Wheel of Fortune

“Wheel of Fortune” is a popular American game show conceived by Merv Griffin. Contestants compete by deciphering word puzzles akin to those in Hangman, aiming to win money and prizes by spinning a large carnival-style wheel. The original daytime edition aired 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. The daily syndicated version debuted 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, Woolery in 1981, and Stafford in 1982, succeeded by Jack Clark, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White, respectively. Following Clark’s death in 1988, M. G. Kelly briefly took over as announcer until O’Donnell’s return in 1989. O’Donnell continued until the daytime show’s cancellation and remained with the syndicated version until his passing 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 replaced him. Bob Goen succeeded Benirschke when the show transitioned to CBS and stayed until the daytime version was discontinued. The syndicated version has consistently been hosted by Sajak and White since it began.