new puzzle categories, “Television Quote” and “Movie Quote.”