Things have been interesting lately over on Wheel of Fortune this holiday season. After some recent backlash over a contestant missing out on a car due to a technicality, host Pat Sajak was staying positive by celebrating his 40th anniversary hosting the popular game show. On Twitter, he told his followers that Dec. 28 officially marks his 40th year on the job, a monumental accomplishment that is most definitely cause for a celebration.
“What a week!” Sajak wrote. “Dec 25…Christmas Day. Dec 28…40th anniversary of my first Wheel on NBC daytime. Dec 31…32nd wedding anniversary. Jan 1…2022 begins. And it almost has to be better than 2021, doesn’t it? Well, doesn’t it?” On the day of the anniversary, Sajak added: “When I started hosting Wheel (with Susan Stafford) on this date 40 years ago, the top 10 TV shows included Dallas, Three’s Company, The Jeffersons, and The Dukes of Hazzard. Ronald Reagan was in his 1st year as president. Number 1 song: Olivia Newton-John’s ‘Physical.'”
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As fans knew that Tuesday’s episode served as Sajak’s 40th anniversary show, many viewers were shocked to see that the occasion didn’t get a single mention on the program. The episode was indistinguishable from the ones that came before it, and you’d really have no way of knowing this was such a special day for Pat Sajak. Shows are typically taped in advance, which might explain the perceived oversight, but some fans cried foul on social media feeling that Wheel of Fortune disrespected its own host.
“WOW! Not one mention of Pat Sajak’s 40 year anniversary on last night’s Wheel of Fortune??? This is unacceptable,” one fan tweeted.
“Happy 40th Wheel-aversary! And Shame on Wheel of Fortune for not dropping balloons, serving cake and a tribute!” writes another fan, responding to a sweet tribute for Sajak posted by his daughter Maggie.
“Too bad Wheel didn’t make mention of this on last night’s show,” says someone else.
Oddly enough, neglecting to acknowledge Sajak’s anniversary was not the only source of controversy stemming from Tuesday’s show. During the bonus round, contestant Eric Morgan correctly solved a puzzle by saying, “I think, uh… whole wheat pasta.” While “whole wheat pasta” was the correct answer, some fans were surprised that he was given the win, thinking he’d be penalized for a technicality.
This ties back to a recent controversy with another contestant missing out on a new car. In that situation, the contestant paused while giving a correct answer, and she was not awarded an Audi Q3 as a result. Many fans had expressed frustration over the technicality and there was a movement on social media for her to get the car anyway. Audi noticed and announced that they were indeed giving her the Audi Q3 in the spirit of the holiday season.
“In the spirit of the holidays, we are thrilled to gift Charlene with an all-new Audi Q3.” Tara Rush, Audi of America Chief Marketing Officer, told Fox. “It is the season of giving after all and, technicality or not, we are always eager to share a bit of Audi magic and cheer!”
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Jeremy Dick
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Jeremy Dick has been writing for MovieWeb and Horror Geek Life for years, is the self-proclaimed biggest fan of Bob Saget, and doesn’t particularly like talking about himself in the third person.
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