Television’s beloved game show, “Wheel of Fortune,” is no stranger to high-stakes drama and moments of sheer excitement.
However, a recent episode has left fans in an uproar, sparking heated debates over what many are calling an unfair decision that denied a contestant a significant prize.
Megan, a married high school choir director from California, brought her A-game to the bonus round. The category: “Living Thing.”
As she spun the wheel and approached the puzzle board, Megan’s determination was evident. With host Pat Sajak holding the prize card, the puzzle displayed a partially filled phrase, “_ _N_ ‘ _R_ _ _ _.’ Megan skillfully guessed several letters, unveiling a clearer picture: “P_N_ ‘_RC_ _ D.”
As the clock ticked down, Megan hurriedly blurted out what sounded like, “Pink Orchid,” or possibly “Something Orchid.”
Her words lingered in the air as the timer hit zero, and then the final letters of the solution filled in: “Pink Orchid.” Megan’s immediate response was to repeat the correct answer aloud, visibly frustrated at the turn of events.
Pat Sajak, in an attempt to console her, commented, “You might have been overthinking a type of orchid. I’m sorry that didn’t work out for you.”
Despite her effort, Megan walked away with $14,007, missing the bonus prize that could have drastically increased her winnings.
What followed was an eruption of outrage from fans watching at home, many of whom believed Megan had solved the puzzle correctly before the buzzer.
Social media platforms lit up with comments from livid viewers, accusing the show of unfairly denying Megan her rightful win.
“The woman got screwed on #WheelOfFortune bonus puzzle tonight; she totally said ‘Pink Orchid’ right at the start,” an X user (formerly Twitter) exclaimed.
Another fan, who identified as partially deaf, noted, “I questioned the judges from the first thing she said!! I’m deaf in one ear and half-remaining on right, so I use captions and lip read. She said ‘Pink Orchid’!! No question!!”
As the backlash gained momentum, many fans urged the show’s producers to review the footage, claiming Megan’s pronunciation was clear and accurate. “Hey @WheelofFortune, I heard the contestant say ‘Pink Orchid’ at the beginning of that final puzzle & rewound it to make sure. You owe her some $$$,” another user declared.
This incident isn’t the first time fans have called out “Wheel of Fortune” for what they see as inconsistencies.
Earlier this year, during a January episode, the show faced criticism for a controversial answer under the category “Rhyme Time.” The solution, “Absolutely Positively,” left viewers baffled, as many pointed out that the phrases don’t rhyme.
One fan questioned, “Absolutely Positively is NOT a rhyme,” while another sarcastically added, “Hey @WheelofFortune, care to explain how these two words rhyme? Because they absolutely positively DON’T.”
The ongoing string of disputes has cast a spotlight on the show’s judging process, with fans growing increasingly vocal about perceived injustices.
Back in the studio, Megan’s loss was not only a blow to her hopes but also her pocketbook. As the bonus card was revealed, it displayed a staggering $40,000—money that could have been hers if the judges had ruled in her favor.
Fans remain adamant that Megan’s answer was audible and correct, with many urging the show to reconsider its decision.
The controversy has left a sour taste among devoted viewers, who are calling for greater accountability and consistency from “Wheel of Fortune.”
Whether this incident will prompt changes in the show’s judging practices remains to be seen. For now, Megan stands as a testament to the unpredictable nature of the game, where even the sharpest players can fall victim to the show’s strict rules and time constraints.
Fans, however, aren’t letting this one go quietly.
Featured Image Credit: (New York Post)
