Wheel of Fortune timeline (syndicated)/Season 10

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A timeline for Season 10 of Wheel of Fortune, which aired in first-run from September 7, 1992 through June 11, 1993.

Season Changes[]

The opening is changed: after the "Wheel! Of! Fortune!" chant, spotlights criss-cross to reveal an animated intro featuring a disco ball, anthropomorphic Wheel wedges walking up and down a staircase, a "10th Anniversary" graphic that fades out after a few seconds, and the show's name on three rotating platforms ("Wheel" rotating counterclockwise, "Fortune" rotating clockwise, and "of" rotating clockwise for only a few seconds), which lock into place when the camera pans to the bottom of the staircase as the 4-digit wedges walk up. Charlie's intro is "From Hollywood, celebrating its 10th Anniversary, the world's most popular game show! Filled with fun, glamor, excitement, surprises – Wheel of Fortune! Here they are, the stars of the show: Pat Sajak and Vanna White!" For the first week only, the intro starts at the $25,000 sign, and for the first two weeks only, the contestants still run to their positions when they are seen.
- The logo for this season and the next is a "falling wedges" variation of the 1989 logo, as the Wheel surrounds the "of" in the traditional logo. The template is a variation of the Round 4 template with $3,500 in place of the pink $300, $2,500 in place of the blue $200, and a pink $200 in place of the second Bankrupt. The Wheel spins counterclockwise as the wedges form, and as the show's logo completes transformation (with a color-only version of the template in the background spinning clockwise), it fills the screen with light and wipes into center stage using a star-like graphic.
- The walking wedges include a $1,500 dressed with a hat and cane (dancing on the word "Fun!"), a $2,500 dressed as a showgirl (showing off on the word "Glamor!"), a $5,000 dressed as a magician (using its magic wand as an arm and waving on the word "Excitement!"), and a $3,500 dressed as a beauty queen (using its sash as an arm and waving on the word "Surprises!" to magically reveal the logo). The other walking wedges in the intro all have bow ties and crowns with earrings.
Multiple changes occur to the "bonus" categories such as Clue and Fill In the Blank:
- A six-note chime (recycled from the Wink Martindale version of High Rollers) now sounds before Pat asks the bonus question.
- The saxophone sting for correctly answering the question is replaced with the puzzle-solve cue. However, a few episodes early in the season use the saxophone sting, presumably out of habit.
- In addition to the above, some puzzles not in "bonus" categories are now followed by trivia questions pertaining to the answer. with a $1,000 bonus for a correct answer. Unlike Clue and Fill In the Blank, the questions are asked by Charlie, signaled by four low-pitched beeps, and available only to the contestant who solves the puzzle.
- On several episodes between now and June 1995, more than one "bonus" category is available in the main game, or a "bonus" category and a trivia question.
"Changing Keys" is given another re-arrangement: a slower, less "powerful" version of the 1989 re-orchestration, still utilizing a saxophone and this time including an electric guitar solo. However, the puzzle-solve cue introduced in 1989 remains intact. For reasons unknown, the 1989 theme continues to be used on select episodes until early 1994.
The contestant backdrops are changed to a "burst" pattern shaped like a circle of W's atop clear blocks. The same clear blocks are also used at stage left as a backdrop for the Bonus Round prizes. The blocks all have lights that flash during the opening, closing, and when a puzzle is solved. However, the diamond backdrops introduced on the Season 6 New York episodes continue to be used for road shows until 1995.
The Merv Griffin Enterprises logo is slightly altered again to add the byline "A Sony Pictures Entertainment Company" in school bus yellow Arial font, even though Columbia Pictures Entertainment had been renamed on August 7, 1991. The "page turn" transition is mostly retained, although some episodes (including September 14 and October 8) simply cut to the logo, as was the case from November 28, 1983 through January 26, 1990.
For this season, the show's promo campaign uses the "America's Game" trademark with a variation of the 1987 "I'm a Wheel Watcher" and the Round 4 template. The template is seen as the 0 in "10th ANNIVERSARY", with "10" in large numbers, "th" in script, and "ANNIVERSARY" below that. Included in the promo is a montage of clips of previous promos, including the Wheelies and the kids' promos. The Wheel's handles and base also double as a film projector, with the spinning sound imitating that of a film projector, and the clip montage as the "film".
A second promo features the same song and template as the first, and includes clips (including a shot of the board reading BE A WHEEL WATCHER, likely done specifically for that promo as it is center-justified instead of left-justified; Pat and Vanna pieing each other from a January 1991 episode; several Bonus Round wins, including a brief shot of the bonus puzzle BLOW DRYER; and several shots of Pat and Vanna which appear to go as far back as the shopping era), as well as ordinary people singing the song. The template makes up the "O" in "of" as the promo ends.
Sometime this season, a new board game is released, and is awarded to all contestants as a consolation prize. For more info, see Board games and other adaptations.
At least twice this season, the Surprise is a car with a trip.
It is believed that a week sometime this season has the Surprise being won every day, the only known time this happens during the wedge's lifespan.
Between now and Season 12, many more games than usual have puzzles that are shorter than ten letters, lacking the five most common consonants, or both. The reasoning behind this is unknown.
From this point until the round structure is overhauled in Season 23, the second segment of the game always features only one round. Previously, some games would play both Rounds 3 and 4 in the second segment if Rounds 1-3 were completed more quickly than usual.
For no particular reason, only one week of reruns is done this season instead of the then-usual two.

September 1992[]

For the first three weeks, the 10th Anniversary logo is seen in-studio.
On September 7:
- Slang debuts in Round 1.
- The Wheel-shaped base under the W-H-E-E-L envelope holder is changed to a brighter design.
- Contestant Ben sweeps the game and wins a Cadillac Eldorado in the Bonus Round. He solves the bonus puzzle FROG despite getting no help from his extra letters.
- Fred Hayman begins providing Pat's wardrobe. This essentially concludes the long-standing relationship between Augustus and Wheel, dating back to at least March 1978.
On September 8, Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Thing, while Round 3 is Things.
On September 9:
- Six rounds are played.
- Round 6 (FANTASIA) is shorter than ten letters.
- Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
On September 10:
- The Round 1 puzzle SLIPPED ON A BANANA PEEL is inexplicably categorized as Event instead of Phrase (although "slipping" would make it an Event). It is solved with only the N's and L's showing.
- Slang makes its first appearance in the Bonus Round. Between its debut and retirement at the end of Season 12, the category is used for bonus puzzles with disproportionate frequency.
On September 11, neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
On September 14:
- No vowels are bought in Round 1.
- Round 4 (MAZEL TOV) is shorter than ten letters.
- Round 4 is also the last appearance of Foreign Phrase. After the puzzle is solved, Pat explains that there are multiple acceptable pronunciations of the answer, then refers to it as "the category from Hell". It is likely that the leeway with pronunciation led to the short life of this and Foreign Word(s).
- All of the puzzles are very short, with Round 1 (LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL) being the longest at only 19 letters.
As of September 14, the saxophone sting is still used if a contestant correctly identifies what is being described by a Clue puzzle.
On September 15:
- Round 4 (TEXAS BILLIONAIRE ROSS PEROT) is the longest puzzle.
- Round 4 is also the first instance of a "normal" category offering a $1,000 bonus for answering a trivia question asked by Charlie in relation to the puzzle's answer. In this case, after the above Person puzzle, contestant Jude is asked how Perot made his money, and she does not provide the right answer of information technology.
- When the credits start, the Wheel can be seen slowly starting its automation.
On September 16, two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is ELVIS PRESLEY STAMP (Thing) followed by a question asking which Elvis was used on the stamps, the younger Elvis or the older Elvis (the correct answer being younger), and Round 2 is Clue. The former is also the first instance of a "bonus" question being multiple-choice.
On September 17:
- Round 4 (SIGHT GAG) is shorter than ten letters.
- Rounds 2, 4, 5, and the Bonus Round are Thing. This is the last known instance of a category being used four times in a single episode until Season 13.
On September 18, there are two sets of repeated categories: Person in Rounds 2 and 3, Thing in Round 5 and the Bonus Round.
During the week of September 21, footage from the show's tenth anniversary gala is shown during the final segment.
On September 21:
- The camera now makes a low-level pan from the $25,000 sign to the contestant area during the chant, with the contestants now walking into place instead of running. Also, "Here they are" in Charlie's spiel is replaced with "And now".
- The W-H-E-E-L envelope holder is changed to a diagonal 3×3 green grid with transparent panels and a flat green base, plus lights that flash when a Bonus Round puzzle is solved. The letters themselves are now pink (sometimes red) and arranged in a zig-zag, and a chime sounds when the envelope is drawn.
- The center Wheel rug is enhanced with a gold border.
- Round 1 is the first appearance of The Sixties.
- No vowels are bought in Round 2.
- Rounds 3 and 4 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Round 4 (HANG LOOSE) is shorter than ten letters.
- Contestant Denise solves the above puzzle with only the N revealed.
- Pat asks if he can choose Denise's bonus envelope for her, and she lets him.
On September 22, neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On September 23:
- The Round 1 puzzle PANCAKE TINA & TED TURNER is the first known instance of a Same Name using three "names" instead of two.
- Rounds 2, 4, and the Bonus Round are Thing.
- Round 4 (CHOCOLATE-DIPPED STRAWBERRY) is the longest puzzle.
- Contestant Robert fails to solve the bonus puzzle CORK with only the K missing.
On September 24, the puzzle-solve cue does not play when the Round 2 puzzle is solved.
Between September 17 and 24, six bonus puzzles in a row are Thing.
On September 25:
- Rounds 1, 3, 4 and the Bonus Round are Phrase. Round 4, GLOBAL IMPACT, is inexplicably categorized as that instead of Thing.
- Robert retires with $77,045.
September 28 is Teen Week, using the Friday Finals.
On September 28:
- Round 1 (IN HONOR OF) is shorter than ten letters.
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 2 is Place TEXAS THE LONE STAR STATE followed by a question asking what is the capital of Texas (Austin), and Round 3 is Clue.
- None of the contestants correctly identify what is described by the Clue puzzle LETHAL WEAPON'S MAJOR MALE STARS (Mel Gibson and Danny Glover).
- Round 4 (SUPREME COURT JUSTICE CLARENCE THOMAS) is the longest puzzle.
On September 29:
- No vowels are bought in Round 2.
- A Prize is added for Round 4, even though it goes to Speed-Up after only two spins.
- There is a blue frame around the Speed-Up split-screen.
On September 30:
- Round 5 (WHERE WERE YOU ON THE NIGHT OF) is the longest puzzle.
- Rounds 2, 5, and the Bonus Round are Phrase.

October 1992[]

On October 1:
- Both Rounds 1 and 2 are completely filled in before being solved.
- The Round 2 Clue puzzle TWO STATES STARTING WITH V (Vermont and Virginia) takes eight turns to reveal the last letter. Altogether, the round lasts for 5 minutes and 17 seconds (not counting the answer to the Clue).
- Round 4 (NATIONALLY ADVERTISED BRANDS) is the longest puzzle.
- Contestant Alex wins despite not claiming $10,000 in Round 2.
On October 2:
- Actress Danica McKellar of The Wonder Years appears in the audience at the beginning of the show.
- Contestant Alex's name tag comes loose during the contestant interviews, Pat walks up and fixes it.
- None of the contestants correctly identify what is described by the Clue puzzle REAGAN'S JOB JUST BEFORE PRESIDENT (Governor of California).
- After the Bonus Round, Danica appears onstage with Pat and Vanna to promote gift bags for the Teen Week finalists, and stays with Pat, Vanna, and the day's winner during the credits.
On October 5:

The original Surprise wedge.
- Vanna is wearing yellow, but the category chyrons are blue.
- The Surprise wedge debuts. For the first week, it has a much thinner and plainer font similar to Helvetica. It starts out on the peach $200 close to the Lose a Turn in Rounds 1 and 2, and moves to the peach $200 in Rounds 3+. Sometimes, if it is claimed before Round 3, the Round 2 Prize (if not claimed) takes its place on that particular wedge and the Round 4 Prize is moved to the red $300 in that round. If it is claimed before Round 4, the Round 4 Prize takes its place on that particular wedge; however, if neither it nor the Round 2 Prize is claimed before Round 4, the Round 4 prize is placed on the blue $200. Sometimes, if Surprise is claimed, the Round 4 Prize is placed on the pink $200.
- Due to aforementioned Surprise Wedge debut, Free Spin is almost exclusively placed on a dollar amount ending in "00" ranging from $200-$400.
- The bonus puzzle WAX is the second known nighttime instance (and only third known overall) of both a three-letter bonus puzzle and a bonus puzzle without RSTLNE in it. Contestant Jennifer solves it with only the A revealed.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On October 6:
- The Surprise is won for the first time; its first prize it offers is a trip to Puerto Rico worth $3,102.
- Contestant Dalet fills in the bonus puzzle ASH CAN completely.
On October 7:
- Seven consecutive turns are lost in Round 2.
- Pat takes an envelope out of the W-H-E-E-L himself and then puts it back to see what happens. A cat is heard when he puts it back.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
- All of the puzzles are very short, with Rounds 1 and 3 (a Clue puzzle of KING ARTHUR MUSICAL {Camelot} and PILLSBURY DOUGHBOY) tied for the longest at only 17 letters.
On October 8:

October 8.
- Vanna is wearing blue, but the category chyrons are red.
- The Surprise is on the purple $150 in Round 3, but moves to its customary position on the tan $200 in Round 4.
- After solving the Round 3 Clue puzzle MARILYN MONROE'S LAST FILM, contestant George gives an answer of Something's Got to Give, which is not accepted. Contestant Jason says The Misfits, and is credited with the $500. Returning from commercial, Pat states that George named the last film Monroe worked on, then claims that the puzzle was implying her last completed film. This error does not affect the outcome.
- The bonus puzzle is once again a three-letter answer without RSTLNE in it. Dalet's letter choices (including the second known instance of Z being called in the Bonus Round) reveal the answer ZOO completely. Strangely, the chyron disappears as soon as the second O is revealed, but several seconds before the timer starts. This is also the only known time that a contestant has filled in two bonus puzzles completely during their run.
- Dalet retires with $100,257, having won all three of her Bonus Rounds. Her son, Felix Bulwa, later appears as a contestant on April 5, 2021, and mentions her appearances.
On October 9:
- Vanna wears a hat.
- Rounds 1, 3, and 5 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- After the Round 3 puzzle YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK (Place), contestant David is asked where the park is located, and he provides the correct answer of California.
- Round 3 and the Bonus Round are Place.
On October 12:
- The lettering on the Surprise wedge is changed to a much heavier font, and sparkles are added to the letters.
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is WHO SHOT J R (The Eighties) followed by a question asking who played J.R. (Larry Hagman), and Round 3 is Clue.
- The Round 4 Prize is on the pink $200.
- Rounds 1 and 5 (the latter being SKI PATROL) are both shorter than ten letters; the aforementioned Round 1 puzzle also has only one vowel.
On October 13:
- Both Rounds 2 and 3 are completely filled in before being solved.
- The bonus puzzle OVERANXIOUS is a rare instance of a one-word Phrase.
- Rounds 1, 4 and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
On October 14:
- Pat's Final Spin lands on Bankrupt.
- 14 wrong letters are called in the Speed-Up, including 6 in a row.
- Round 5 (AM-FM RADIO) is shorter than ten letters.
- All of the puzzles are very short, with Rounds 2-4 (MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE, a Before & After of GOLF COURSE OF ACTION, and STEW IN YOUR OWN JUICE respectively) all tied for the longest at only 18 letters.
On October 15:
- The Surprise is a $12,000 diamond watch.
- Rounds 1, 3, and 4 are Before & After.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On October 16:
- For the first time this season, Charlie's opening is pre-recorded. This can be discerned as the same recording continues to be used on some episodes for the rest of the season, and its use typically results in it not being synchronized with the opening animation.
- No vowels are bought in Round 1.
- Surprise is accidentally placed on the pink $700 for Round 1 and 2.
- Contestant Barbara sweeps the game and wins a Pontiac Sunbird convertible in the Bonus Round.
- Rounds 1, 4 and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
- All of the puzzles are very short, with Round 2 (QUIZZICAL EXPRESSION) being the longest at only 19 letters.
On October 19:
- The Surprise is accidentally placed on the $150 and the Round 2 Prize is on the tan $200.
- The Surprise is a GEO Tracker worth $15,065. This is the most expensive known Surprise.
- Round 2 is Places, while Round 5 is Place.
- Barbara wins another car in the Bonus Round, making her the second of only two known contestants to win a total of three cars.
On October 20:
- The Round 4 Prize is a Monterrey Trailer worth $11,953.
- After the Round 4 puzzle THE GRADUTE'S FAMOUS MRS (The Sixties), contestant Carolyn is asked what was her last name, and she provides the correct answer of Robinson.
On October 21:
- The Round 2 Clue puzzle WINGED BOY WITH BOW AND ARROWS is a very rare instance of a "bonus" category with more than one correct response (Cupid or Eros).
- During the post game chat, Vanna talks about when she was a contestant on The Price Is Right.
On October 22:
- Rounds 1 and 3 are Clue; the latter, MY ? FRIEND MOON RIVER AND ME, follows the format of the Fill In the Blank category which would debut the following month. This is also the first appearance of a question mark.
- In the above Round 3 Clue puzzle, nobody correctly fills in the missing word (huckleberry).
On October 23:
- The apostrophe in Round 1 fails to light up when Vanna turns it, but this is corrected after the first spin.
- The Surprise is placed on the blue $300 for Rounds 1 and 2 and on the purple $150 for Round 3.
- After the Round 3 Clue puzzle PRAYER'S END is filled in completely, contestant Karen accidentally says "Amen" (the word described by the Clue) before reading the answer from the board. She is credited with a correct answer and the $500 bonus. Pat admits he was vague when he said "What is that?" instead of specifically asking her to read off the puzzle answer.
- The bonus puzzle WIG is both the fourth known instance this month of a bonus puzzle not having RSTLNE, and the third known instance this month of it being only three letters long. No letters are revealed.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 1 and 2 are Phrase, while Round 5 is Things and the Bonus Round is Thing.
- In the final segment, Pat brings in his son Patrick.
On October 26:
- Surprise is placed on $1,000 for Round 1. Pat still tells the contestants that $1,000 is the top dollar value, although he seems to do a quick double-take in realization of the error. Interestingly, this does not affect the outcome: contestant Victoria lands on the peach $200 but calls a wrong letter, while contestant Shirley calls correct letters on both the Surprise wedge and the aforementioned $200, solves the puzzle, then wins the game anyway.
- After the Round 3 puzzle FLOWER CHILDREN FLOCK TO SAN FRANCISCO (The Sixties), Shirley is asked what district the Flower Children flocked to, and she does not provide the correct response of Haight-Ashbury.
- Six rounds are played.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 1, 4, and 6 are Phrase, while Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Things.
- Charlie's closing spiel is changed to "Merv Griffin Enterprises produces Wheel of Fortune!", with the title said over the copyright and opening logo (the latter shown in a box), with a timpani roll in the background. The King World logo and spiel are accompanied by their own music; during the music, the spotlights are crossed, then uncross as the music begins and the star inside flashes, and then cross and freeze as the music ends.
On October 27:
- The Round 1 puzzle CUP OF JAVA is shorter than ten letters and has none of the five most common consonants.
- No letters are revealed in the above round until the eighth turn and fourteen turns are lost in total.
- The scoreboards accidentally switch off briefly in the Speed-Up Round.
- The Round 4 puzzle KNOCK KNOCK JOKES should be hyphenated.
- The Round 5 Before & After puzzle PIE IN THE SKY DIVER, is misspelled as "skydiver" should be only one word.
- All of the puzzles are very short, with Round 3 (I BEG TO DIFFER WITH YOU) being the longest at only 19 letters.
On October 28:
- Round 5 (UP TO SNUFF) is shorter than ten letters.
- Six rounds are played.
- Shirley retires with $110,132 despite not winning her third game.
On October 29, the Round 5 puzzle EENIE MEENIE MINIE MO is the longest known puzzle with only two unique consonants, tying the record for the fewest in one puzzle.
On October 30:
- Pat accidentally says "here's our first puddle" before Round 1, resulting in him not finishing the traditional spiel or announcing the category.
- The Round 3 Clue puzzle TWO STATES STARTING WITH A is a very rare instance of a "bonus" category with more than one correct response and the most of any known Clue puzzle used with a total of six possible correct responses (any two of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas).
- Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Thing(s), while Rounds 4 and 5 are Before & After.

November 1992[]

The weeks of November 2 and 9 are taped at the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. These are the third known set of road shows to use the rugs and turntables. During these weeks:
- The opening begins with a shot of the darkened studio as Charlie does his part of the intro, at which point all the lights turn on.
- Vanna introduces the first week's episodes with "From the City by the Bay, it's Wheel of Fortune!" This is followed with footage of the Bay Area set to Judy Garland's "San Francisco" (not to be confused with the Scott McKenzie "Wear Flowers in Your Hair" song), which ends with a shot of the exterior of the Palace of Fine Arts. It then cuts to a shot of the interior, as Charlie says "From the Palace of Fine Arts Theater, built in 1915 for the San Francisco World's Fair, it's Wheel of Fortune from San Francisco! Now, the stars of our show: Pat Sajak and Vanna White!"
- The Wheel does not spin in either the opening or the credits.
On November 2:
- Round 1 is a factually incorrect answer of ROGER OVER AND OUT (these terms are not used simultaneously in radio communication).
- The Round 2 Prize is a $1,000 shopping spree at Ghirardelli Square.
- Round 2 is VANNA'S PREGNANT. As shown during Vanna's A&E Biography, Merv Griffin comes onstage with balloons to congratulate Vanna after she reveals the answer. Due to her miscarriage shortly after taping, the round is edited out. Viewers instead see a three-minute spiel about the San Francisco tapings, narrated by Charlie. The segment begins and ends with post-production clips of Pat standing at the home base puzzle board, which reads WHEEL ON LOCATION. At the end of the segment, he says that the show "played a round" during the spiel and mentions that the winner got $1,350, as a still shot of the winning contestant appears in a circle at the lower right-hand corner of the screen.
- In Round 3, two references are made to the edited-out Round 2: Pat tells the blue contestant (Jim) that "at long last" he gets to spin the Wheel, and the yellow contestant (Donna) uses a Free Spin that she could only have earned in that round.
- Rounds 1, 2, and 4 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
- After the Bonus Round, Charlie promotes the remaining three road trip weeks (see below). The touched-up Wheel rug can be seen during the promotions.
On November 3:
- Round 2 (MEGABUCKS) is shorter than ten letters, and a rare instance of such a puzzle occurring in any other round besides the first or last. This is also the second of only five known times that Round 2 is shorter than ten letters.
- Round 4 (PACKING AN EMOTIONAL WALLOP) is the longest puzzle.
On November 2 and 3, the dollar signs do not appear on the scoreboards.
On November 4:
- Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- The Round 4 Prize is a 1.85 karat pin worth $10,500.
- Round 5 (ROAD HOG) is shorter than ten letters.
On November 5:
- No vowels are bought in Round 1.
- The Round 2 Prize is on the peach $200 in Round 3.
- None of the contestants correctly identify what is described by the Clue puzzle DIRTY HARRY WORKED FOR THIS DEPARTMENT (San Francisco Police Department).
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
On November 6:
- After the Round 1 puzzle ALASKA BECOMES FORTY-NINTH STATE (The Fifties), contestant Roger is asked what is the capital of Alaska, and he does not provide the correct answer of Juneau.
- The Round 4 Prize is a Harley-Davidson motorcycle worth $13,274.
- The "wrong letter" buzzer accidentally sounds as time runs out in the Bonus Round.
- Roger sweeps the main game (except for the bonus question) but loses the $25,000 in the Bonus Round. He also retires undefeated with $125,920.
- During the credits, Charlie announces that winnings over the $125,000 limit are donated to a charity of the contestant's choice.
The week of November 9 is Soap Opera College Challenge, which has a college student playing against two soap opera stars. The student plays for themselves, while the soap stars play for charity (and also themselves, given the presence of Prize wedges and Surprise). During this week:
- The stars are: Richard Lawson and Melissa Reeves on Monday; Michael Sabatino and Jill Larson on Tuesday; Scott Reeves and Frank Dicopoulos on Wednesday; and Fiona Hutchison and Lauralee Bell on Thursday.
- Each star's total is matched and donated in cash to a charity or charities of their choice, with a minimum guarantee of $10,000.
- After each soap star is introduced, a clip is shown from their respective soap.
- The Friday Finals are used, and the top winner receives a trophy on Friday.
- The intro this week begins with Vanna saying "Join us from San Francisco!" followed by the 1992 "Changing Keys" as Charlie says "It's Wheel of Fortune's Soap Opera College Challenge! With daytime stars from: Days of our Lives, Melissa Reeves and Michael Sabatino! From The Young and the Restless, Lauralee Bell and Scott Reeves! From All My Children, Jill Larson and Richard Lawson! And from (The) Guiding Light, Fiona Hutchison and Frank Dicoupolos!" with each star's image in a split-screen over footage of the Golden Gate Bridge. Over an extended timpani roll, Charlie continues with "From the Palace of Fine Arts Theater in San Francisco, it's Wheel of Fortune! And now, the stars of our show: Pat Sajak and Vanna White!"
- For the first known time, no cars are offered in the Bonus Round; the prizes are a $20,000 certificate of deposit, a $20,000 annuity, $30,000 savings bonds, a precious metals package, and the $25,000.
On November 10:
- No letters are revealed in Round 1 until the seventh turn.
- Round 1 also has a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining: with only the I and E missing from the Clue puzzle DRIED-UP PLUM (Prune), contestant Jacqui buys an A.
- The Round 2 Prize is a $1,000 gift certificate for The Sharper Image.
- Jill wins both the Prize and Surprise in Round 2.
- All three contestants hit Lose a Turn consecutively in Round 3.
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is Clue and Round 3 is X & Y CHROMOSOMES (Things) followed by a trivia question asking for what the chromosomes determine, and Jill provides the then-correct response of gender.
- The beeps sound twice on Round 3's bonus question.
- Round 4 (GETTING A HANDLE ON THE SITUATION) is the longest puzzle; this is all the more unusual as it begins as a Speed-Up.
- Vanna forgets to turn the first I in the Round 4 puzzle after it is solved.
- "Buzzword" is used for a prize other than a car; specifically, the certificate of deposit.
On November 11:
- Nine consecutive wrong letters are called in Round 1.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Clue in Rounds 1 and 3, Phrase in Rounds 2 and 4. The former is the second known instance of a "bonus" category being repeated.
- Although the rest of the chyrons are pink, the value of the Surprise (won in Round 1) and the answers to both Clue puzzles are blue.
- The bonus puzzle FOG HORN is misspelled (it should be one word).
On November 12:
- The Round 2 Prize is a $17,483 Chrysler LeBaron convertible, likely the second-most expensive car ever offered through the Prize wedge. Interestingly, contestant Chiko wins Round 2 with only it and the Surprise.
- In Round 3, nobody correctly identifies who is described by the Clue puzzle INVENTED BIFOCALS (Benjamin Franklin).
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 3 is Clue and Round 4 is HE STUCK A FEATHER IN HIS CAP (Quotation) with a very rare instance of a Speed-Up puzzle being followed by a bonus question; specifically, the person who did that. Fiona does not provide the correct response of Yankee Doodle.
On November 13:
- The Round 2 Prize is on the tan $200 in Round 3.
- None of the contestants correctly identify what is described by the Clue puzzle LITTLE ? CLIMB HALFWAY TO THE STARS (cable cars). This puzzle also follows the format of the Fill In the Blank category which would debut the following week.
- The Round 4 Prize is a Plymouth Laser worth $15,817.
The weeks of November 16 and 23 are taped at the Philadelphia Convention Hall and Civic Center; as this closed in 1996, it remains to date the only road show venue that is no longer operational. During these weeks:
- The chyrons are red, white, and blue.
- Organist Larry Ferrari plays "Changing Keys" going into commercial breaks.
During the week of November 16, Vanna introduces the show with "From Philadelphia, the birthplace of America, it's America's favorite game: Wheel of Fortune!" from a vantage point overlooking the city at night, after which Elton John's "Philadelphia Freedom" plays over footage of Philadelphia. Afterward, Charlie's introduction is "From the home of the Phillies, the Flyers, the Sixers, and the Eagles, here in Philadelphia's Civic Center, it's Pat Sajak and Vanna White!"
On November 16:
- Round 1 (NECTARINE) is shorter than ten letters.
- The Round 2 prize is accidentally placed on the purple $200 in Round 2.
- Going into the first commercial break, Vanna impersonates a scene from the film Rocky.
- Rounds 4 and 5 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- For the second of only three known times, six rounds are played on a road show.
- The bonus puzzle NIP AND TUCK uses three rows of the board.
- The contestant's letter choices in the Bonus Round are in lowercase.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 1, 3, and 6 are Thing, while Rounds 4, 5, and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
On November 17:
- "Nightwalk" is played during the Round 2 Prize description.
- In Round 3, contestant Pat calls an S where there is one in the puzzle but is mistakenly ruled incorrect. Pat Sajak acknowledges the error after contestant Michael spins and resets the Wheel.
- The Round 4 Prize is a Chevrolet S10 worth $10,345.
- The Round 4 Prize is on the pink $200.
- Contestant Connie wins a historic document signed by Benjamin Franklin worth $15,500 in the Bonus Round.
On November 18:
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is the debut of Fill In the Blank and Round 2 is I'M AS HELPLESS AS A KITTEN UP A TREE (Quotation) followed by a trivia question asking what the title of the song is, and contestant Lori does not provide the correct answer of "Misty".
  - For no particular reason, Fill In the Blank is shown as just "Blank" on the chyron until near the end of Season 12.
- Connie's scoreboard turns off partway through Round 1.
- Rounds 2 and 3 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- No vowels are bought in Round 3.
- Against normal practice, the buzzer sounds on a wrong answer in Round 4.
- The Surprise is an $11,435 trip to Australia.
- There is a rare instance of a bonus puzzle without RSTLNE in it. The puzzle, YO-YO (Thing), is solved.
- Former mayor of Philadelphia Ed Rendell joins Pat and Vanna in the closing chat.
On November 19:
- Rounds 1 and 3 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Rounds 2 and 4 are Event. The latter NFL MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL is categorized as that instead of Title.
- "Nightwalk" is played during the Round 4 Prize description.
- Pat's final spin lands on Lose a Turn.
On November 20:
- After the Round 2 puzzle THE FOUNDING FATHERS (People), Lori is asked to name two of them, and she does not provide any of the correct answers of George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, or Alexander Hamilton. This is also a rare case of a "bonus" question having more than one correct response.
- Dacia wins Round 4 with only the Round 4 Prize and Surprise.
- The Round 5 puzzle PENNSYLVANNIA TURNPIKE is categorized as Thing instead of Place.
- Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Place.
- Lori retires with $113,493.
November 23 is the first My Favorite Teacher Week, with teacher/student teams and the first known instance of contestants under 18 competing. During this week:
- The intro begins with Vanna saying "From Philadelphia, it's Wheel of Fortune!" followed by "Philadelphia Freedom", and finally Charlie saying, "We're at the Civic Center on the University of Pennsylvania campus to celebrate My Favorite Teacher Week! And now, your host and hostess: Pat Sajak and Vanna White!"
- Any cash won is awarded to both members of that team, except for the $25,000 Bonus Round Prize.
- All of this weeks Bonus Prizes are in pairs.
On November 24:
- Three "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is Before & After of BUFFALO BILL OF RIGHTS followed by a trivia question asking what was Buffalo Bill's last name (Cody), Round 2 is Clue, and Round 3 is Fill In the Blank.
- The bonus puzzle AUTUMN is inexplicably categorized as Thing instead of the more logical Event.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On November 25:
- The Surprise is accidentally placed on the tan $200 beside the top dollar amount.
- Contestants Carolyn and Paul win despite failing to claim $34,050 in Round 4.
- Round 4 (a Before & After of STANDING ON SHAKY GROUND RULES) is the longest puzzle.
- Rounds 1 and 4 are Before & After.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
On November 26:
- The Round 2 Prize is a Gibson Epiphone Les Paul Standard guitar worth $714, a very rare instance of a Wheel Prize under $1,000.
- In Round 2, Pat forgets to mention the hyphen until after contestants Virginia and Beth begin to spin. He does not acknowledge this until after the Wheel stops.
- The Round 2 Prize in on the tan $200 in Round 3.
- Contestant Hina mispronounces the first word of the Round 3 puzzle ROGET'S THESAURUS, but it still credited with a correct response.
- There is no Round 4 Prize, even though Round 4 does not begin as a Speed-Up.
On November 27:
- The Round 2 Prize, a trip to United States Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, has "SPACE" written horizontally at the top of its wedge in very narrow letters with "CAMP" written vertically underneath.
- Going into the first commercial break, Vanna impersonates a scene from the film Rocky.
- The ding is accidentally used when reveals the apostrophe in the Speed-Up.
- The bonus puzzle NEIGHBORHOOD takes up all but one space of the second row, obviously meaning that the camera is zoomed out further than usual.
- The Bonus Round Prize (which is won) is a pair of Gold MasterCards worth $10,000 each.
- The Quaker City String Band makes a guest appearance in the final segment, playing music over the fee plugs and credits in place of "Changing Keys".
The commercial bumpers for all four weeks are the same: the 1992 logo rolls by and leaves behind either "from San Francisco" (November 2 and 9) or "from Philadelphia" (November 16 and 23).
For all four weeks, the Enterprises logo fades in instead of flipping down.
On November 30:
- The W-H-E-E-L envelope holder now uses a higher-pitched chime for episodes taped at home, and the original chime is now used only on road shows.
- The bonus puzzle SKY DIVER is misspelled (it should be one word).

December 1992[]

On December 1:
- The Round 3 Clue puzzle CAMPTOWN'S RACETRACK LENGTH is a very rare instance of a "bonus" category with more than one correct response (five or nine miles).
- No vowels are bought in Round 4.
- There is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining: with only the vowels missing from the Round 4 puzzle MAKING GOO-GOO EYES, contestant Gerry gives a wrong answer.
- Both the "wrong letter" buzzer and "right letter" ding also sound at the same time as Gerry gives the wrong answer in Round 4.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On December 2:
- Contestant Darcey's microphone comes loose in Round 1. Pat picks up and Darcey puts it in his pocket.
- The Round 4 Prize is mistakenly placed on the blue $500 between $700 and $800.
- Rounds 1 and 4 are Before & After.
On December 3:
- Surprise is placed on the tan $200 beside the top-dollar amount in Round 1; this is corrected in Round 2.
- Rounds 3 and 4 are Before & After.
On December 4:
- The Round 2 Prize is on the tan $200 in Round 3.
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is Clue, and Round 3 is FIRST SUCCESSFUL HUMAN HEART TRANSPLANT (The Sixties) followed by a trivia question asking for the doctor who performed the operation. Contestant Carol does not provide the correct response of Dr. Christiaan Barnard.
- In an unusual move, Pat opens the sole remaining envelope at the beginning of the Bonus Round to show the car, instead of letting Carol pick it as usual.
- During the post-game chat, Vanna talks about wanting to cut her hair short but the audience is not having it. It took her three more years to actually go through with it.
All five Bonus Rounds are won on the week of November 30, part of a seven-day streak beginning on the 27th.
On December 7:
- Two "bonuses" are played: Rounds 1 and 3 are Clue. The former of the two, CHEST ISLAND TROVE (treasure), uses a three-format answer which would become standard for Fill In the Blank partway into the next season.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
- Carol Terrana retires with $76,403, despite not making it to the Bonus Round on her third appearance. She later appears on "Some of the Greats!" in February 1995.
On December 8:
- In Round 1, contestant Eileen leaves out the word THE when attempting to solve the Round 1 Clue puzzle IT RETURNS TO THE THROWER (boomerang), after which contestant Joel solves. Julie asks for the tape to be checked, which it is during the Round 2 Prize copy; after this, Pat confirms that she did omit the word.
- The value of the Round 2 Prize (a diamond ring) spins onscreen and is much larger than usual.
- Six rounds are played.
- The Round 6 puzzle PHOTOGENIC is a rare instance of a one-word Phrase.
- The ding accidentally sounds when Vanna reveals the answer to the unsolved bonus puzzle, and the board's lights briefly go out until she finishes revealing it.
- Rounds 3, 4, and 6 are Phrase.
- During the post-game chat, Vanna talks again about wanting to cut her hair short and asks if Merv should cut it.
On December 10:
- Vanna wears a suit.
- Seven consecutive wrong letters are called in Round 1.
- No vowels are bought in Round 1.
- The Round 5 puzzle SNOWPLOW is shorter than ten letters and has only one vowel.
- The bonus puzzle CAVE MAN is misspelled (it should be one word).
- Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Person.
On December 11:
- The Round 4 Prize, a trip to London and a visit from Santa Claus, has "WINTER" written horizontally at the top of its wedge in very narrow letters with "DREAMS" written vertically underneath. The wedge is placed on the peach $200.
- No vowels are bought in Round 5.
On December 14:
- Round 5 (BALE OF HAY) is shorter than ten letters.
- Vanna forgets to turn the O after the above puzzle is solved, and fixes this after Pat points it out to her.
On December 15:
- Contestant Arthur forgets to pick up the Round 2 Prize after landing on it. This does not affect the outcome as he picks it up in his next spin.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 2 and 3 are Phrase, while Rounds 5 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On December 16,
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is GOLD FRANKINCENSE & MYRRH (Things) followed by a trivia question asking who carried the gifts (the Three Wise Men), and Round 2 is Clue.
- Rounds 1, 4 and the Bonus Round are Thing(s).
On December 17:
- After the Round 3 puzzle CHICKEN LITTLE ROCK ARKANSAS (Before & After), contestant Skip is asked what Chicken Little proclaimed, and he provides the correct answer of "The sky is falling".
- Skip retires with $65,820.
On December 18:
- Three "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is The Sixties of FIRST TELEVISED PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES followed by a trivia question asking who participated in those debates (Kennedy & Nixon), Round 3 is Clue, and Round 4 is Quotation of CLANG CLANG CLANG WENT THE TROLLEY followed by a trivia question asking who sang that in Meet Me In St. Louis (Judy Garland). This is also the only known instance of two "normal" categories having bonuses in the same show; the Round 1 bonus is won, while the Round 4 bonus is not.
- Rounds 2 and 4 are Quotation.
- There is a rare instance of a bonus puzzle without RSTLNE in it. The puzzle, BAMBI (Fictional Character), is solved.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
December 21 is a Family Tournament with the Friday Finals format. The winning family on Friday receives a silver bowl as a bonus prize. During this week:
- There is a large red bow across the top of the puzzle board frame.
- The chyrons are displayed in red and green to commemorate the holidays.
On December 21:
- The Surprise is on $150 in Round 1; this is corrected in Round 2.
- Rounds 2 and 4 are Before & After.
- For the first of only two known times during two consecutive shows, there is a rare instance of a bonus puzzle without RSTLNE in it. The puzzle, COWBOY, is solved.
On December 22, the bonus puzzle UP AND DOWN uses three lines of the board.
On December 23:
- The camera is zoomed out too far when the Round 1 puzzle is revealed.
- A Prize is added for Round 4, despite it going to Speed-Up after only two spins.
- The car cue "Buzzword" is used for a bonus prize other than a car: specifically, a $30,000 family annuity in the form of a Christmas stocking.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On December 24:
- Pat's Final Spin lands on Lose a Turn. His second attempt lands on $5,000.
- Round 4 (GOOFING OFF) has only three unique consonants.
- Ben and Bunnie set a one-day record of $75,514, winning a home improvement package in the Bonus Round.
- Rounds 1, 2, and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
On December 25:
- The Surprise is the same $15,065 Geo Tracker from October 19.
- Two "bonus" categories are played: Fill In the Blank in Round 1 and Clue in Round 3.
- The Round 4 Prize is an $11,953 trailer.
- The Round 4 puzzle VEGETABLE BEEF SOUP uses three lines, even though it could fit easily on two.
- When Charlie describes the Round 4 Prize, the Wheel can be heard being spun into place for the closeup of the wedge.
- In an unusual move, Pat opens the sole remaining envelope at the beginning of the Bonus Round to show the $25,000 prize, instead of letting the contestants pick it as usual. Ben and Bunnie win the cash, leaving with a grand total of $130,708 plus the silver bowl.
- Following the Bonus Round, Vanna gives Pat a book by Jack Paar, while Pat gives her $3 of his own money so she can buy something for herself.
- Rounds 2, 4, and the Bonus Round are Thing.
- During the credits, Charlie notes that winnings over $125,000 are donated to the charity of the team's choice, and that "This show has been edited for broadcast."
All five Bonus Rounds are won on the week of December 21, part of a seven-day streak beginning on the 17th.
December 28 is the first "Wheel into the New Year" Week. During this week:
- The Wheel rugs and turntables are all replaced with giant silver stars.
- Aside from the cash, almost all the Bonus Round prizes are cars.
- The 1989 "Changing Keys" plays during the credits. From this point through the end of Season 11, several other episodes do so as well.
On December 28:
- The opening pan is now shot at a higher level.
- Two "bonuses" are played: Round 1 is Clue, and Round 2 is the first of only four known instances of The Twenties (BATHTUB GIN & FLAPPERS, with the ampersand by itself on the second row) followed by Charlie asking for the most popular dance of that decade. Contestant Kelly responds by saying "the dance that goes like this" while dancing the Charleston. Although the buzzer sounds while he dances, Nancy Jones decides to accept the answer. Despite this, no further non-verbal answers are accepted (or even attempted).
- The Round 2 Prize is a $5,000 Rodeo Drive shopping spree. Its description is accompanied by footage of Vanna walking out of Fred Hayman's store on Rodeo Drive.
- In Round 2, contestant Greg starts to spin while contestant Linnea is turning in her Free Spin. Pat stops him and then resets the Wheel by spinning it backward so that Linnea can proceed.
- Both the ding and buzzer sound on a correct letter in Round 3.
On December 29:
- After the Round 1 puzzle YOU ARE THE WIND BENEATH MY WINGS (Quotation), Kelly is asked for the artist who made the song famous. He provides the correct answer of Bette Midler, although the puzzle-solve cue does not sound when he does.
- While the category chyrons and Round 4 Prize value are red, Round 2's is blue.
- The Round 4 Prize is a $10,236 Greek vacation.
- After contestant Jeff's first spin of Round 4 barely misses the Round 4 Prize, the applause machine accidentally plays applause and the "ooh" track twice, the second being slightly lower in pitch.
- Kelly Vaught retires with $75,498, a rare instance of two consecutive undefeated champions. He later appears on "Some of the Greats!" in February 1995.
On December 30:
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Quotation in Rounds 1 and 3, Phrase in Round 2 and the Bonus Round.
- Lose a Turn is hit five times in Round 2, the record for the most known instances in one round.
On December 31:
- A balloon can be heard bursting during one of contestant Barbara's spins in Round 5.
- Balloons fall from the rafters during the closing segment.
- The 1992 theme plays during the credits.

January 1993[]

According to one recollection, a contestant calls X in the Bonus Round sometime around this point. If so, this is the only known instance of this being done until 2014.
According to multiple recollections, a contestant sometime around this point manages to solve the bonus puzzle BABY BOY with none of the letters revealed, almost certainly the only time that this has ever been done.
On January 1:
- Round 2 is the first of only four known instances of The Thirties.
- Rounds 1-3 contain apostrophes.
- "Nightwalk" is used during the Round 4 Prize description.
- Round 4 (CYMBAL CRASH) has only one vowel.
- The 1992 theme plays during the credits.
On January 4:
- The Surprise is placed on the blue $150 in Round 1 and 2. It is moved to its correct spot in Round 3 to make way for the Round 2 Prize.
- The Round 2 Prize is placed on the tan $200. It is moved to its correct spot in Round 3 to make way for the Surprise.
- Two bonuses are played: Fill In the Blank in Round 1 and Clue in Round 2.
- The Round 4 puzzle GLOVE COMPARTMENT is inexplicably categorized as Place instead of Thing.
- Rounds 1, 2, and 4 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Neither Bankrupt nor Lose a Turn is hit.
- Contestant Rick wins by $100.
- The show's logo, as seen at the start of full credit rolls, still looks the same as it did on September 4, 1989.
On January 5:
- The Round 2 Same Name puzzle COMPUTER & SLIPPED DISK is misspelled (should be "slipped disc").
- A Prize is added for Round 4, despite it going to Speed-Up after only two spins.
- Pat's Final Spin lands on Lose a Turn. His second attempt lands on $5,000.
On January 6:
- Round 2 is the second of only four known instances of The Twenties. The puzzle FIRST TALKING MOVIE is also followed by Charlie asking for the movie. Contestant Kathleen does not provide the right answer of The Jazz Singer.
- Rick retires undefeated with at least $76,000.
On January 7:
- The lights on the puzzle board do not flash when the Round 4 puzzle is solved.
- Contestant Athena wins with only the Surprise.
On January 8:
- Contestant Paul fills in the bonus puzzle DOODLE entirely.
- Pat and Vanna do not sign off.
On January 12:
- The Surprise is a trip to Switzerland worth $10,026.
- Contestant Weldon starts to spin just as the Final Spin bells sound. He is allowed to complete his turn, after which Pat does the Final Spin.
- Pat's final spin lands on Bankrupt. His second attempt lands on $1,500.
- The Bonus Round puzzle PET PEEVE is both a rare instance of RSTLNE revealing more than half of the answer and a rare instance of E being the only vowel in a bonus puzzle.
- Rounds 1, 3 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On January 13:
- Surprise is accidentally placed on the red $300.
- The Round 1 Clue puzzle OZ DOG (Toto) is a tie for the shortest known main game puzzle in the show's history at only five letters; it also has only one vowel, three unique consonants, and none of the five most common ones. 13 wrong letters are called in the this round and 15 turns are lost in total.
- Round 2-4 all use all four rows of the puzzle board, making this the first known game to use three separate four-row puzzles. This is all the more unusual given the above.
- Rounds 3 and 4 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Contestant Susan's total mistakenly is shown as $35,200 after the Bonus Round. During the post-game chat, Pat acknowledges the error and corrects her score to $41,200.
On January 14:
- After the Round 2 puzzle QUOTH THE RAVEN NEVERMORE (Quotation), Susan is asked for the author of that quote. She provides the correct answer of Edgar Allan Poe.
- The Round 4 Prize, a trip to Telluride, Colorado and a ski package, has "SKI" written horizontally at the top of its wedge in very narrow letters with "COLORADO" written vertically underneath.
On January 15, Rounds 2, 4, and 5 are Phrase.
On January 18:
- In Round 4, contestant John buys an E despite having no money and ends up losing his turn. This does not affect the outcome.
- Pat mistakenly gives John the RSTLNE before announcing the category.
- John calls B C M O in the Bonus Round, but the chyron briefly displays the first letter as V by mistake.

February 1993[]

On February 1, Rounds 1, 2 and 4 are Phrase.
On February 3:
- Contestant Stephanie wins despite failing to claim $14,600 and the Round 4 Prize in Round 4.
- Round 4 (DISTINGUISHED PANEL OF JUDGES) is the longest puzzle.
- Round 4 is People and the Bonus Round is Person.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
- The 1989 theme plays during the closing credits.
On February 5:
- Contestant Lou Ann's total is $9,500 after Round 2. Before the start of Round 3, Pat acknowledges that there was an error in her score and says she now has $9,750.
- The bonus puzzle WHY ME is an extremely rare occurrence of a bonus puzzle where E is the only vowel.
- Rounds 1, 4, and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
- The 1989 theme plays during the closing credits.
The weeks of February 8-22 are the Red Letter Sweepstakes. During these weeks, the Round 3 puzzle has some red letters in it, which spell out a word when unscrambled. Once the puzzle is solved, the rest of the board is dimmed while the red letters remain lit. Home viewers may submit each day's word for a chance to enter a prize drawing, with three out of that week's five words correct in order to win, and entries must be received by March 15. Some other notes about this sweepstakes:
- Over $1,000,000 in prizes is offered, including a $10,000 GM MasterCard as a grand prize to be awarded to 10 winners (Vanna can be seen holding a giant version of the card, with a GM car on a Wheel turntable and the light towers in the background), a 7-week Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines and a chance to audition for the show as a first prize (cruise departs May 23), a Bulova watch or clock as a second prize, and a Laguna Sportswear package as a third prize. Charlie plugs all these prizes before each Round 3.
- Entries must be mailed to "Wheel of Fortune-(week #)"; P.O. Box 460213; St. Louis, Missouri; 63146.
- Viewers requesting a list of rules and/or winners may send a self-addressed stamped envelope by March 15 to "Wheel of Fortune Rules" or "Winners List"; P.O. Box 460221; St. Louis, Missouri; 63146.
- In addition to employees of Merv Griffin Enterprises, Sony Pictures, and King World; employees of Capital Cities/ABC are also ineligible, which include the following Wheel stations/ABC O&O's: WABC-TV New York, KABC-TV Los Angeles, WLS-TV Chicago, WPVI-TV Philadelphia, KGO-TV San Francisco, WTVD-TV Raleigh/Durham (North Carolina), and KFSN-TV Fresno (California).
- These weeks use the 1989 "Changing Keys" during the credits. In addition, the Wheel rugs and turntables are replaced by red stars and are all similar in appearance to "Wheel into the New Year" Week, and the credits are in red and white.
- When these episodes rerun on GSN in the late 1990s, most references to the sweepstakes are edited out. At least one episode, February 26, leaves the rules intact.
On February 12:
- The chyrons are still in Helvetica, but noticeably less bold than usual.
- Round 3, SUSPENDERS, is a very rare instance of a one-word puzzle in any round other than the first or last.
On February 25:
- Contestant Gordon fills in the entire Round 1 Before & After puzzle BABY POWDER YOUR NOSE by himself.
- The Round 3 puzzle CINDERELLA'S GLASS SLIPPER uses the second through fourth rows, even though it could fit on only the middle two.
- No vowels are bought in Round 3.
- When Round 3 is solved, Vanna forgets to turn the first A until after Pat points it out to her.
- Round 4 (LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE) is the longest puzzle.
- Round 5 (BUTTINSKY) is shorter than ten letters.
- All three contestants repeatedly struggle with Round 5's answer over the last nine turns, of which seven occur with only vowels remaining (itself likely a record for the most lost turns after only vowels remain). Pat eventually starts prompting the contestants to call vowels; Larry declines and gives an incorrect answer, Greg calls A, Gordon gives an incorrect answer, and Larry calls E. Finally, Greg calls U to fill in the puzzle entirely, mispronounces the answer, then gives the correct pronunciation immediately afterward.
- The bonus puzzle GEM is a rare instance of both a three-letter bonus puzzle and of one where E is the only vowel.
By February 25:
- The chyrons and credits change to Gill Sans.
- The rules disclaimer and Pat and Vanna's wardrobe credits wipe onto the screen from left to right.
On February 26:
- The Round 2 Prize is tickets to the Broadway musical Jelly's Last Jam, plus hotel and restaurant fare and a limousine ride.
- Rounds 2-4 are Phrase.
- Greg's children come on stage before the Bonus Round is played.
- The bonus puzzle FEBRUARY is inexplicably categorized as Thing instead of the more logical Event.
- Greg retires with $43,245, having lost all three of his Bonus Rounds.
- The sweepstakes rules are shown before a full credit roll, resulting in the entire 1989 "Changing Keys" playing and then looping back to the beginning.

March 1993[]

On March 4:
- There are two contestants named David.
- Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
- Six rounds are played without a Speed-Up.
- Round 5 (HOP TO IT) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
- There are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 1 and 5 are Slang, while Round 6 and the Bonus Round are Thing(s).
On March 5:
- The Round 2 Prize value is in Helvetica.
- The Wheel rug is lacking its golden border.
- Round 5 (ZONKED OUT) is shorter than ten letters.
- The 1989 "Changing Keys" plays during the credits.
On March 11:
- Both Rounds 1 and 3 are completely filled in before being solved.
- Round 3 is a Clue puzzle done in the style of what would later become the "three question marks" Fill In the Blank category, albeit without the question marks (BOOK CHEESE RIBBON, the answer being "blue").
- Pat's son, Patrick, appears in the final segment.
On March 12:
- Round 2 is the second of only four known instances of The Thirties.
- Round 5 (PHARMACY) is shorter than ten letters and has only one vowel.
On March 18:
- The Surprise is a $10,406 trip to Greece.
- The Round 2 Prize is accidentally placed on the blue $200 in Round 3.
On March 22, Monte Sternfeld retires with $76,451. He later appears on "Some of the Greats!" in February 1995.
On March 25:
- An unknown contestant retires undefeated, a rare instance of two consecutive undefeated champions.
- The Merv Griffin Enterprises logo is changed to a gold-colored statue of a griffin in front of a cloudy background (the same one used for Columbia Pictures Television, TriStar Television, and later Columbia TriStar Television), with the Merv Griffin Enterprises text and Sony Pictures Entertainment Company byline all in the same Bank Gothic MD font as the aforementioned logos.
On March 26:
- Two "bonus" categories are played: Fill In the Blank in Round 2, and Clue in Round 3. The latter is THERE ARE TWO DAILY DOUBLES IN THIS ROUND.
- In the above Clue puzzle, contestant Alfie offers a guess of Jeopardy! When Pat asks him to be more specific, he gives the intended answer of Double Jeopardy! This is a very rare instance of someone who answers a "bonus" question being asked to be more specific.
- Round 4 is a Same Name puzzle with three "names".
- Contestant Leonard's first Bonus Round letter, D, is mis-heard as G and put on the chyron as such. His second letter, G, is initially mis-heard by Pat as V until the contestant clarifies that he said D and G, and the chyron is corrected to match.
- The 1989 "Changing Keys" plays during the credits.
On March 29:
- Vanna wears a sleeveless top and pants.
- The Round 3 Clue puzzle NORMAL BODY TEMPERATURE is a very rare instance of a "bonus" category with more than one correct response (98.6°F or 37°C). This is also the only time a degree symbol is ever used on the chyron.
- The Round 4 Prize is a $10,388 trip to Egypt.
- All three contestants hit Bankrupt and Lose a Turn consecutively in Round 4 (a Bankrupts, a Lose a Turn, then another Bankrupt).
- Round 4 (TIME FLIES WHEN YOU'RE HAVING FUN) is the longest puzzle.
- The Bonus Round prize won is a week with Italian chef Diana Folonari, a collection of pasta from Pasta Mama's, a year's supply of Montolivo extra virgin olive oil, a pair of Yamaha scooters, and $5,000 cash. The value of this Prize "spins" onscreen from the lower right. This is a rare instance of the show offering food. Charlie's copy runs for 55 seconds, one of the longest known for a bonus prize.

April 1993[]

April 5 is Teen Week.
On April 9:
- Round 1 is the third of only four known instances of The Twenties.
- The Round 4 Prize is a trip to Walt Disney World worth $10,490.
- The Bonus Round window does not appear.
- Rounds 4 and 5 are Before & After.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
- During the post-game chat, Charlie says "Good night, Pat!"
- The 1989 "Changing Keys" plays during the credits.
Reruns air during the week of April 12.
On April 20, after the Round 2 puzzle THE WAILING WALL (Landmark), contestant Charlie is asked where it is located. He provides the correct answer of Jerusalem.
On April 21, there are two sets of repeated categories: Rounds 2 and 4 are Phrase, while Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Thing(s).
On April 22:
- Contestant Clare's occupation is never mentioned.
- Round 1 is a Same Name with three "names".
On April 23, two "bonus" categories are played: Round 1 is Clue and Round 2 is Fill In the Blank.
During the week of April 19, all five main game winners come from the yellow podium.
On April 26:
- Round 2 is a Same Name puzzle with three "names".
- A contestant solves the Round 3 puzzle TOM & ROSEANNE ARNOLD with only the R's showing.
On April 27, six rounds are played.
On April 28:
- The Round 1 Before & After puzzle ACT YOUR AGE BEFORE BEAUTY is rare instance of the category also containing part of the answer.
- Round 3 is a Clue puzzle done in the style of what would later become the Where Are We? category (BLUES GATEWAY ARCH MISSISSIPPI RIVER, the answer being St. Louis).
- The right letter ding is accidentally used on the first turn of the Speed-Up.
- Due to Vanna's laryngitis, she uses cue cards during the post-game chat.
On April 29:
- None of the contestants correctly identify what is described by the Clue puzzle SILENT BUTLER'S TARGETS (crumbs or ashes, itself a rare instance of a Clue with more than one correct response), leading to both them and Pat being confused over the answer. A clip of this was seen in Season 25.
- After one of contestant Bob's spins in Round 3 just barely misses the Surprise, he hits the railing with his fist in frustration and unintentionally causes his arrow to click over to the Surprise. After what appears to be an edit, Pat rules that he has landed on the Surprise, which he then claims. This does not affect the outcome, as he does not solve.
On April 30:
- After the Round 3 puzzle I'M SO GLAD WE HAD THIS TIME TOGETHER (Title), contestant Chris is asked for the show whose theme uses that title. He provides the right answer of The Carol Burnett Show.
- The board operator forgets to light up the M in the bonus puzzle LAWN MOWER, and an offstage voice can be heard acknowledging this as Pat tells contestant Mazie to talk it out and she solves before the timer can start.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.

May 1993[]

May 3 is Sports Stars Week. During this week:
- The intro starts out with the walking $3,500 wedge "waving" its arm to reveal the logo, followed by a cut to the studio after the chant.
- Charlie's intro is "They've set world records, captured pennants, and won medals! San Francisco 49ers' Steve Young, Philadelphia Eagles' Herschel Walker, Houston Oilers' Warren Moon, boxing champion Sugar Ray Leonard, Olympic gold medalist Florence Griffith-Joyner, baseball great Steve Garvey, Olympic gold medalist Greg Louganis, football hall-of-famer Dick Butkus, basketball hall-of-famer Bill Walton, baseball hall-of-famer Ernie Banks, hockey hall-of-famer Phil Esposito, and Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee! These superstars of sports face the Wheel challenge! Can they spin to win? We'll find out. But first, here are Pat Sajak and Vanna White!"
- The name tags are star-shaped.
- The games use a three-round structure ($1,000/$2,500/$5,000), with only one round in the first segment. This is the first appearance of such a round structure, which would continue to be used on some road shows and/or celebrity episodes until Season 16. Also, the Friday Finals are used.
- Each athlete is shown in the style of a sports trading card as they are introduced. After the introductions, there is a shot of a trophy that goes to the week's top winner.
- As Pat mentions in his opening speech, the celebs are playing both for charity and themselves. This is only the second known instance of such a payout structure.
- The 1989 "Changing Keys" plays during the credits.
- The Wheel's automation starts up a second after the last fee plug cuts to the credits.
- The credits themselves use the red and white colors from the Red Letter Sweepstakes. In addition, the eligibility disclaimer wipe is discontinued while the wardrobe plug wipe is retained.
On May 3 (Steve Garvey/Warren Moon/Sugar Ray Leonard):
- The puzzle YELLOWSTONE PARK'S FAMOUS GEYSER (Old Faithful) is a rare instance of both a four-line puzzle and a bonus category (Clue) being used in the Speed-Up.
- The bonus puzzle SICK AND TIRED uses three rows.
On May 5:
- Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Occupation.
- The Round 3 Clue puzzle HURON ERIE & ONTARIO (Great Lakes) is a rare instance of a bonus category being used in the Speed-Up.
- Nine wrong letters are called in the above round, and three turns are lost after the last consonant is called.
- Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Occupation.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
- The 1989 theme plays during the credits.
On May 6:
- In Round 1, nobody correctly identifies what is described by the Clue puzzle BROADWAY'S ORIGINAL DOLLY (Carol Channing).
- Round 3 is a Same Name with three "names".
- The 1989 theme plays in the credits.
On May 7:
- The Prize is a trip to Palm Springs and a Geo Metro, worth $10,954.
- Phil Esposito exclaims an obscenity after calling a repeated D in Round 2, although it is muted.
- Bill wins with only $500 from Round 1's Clue and the aforementioned Prize.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
- "Changing Keys" starts playing as soon as Pat opens the bonus envelope.
- In the final segment, Bill is presented with a trophy for being the week's highest winner.
The weeks of May 10 and 17 are taped at the Wang Center (now Wang Theatre) in Boston. During this week:
- "Yankee Doodle Town" by the Sauter-Finegan Orchestra plays during the intro.
- All two-row bonus puzzles use the middle two rows, despite other road shows at this point still using the top two.
- Vanna models the Prizes through pre-recorded footage shot at the center.
On May 10:
- The Round 4 Prize is a $10,000 gift certificate to Hammerman Jewels.
- There is a green background behind the "three more consonants and a vowel" section of the Bonus Round chyron. As contestant Paul accidentally calls R and L, it is likely those letters appeared on the chyron but were fixed in post-production.
- Ray Flynn, then-mayor of Boston, joins Pat and Vanna for the post-game chat.
On May 11:
- The Round 4 Prize is a personal watercraft worth $13,586.
- Rounds 1, 3, and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
May 17 is College Week, which uses a similar format to Season 6: there are four players for each school represented instead of three, and like Season 6 only one representative may be onstage for the main game (although whichever school wins has all four representatives available for the Bonus Round). There are only four prizes available in the Bonus Round, as one of the prizes is a $50,000 scholarship for the winning college team to play for in the Bonus Round on Friday. This is placed in the first E of the W-H-E-E-L envelopes. Also, the Friday Finals are used.
On May 17:
- The Round 2 Prize is accidentally placed on the $1,000 wedge and the $2,500 wedge is placed on the $150. The Prize is not hit.
- Contestant Tara has trouble placing the Prize wedge properly on her flashing arrow; Pat comes and helps her only to take it away after she hits Bankrupt.
- Pat's final spin lands on Lose a Turn.
- Rounds 2-4 are Phrase.
On May 19, the bonus puzzle STICK OF GUM uses three lines.
On May 21:
- Likely due to the unique formatting of the tournament, no Prizes or Surprise are used.
- Two "bonus" categories are played: Fill In the Blank in Round 2 and Clue in Round 3.
- Pat's Final Spin lands on Lose a Turn.
- Before the Bonus Round, Charlie plugs the hotel that accommodated staff and contestants, with "Nightwalk" used as a music bed.
On May 25:
- The bonus puzzle NICE AND WARM uses three lines of the puzzle board.
- Pat and Vanna read off the names of the ten grand prize winners of the Red Letter Sweepstakes.
- The 1989 theme plays during the credits.
On May 27:
- The Surprise is the same $15,065 Geo Tracker from October 19.
- The value of the Round 2 Prize (a telescope) is silver with a "sparkling" effect.
- Round 2 is a Same Name with three "names".
- After the Round 3 puzzle WE CAN WORK IT OUT (Title), contestant Paulette is asked which group popularized the song; she does not provide the correct answer of The Beatles, which the audience then shouts out at Pat's request.
- Contestant Laurie solves the bonus puzzle APRON despite getting no help from her extra letters.
- Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
By May 27, the show's logo, as seen at the start of full credit rolls, is now blue.
On May 28, Laurie retires with a total over $100,000, although it is unknown if she won her third game.
As of the above week, cars may still be offered as Wheel Prizes or Surprises.

June 1993[]

June 7 is Second Honeymoon Week.
On June 7:
- Two "bonus" categories are played: Round 2 is Places of SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAIN PEAKS followed by a trivia question asking what is the world's highest peak (Mount Everest), and Round 3 is Clue.
- The Round 4 Prize is a trip to Walt Disney World worth $10,490.
- The 1989 theme plays during the credits.
On June 11:
- The Round 4 Prize is a trip to Australia worth $11,435.
- The Surprise is a trip to Greece worth $10,406.
- The 1989 theme plays during the credits.

Wheel of Fortune timeline (syndicated)/Season 10

Contents

Season Changes[]

September 1992[]

October 1992[]

November 1992[]

December 1992[]

January 1993[]

February 1993[]

March 1993[]

April 1993[]

May 1993[]

June 1993[]

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