Wheel of Fortune

“Wheel of Fortune” is a popular American game show conceived by Merv Griffin. Contestants compete by deciphering word puzzles akin to Hangman, aiming to win money and prizes by spinning a large carnival-style wheel. The show originally aired during the daytime on NBC from January 6, 1975, to June 30, 1989, then moved to CBS from July 17, 1989, to January 11, 1991, before returning to NBC from January 14 to September 20, 1991, when it was ultimately canceled. A daily syndicated version began on September 19, 1983.

Initially, the daytime show was hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, with Charlie O’Donnell as the announcer. O’Donnell departed in 1980, followed by Woolery in 1981 and Stafford in 1982, with their roles filled by Jack Clark, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White, respectively. After Clark passed away in 1988, M. G. Kelly briefly took over as announcer until O’Donnell returned in 1989. O’Donnell continued until the daytime version ended and remained with the syndicated show until his death in 2010, after which Jim Thornton took over. Sajak left the daytime show in January 1989 to host “The Pat Sajak Show,” and Rolf Benirschke succeeded him. When the show moved to CBS, Bob Goen replaced Benirschke and stayed until the daytime version was canceled. The syndicated version has consistently been hosted by Sajak and White since it started.