Disappointed Wheel of Fortune fans slam final prize choice—here’s why
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For decades, Wheel of Fortune has thrilled audiences with its high-stakes puzzles and coveted prizes.
From dream vacations to massive cash payouts, the game show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
But this time, it’s not the puzzles or the contestants making headlines—it’s the final prize that has sparked controversy among loyal fans.
On Tuesday night’s episode, contestant Ricky Lowery spun his way to victory.
After securing a trip to Aruba earlier in the show, he entered the Bonus Round for a chance at an even bigger prize.
His chosen category was “Phrase,” and the puzzle board revealed: G_NE HA _ _ RE.
Lowery correctly guessed the word “Gone,” but the full answer—“Gone Haywire”—eluded him.
Had he solved it, he would have won a Mini Cooper.
The prize reveal didn’t sit well with many fans.
Viewers took to social media to express their frustration.
One user questioned, “Car for a final prize? That seems like a much worse option, right?”
They pointed out that “most spins are $40k these days, so a Mini Cooper convertible worth $41k seems like a terrible alternative.”
Another fan agreed, highlighting the tax burden that comes with non-cash prizes.
“Also you have to pay the tax on it. It’s the same thing if you win a trip. I’d rather have all cash.”
While many fans criticized the car prize, others defended the idea.
One viewer shared a story from another game show, saying, “It’s kind of like, though, when this girl won a car on The Price Is Right a couple of weeks ago, and she told Drew, ‘My car literally died yesterday.’”
They acknowledged that for some contestants, winning a car could be life-changing.
But for others, the preference remains clear—cash is king.
The controversy highlights a larger conversation about game show prizes and how audience expectations have evolved over time.
Prizes on Wheel of Fortune have always ranged from cash to vacations to cars.
While some fans love the variety, others argue that large cash payouts should take priority.
After all, a contestant who wins $75,000 can choose to spend it however they want—on a car, a trip, or something entirely different.
Still, the show’s producers have long believed that adding physical prizes creates excitement and suspense.
The question remains: Should Wheel of Fortune adjust its prize structure to better align with audience preferences?
Whether it’s a car, a vacation, or cold hard cash, Wheel of Fortune keeps fans tuning in with its mix of excitement and unpredictability.
But as this controversy shows, expectations for game show prizes continue to change. So, what would be your ideal prize? Let’s keep the conversation going!
Do you agree with fans who were disappointed in the car prize? Or do you think the variety of prizes adds to the fun of the show? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let’s discuss what makes for the ultimate game show reward.
From dream vacations to massive cash payouts, the game show has kept viewers on the edge of their seats.
But this time, it’s not the puzzles or the contestants making headlines—it’s the final prize that has sparked controversy among loyal fans.
On Tuesday night’s episode, contestant Ricky Lowery spun his way to victory.
After securing a trip to Aruba earlier in the show, he entered the Bonus Round for a chance at an even bigger prize.
His chosen category was “Phrase,” and the puzzle board revealed: G_NE HA _ _ RE.
Lowery correctly guessed the word “Gone,” but the full answer—“Gone Haywire”—eluded him.
Had he solved it, he would have won a Mini Cooper.
The prize reveal didn’t sit well with many fans.
Viewers took to social media to express their frustration.
One user questioned, “Car for a final prize? That seems like a much worse option, right?”
They pointed out that “most spins are $40k these days, so a Mini Cooper convertible worth $41k seems like a terrible alternative.”
Another fan agreed, highlighting the tax burden that comes with non-cash prizes.
“Also you have to pay the tax on it. It’s the same thing if you win a trip. I’d rather have all cash.”
While many fans criticized the car prize, others defended the idea.
One viewer shared a story from another game show, saying, “It’s kind of like, though, when this girl won a car on The Price Is Right a couple of weeks ago, and she told Drew, ‘My car literally died yesterday.’”
They acknowledged that for some contestants, winning a car could be life-changing.
But for others, the preference remains clear—cash is king.
The controversy highlights a larger conversation about game show prizes and how audience expectations have evolved over time.
Prizes on Wheel of Fortune have always ranged from cash to vacations to cars.
While some fans love the variety, others argue that large cash payouts should take priority.
After all, a contestant who wins $75,000 can choose to spend it however they want—on a car, a trip, or something entirely different.
Still, the show’s producers have long believed that adding physical prizes creates excitement and suspense.
The question remains: Should Wheel of Fortune adjust its prize structure to better align with audience preferences?
Whether it’s a car, a vacation, or cold hard cash, Wheel of Fortune keeps fans tuning in with its mix of excitement and unpredictability.
But as this controversy shows, expectations for game show prizes continue to change. So, what would be your ideal prize? Let’s keep the conversation going!
