The return of long-running game show “Wheel of Fortune” for its 43rd season is full of surprises that includes creatively themed episodes. Two of which include a Florida week, and a Camping week. Hollywood Junket was on the set for the taping of some of the episodes.

What it’s Like to Be in the “Wheel of Fortune” Audience…

Audiences who attend a taping are welcomed by the show’s hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White. They couldn’t be more friendly. The two, who said they were friends before Ryan took over for previous host Pat Sajak, visit the audience seating area multiple times throughout the show to chat with fans.

Another treat that fans going to a “Wheel of Fortune” taping can expect is that the show’s announcer Jim Thorton pulls double duty, also serving as the audience’s “warm-up guy.” Among his bag of corny jokes, Jim also throws out “Wheel of Fortune” trivia to audience members.

Hint: Some of the answers guests can find in the hallway that displays the show’s nostalgic photos.

Contestants bring their friends and family to their taping, and these guests sit in the audience with the rest of us. But, far, far away from where the contestants are playing. This is perhaps the game show being extra cautious as to not have any slip-ups from relatives feeding contestants’ answers.

Pictured: Vanna White and Ryan Seacrest

Spotlight on Vanna and Ryan:

Fans mostly come to “Wheel of Fortune” to see THIS PAIR. Ryan and Vanna welcomed the crowd by coming to the audience seating to answer any questions. Most questions tend to be trivia type – Someone asked Vanna where she’s from, how many dresses she’s worn on the show, and if she’s ever tripped on one of her gowns. Does she like wearing heels? She said “no.”

The number of dresses, which also correlates to the number of “Wheel of Fortune” episodes for Vanna, is over 8,000. As for Ryan, he’s done around 200 episodes so far. No dresses!

One person asked Vanna what was the biggest surprise from a contestant. She answered that one time, the wife of a winning contestant jumped on him at the end of the show. Ryan asked why she’s never jumped on him,she said that he’s only been there a short time, and he’s not her husband.

Vanna Knows All...One interesting tidbit was when an audience asked Vanna how does she know where to go to turn the letters on the puzzle, she literally said because she knows what the puzzles are before they are revealed.

In fact, Vanna told audience members that when she disappears behind the wall where the letters are displayed, she’s back there looking at what the puzzle is and seeing where the letters are at.

Ryan’s Guilty Pleasure!

During one game, the category came out titled “Guilty Pleasure.” The answer was “binge-watching reality TV Shows.” Ryan asked a contestant his favorite reality show, his answer was “Celebrity Big Brother.” Another contestant said “American Idol.” Ryan said that’s the right answer. LOL.

During a break, he asked the audience what our favorite reality TV show is. A woman said she was “too embarrassed” to answer. After he pressed her, she said “Love Island.” Apparently, Ryan watches “Love Island” too. He said the UK version is way better and “the ending is unexpected.” Guess who’s going to be binging “Love Island U.K.”?

This is NOT Right!

There was a detrimental mishap that occurred around the second show taping of the day that involved the million dollar wedge. A female contestant got so excited after her spin landed on the Million dollar wedge, that she literally did not know what to do next.

This is where the host should guide the contestant on the next step. However, Ryan actually cost her the chance to keep the wedge. Ryan asked the contestant, “what do you want to do?  She was so flabbergasted and confused about what to do next that her time ran out and she lost the wedge.

This is when Ryan should have given her verbal prompts on the rules of the game telling her her options…’do you want to spin..’ or ‘do you want to solve?’

She lost not only her turn, but also the Million Dollar wedge. The game went to the next contestant, Jason, who solved the puzzle. She was so upset and the audience saw her crying after the show backstage upon exiting.

Clearly, What You DON’T See on TV!

Another incident happened with the Million dollar wedge. A contestant picked up his Million dollar wedge and placed it in front of him. He then called out “G.” Then Ryan said, you had to spin first for that. After he spun, he called out “H”. There was no “H.” The problem was that the other contestants got the heads up of there not being an “H” in the puzzle, nor a “G” perhaps. Thus, that round had to be started over again with a brand new puzzle.

In person, Ryan seems to be going through the motions while hosting this show. One audience pointed-out that he doesn’t hold onto Vanna White’s hand as they enter the stage. It’s not just that, there’s also some authentic genuineness that is missing that Sajak had naturally.

“Wheel of Fortune” set, Florida week / Hollywood Junket, 2025

THE GIFTS:

One hairstylist contestant brought Ryan his own travel pro-blow dryer that’s 1200 watts. She said it’s the same wattage as the one in her salon. Ryan had fun with the hair dryer during the show. Another contestant, who was super nervous, and is a public speaker said he brought Vanna and Ryan his signed book for them.

This Was a First!

In the camping episode, for the first time ever, Vanna and Ryan got to wear pajamas (“Wheel of Fortune” themed). Vanna’s PJs had sequins, though she still wore slipper heels. The Grand prize was a green Jeep with no doors. One contestant had chosen it on her Final Bonus Round, but didn’t win!

In fact, none of the shows that we watched (both days) had any winners.

“Wheel of Fortune” is currently airing its 43rd season week nights on ABC. Also available to stream on Hulu. The celebrity edition of “Wheel of Fortune” premieres Friday, September 26th.