The opening graphics are changed again. The intro starts out with a flyover of the new Sony Pictures Studios complex, starting through the gateway, which has photos of Pat and Vanna: Vanna on the left, and Pat behind the previous season's logo on the right, before the gate opens, a spark flies out, explodes to a flashback clip, and then swirls into multi-color sparks to form the 1997 logo which starts on the Wheel's center. A white spark causes the words to fly out and stack-up in two-row form, with the normal looking "O" in "of" from the previous logos. The logo used in the intro now has a graphic of the Wheel around it; this graphic is rather inaccurate, as it has no Bankrupts, and it keeps the $250 spaces even after they are retired. In fact, the Bankrupt between the orange $900 and purple $500 is replaced by the sparkly green $1,000. Each word shines as shouted in the chant, before zooming into the center to cut to the studio.
With very few exceptions, the video screen stops showing the Wheel in mid-spin.
Perhaps in an attempt to make them easier, Puzzlers have more letters revealed than in Season 16, typically closer to half of the answer.
WebTV introduces an interactive element that allows users with WebTV to play along with Wheel and Jeopardy! from home, indicated by a "WebTV interactive program" bug at the top of the show.
Harry Friedman retires as co-producer, and joins Merv as co-executive producer.
Bill Blass' Menswear provides Pat's wardrobe.
The Wheel's pegs are upgraded, a fact which Pat notes twice on the season premiere. These new pegs make the Wheel spin very tightly and loudly.
The contestants' arrows are redesigned slightly to have a more curved appearance on each side.
Prize footage features a colored border with white letters that scroll clockwise. While the letters usually spell out "Wheel of Fortune", they sometimes show the week's theme, or the destination if the Prize is a trip. The border is not used on road shows.
After each special space's description (Jackpot and Prize Wedges), each wedge zooms out from the sponsor video and flips over to reveal the wedge.
Fill In the Blank puzzles that contain hyphens now have them adjacent to the question mark. Previously, there would be a blank space in between.
Three locales are once again used on road shows.
At this point, the promo for the show's website is still the same as it was in early 1999.
The $25,000 graphic for Bonus Round wins is now silver numerals that zoom onscreen one at a time.
The values of other Bonus Round prizes use the same font as the $25,000 graphic, but on a red rectangle with gold corners that spins onscreen.
September 1999[]
September 6 is Endless Summer Week.
On September 6:
No vowels are bought in Round 2.
Around the House debuts in Round 4. For this season only, its category wipe is a crayon drawing of a house.
One of the shots of the board in Round 5 is different than usual: instead of a direct shot of the board, the camera zooms in on it from near the blue contestant's arrow.
On September 7:
The Puzzler (CASTLE, after Round 1) is inexplicably categorized as Landmark instead of Place.
No vowels are bought in Rounds 4 or 5.
Pat forgets to remove contestant Mark's prize after Round 4. It is removed when he takes his first turn in Round 5.
Round 5 (SOLOIST) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
Six rounds are played.
The second Bankrupt is removed as Round 6 goes right into a Speed-Up Round.
Round 5 is Person while Round 6 is People.
On September 8:
Although contestant Joy loses the Bonus Round, her mother and her friend Beth come onstage anyway.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On September 9:
The Round 2 Slogan puzzle WHERE DO YOU WANT TO GO TODAY ? (Microsoft) is the first use of a question mark outside Fill In the Blank. It also has a space before the question mark.
Round 4 (PRIME TIME) is shorter than ten letters and a rare instance of the category (Rhyme Time) also being part of the answer.
Unusually, a shot from behind the contestants' backs is used in Round 4.
The ding is accidentally used on the first turn of the Speed-Up.
In the closing segment Pat and Vanna discuss what they wear to bed, in reference to the bonus puzzle NIGHTGOWN. This was seen on the 25th and 30th anniversary flashbacks.
On September 10:
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
The bonus puzzle is WORKPLACE (Place). This is a very rare instance of the category also being in the answer of a puzzle.
September 13 is Great Getaways Week. During this week, the Bonus Round Prizes consist of four trip-vehicle pairs: a trip to New Hampshire with a SAAB 9-3, a trip to Québec City with a Mercedes-Benz ML320, a trip to Seattle with a boat (represented by a shot of the Space Needle with the Wheel painted on its top), and a trip to Vermont with a Mustang, plus the $25,000.
On September 13:
The Round 2 Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV, and the footage of the Prize includes two people playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
Contestant Ron spins over the Final Spin bells. He is allowed to complete his turn, after which Pat does the Final Spin.
Round 5 (WALK-INS) is shorter than ten letters.
On September 14:
No vowels are bought in Rounds 1, 2 or 6.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to the Rand McNally store.
Rounds 2 and 5 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
The puzzle board lights on top do not flash when Round 3 puzzle's answer is revealed.
Six rounds are played.
After the Bonus Round is lost, Pat closes the envelope too quickly for it to be seen on-camera, and is asked to show it again.
On September 15:
Vanna models the Round 2 Prize, an Italjet Formula 50 LC scooter.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
On September 16:
The shot of Vanna touching the R's in Round 2 is accidentally replayed when contestant Keith calls an H.
Contestant Tan mispronounces the Round 4 puzzle THE POTOMAC RIVER, but is still credited with a correct response. This does not affect the outcome.
Pat forgets to remove Keith's prize after Round 4. He removes it when the Speed-Up bells ring.
Round 5 (CHECK MARK) is shorter than ten letters.
No vowels are bought in Round 5.
On September 17:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to Bed Bath & Beyond.
The Round 2 puzzle LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT is categorized as Place instead of Landmark.
The Puzzler blanks are already on the puzzle board when it is revealed.
Coincidentally given the upcoming road shows, the Round 3 Prize is trip to Universal Studios Orlando. Unusually, the copy includes the studio's phone number and website.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
Pat forgets to remove the Round 2 Prize from contestant Melissa's arrow after contestant Jason solves the Round 4 puzzle.
Jason sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) but loses a trip to New Hampshire and a SAAB 9-3 in the Bonus Round.
All five Bonus Rounds are lost on the week of September 13, part of an eleven-day streak beginning on the 8th.
The weeks of September 20 and 27 are taped at Universal Studios in Orlando. This is the last time until March 2009 that a road show occurs outside of November, February, or May sweeps. During these weeks:
If the $25,000 is won, footage is shown of an actor portraying Dr. Doom trying to steal the money from Vanna until an actor playing Wolverine comes to the rescue.
The cars offered in the Bonus Round are Dodge vehicles.
During Puzzler rounds, the "wrong letter" buzzer is used instead of the "time's up" buzzer from the Bonus Round.
As the weeks were taped on May 23-25, prior to production of Season 17 in Culver City, the old contestant arrows and wheel pegs are used.
Different cold opens are used:
September 20 and 28: unknown actors portraying Frankenstein's monster, Count Dracula, and Erik from The Phantom of the Opera are playing the game; Frankenstein's monster loses his turn by groaning instead of calling a letter, and Count Dracula solves IT'S WHEEL FROM UNIVERSAL STUDIOS FLORIDA. Actors portraying Beetlejuice and the Bride of Frankenstein respectively take Pat and Vanna's places, and a lightning flash effect appears when the puzzle is solved.
September 21, 24, and 30: Pat descends from Jurassic Park: The Ride with a group of park patrons and says, "From Universal Studios Islands of Adventure, it's Wheel of Fortune. And where is my stunt double when I need him?"
September 22 and 29: Pat asks Vanna if she's even gotten the feeling of being watched, after which the camera zooms out to show King Kong holding both of them in his hand
September 23: Pat and Vanna announce the theme from in front of the Universal Studios sign
September 27 and October 1: Pat and Vanna announce the theme from near one of the park's water taxis
On September 20:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 credit to Spencer Gifts.
After the Round 2 Next Line Please puzzle FROM THE TOWN OF BEDROCK ("they're a page right out of history"), actors portraying Fred Flintstone and Barney Rubble are seen at the front of the audience.
On September 21:
Fireworks set off across the river as Pat and Vanna make their entrance.
Before Round 3, there is a bumper of Nicholas standing in front of Woody Woodpecker's Kidzone, pointing to Vanna, and saying "that's my mommy."
On September 22:
The "right letter" ding comes a little too early when the A is revealed in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 credit to Elegant Illusions.
The Round 4 puzzle ASTRONAUT SALLY RIDE is categorized as the 80's instead of Proper Name.
On September 23:
The Round 1 puzzle SWIMMERS is shorter than ten letters. It is followed by a Puzzler of BACKSTROKE, a rare instance of the Puzzler being longer than the answer before it.
The Round 2 puzzle GINGER MARY ANN & THE PROFESSOR (Classic TV) is followed by a trivia question asking for the name of the charter boat on Gilligan's Island. David provides the correct answer of S.S. Minnow.
The second Bankrupt is not used in Round 4, despite it not beginning as a Speed-Up.
On September 24:
In a somewhat unusual move, Rounds 1-3 do not have T in them.
Contestant Tyler's Post-Bonus Round total isn't shown on screen.
September 27 is Family Week.
On September 27:
The Round 2 Prize is a $5,000 shopping spree at Universal Studios CityWalk in Orlando.
Before Round 3, Pat and Vanna promote the Jackpot Round by doing a bumper from the park. They can then be seen walking back to their respective spots as the round starts.
On September 28:
Woody Woodpecker joins Pat and Vanna as they make their entrance.
Both contestants on the yellow team are named Robert.
On September 29:
Round 1 (SUNRISE) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
The category strip disappears briefly during Round 2.
Contestant John's name tag falls off in Round 2. It is retrieved before the start of Round 3.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
The first E on the W-H-E-E-L envelope holder is burnt out. As a result, Pat mistakenly says there are four prizes instead of five.
On September 30:
In a very rare occurrence, the Round 2 Prize is food: specifically, a $2,500 credit to Nabisco.
Before Round 3, there is a bumper with Vanna and her kids with Barney the Dinosaur.
Contestants Jonalyn and Joel's Post-Bonus Round total is not shown on screen.
Vanna brings her son Nicholas and his cousin Dylan for the final segment. While on stage, they both talk about their favorite rides at Universal Studios.
October 1999[]
Gameplay Factor: Zero.
On October 1:
A cycle of lost turns is edited out at the start of Round 2. Possibly on a related note, contestants Barbara and Dawn are seen during an overhead shot in Round 2 with the Free Spin token until it disappears later in the round. Pat references the aforementioned lost turns by saying "We're having a rough round" at the first aired lost turn of the round, then by saying "Now, you can pick up [the Prize wedge]" to Barbara and Dawn even though it is only the first time they're shown hitting it.
There is a $13,300 Jackpot win. In a rather rare occurrence, it comes with all the letters filled in.
The buzzer sounds on a wrong letter in the Speed-Up.
October 4 is Great Outdoors.
On October 4:
The Preview Puzzle debuts; the first is TOM CRUISE (Proper Name). During a Preview Puzzle:
A partially filled-in puzzle is revealed at the top of the show, using the usual chimes and category strip. The puzzle has a light blue-violet border which contains the words "Preview Puzzle" scrolling clockwise in white text.
A light drum and saxophone bed plays while Vanna says via voiceover, "Here's tonight's Preview Puzzle, just for you at home. It's a [category]. Can you solve it? Stay tuned for the correct answer."
After Vanna walks out, she reveals the answer on the puzzle board and its border flashes.
The three $250 spaces are replaced: the orange-yellow one becomes $500, the purple one becomes $600, and the orange one becomes $800. As a result, $300 is the lowest value on the Wheel, which remains until the end of Season 31. Pat and Vanna discuss this change on the 8th.
As a result of the above dollar amount changes, $500 is once again present in the Jackpot Round.
The digits on the wedges now have a white outline, as does the lettering on Lose a Turn.
The Puzzler graphic changes to a purple banner with light-purple lettering reading "$3,000 PUZZLER", which wipes to the puzzle board and settles (as just "PUZZLER") in the top-left corner of the screen. As a result, there is no longer a wipe for the category strip.
The "bonus" category questions are increased to $3,000.
Contestant Ruth solves the Puzzler SOLD OUT before the wipe finishes revealing the board.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to Cabela's.
The Round 2 puzzle SPRING SUMMER AUTUMN & WINTER is categorized as Things instead of Events.
The Final Spin now has $1,000 added to its value; appropriately, the first such spin lands on $5,000.
Round 4 (ROB LOWE) is shorter than ten letters.
The $25,000 envelope that Vanna displays has the two-row logo on its top flap.
On October 5:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 cash and a pair of sunglasses from Maui Jim.
The Round 3 puzzle THE COUNTRY OF URUGUAY is the first instance of On the Map using a descriptive term.
After the last consonant is revealed in the above puzzle, both the ding and the "only vowels remain" beeps sound at the same time.
On October 6:
The Preview Puzzle MOUSE PAD is misspelled (it should be one word).
Rounds 1 and 6 (HAPPY DAYS and NOW I GET IT) are both shorter than ten letters. The former also has only one vowel.
No vowels are bought in Rounds 1 or 4.
The Round 2 puzzle JESSE VENTURA ELECTED GOVERNOR (Headline) is followed by a trivia question asking for the name of the state. Contestant Jay provides the correct answer of Minnesota.
The Round 3 Prize is a GEM golf cart.
Rounds 2 and 4 are played entirely by the contestant who began them.
Six rounds are played.
A "null" cycle is edited out of Round 6, as evidenced by Pat acknowledging that contestant Lynn hit the Round 3 Prize before but did not pick it up.
Pat forgets to remove the Round 3 Prize from Lynn's arrow after contestant Tina solves Round 6.
Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Person.
On October 7:
Vanna wears a suit.
Round 1 (MERMAID) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
The shot of Round 2 is different than usual when it is solved: the camera pans from the contestant area to the puzzle board and shows it at an angle.
All three contestants hit Bankrupt and Lose a Turn consecutively in Round 2 (one Bankrupt, one Lose a Turn, then another Bankrupt).
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Contestant Annette solves the bonus puzzle LUNCH HOUR before the timer can start.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
On October 8:
After Pat walks out, he follows Vanna to the puzzle board to reveal the answer to the Preview Puzzle.
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
Round 3 (OKEY-DOKEY) is shorter than ten letters, has only three unique consonants, and has none of the five most common ones.
No fewer than three "null" cycles are edited out of Round 3, as evidenced by the Jackpot suddenly jumping from $5,000 to $12,500 before the D is revealed, and again to $14,250 immediately after. This itself goes against normal practice, as the Jackpot is usually adjusted in post-production in rounds where such cycles occur. As the first edited-out spin appeared to be heading for Lose a Turn, it can be presumed that eleven wrong letters are called in the round (three aired, the other eight from the edited-out turns). Likely because of the numerous edits, this is also the last time Round 3 is shorter than ten letters.
The Speed-Up bells sound as contestant Helen asks to solve Round 4. The game ends at that point with no Speed-Up.
In the closing segment, due to Vanna wearing a Dior dress, Pat spins her around and calls her "a revolving Dior". This was seen in several retrospectives.
October 11 is European Vacation.
On October 11:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 IKEA shopping spree.
The Round 2 Before & After puzzle SPAGHETTI & MEAT BALLS AND BATS is the first of only two known instances of both the word "AND" and an ampersand in the same puzzle.
The Round 3 Prize is a trip to New York City. The Prize copy includes footage of the Radio City Rockettes performing on a November 1988 road show, a very rare instance of the trilon board being shown after its retirement in any other context besides a flashback clip.
After Round 4 (TOWN & COUNTRY MAGAZINE) is solved, Pat acknowledges that the puzzle was categorized as Thing instead of Title because "magazine" is not part of the publication's name.
On October 12:
The shot of the Round 1 puzzle being revealed is zoomed out further than usual.
The buzzer accidentally sounds on a correct letter (N) in Round 3.
No fewer than two "null" cycles are edited out of Round 5, as none of T, R, or S are called on air; further, the wide shot of contestant Jenny's first spin shows her passing the Prize only for the close-up to show her landing on it.
No vowels are bought in Round 5.
Rounds 4 and 5 (FAIR SHARE and MEADOW) are both shorter than ten letters. The latter also has only three unique consonants and none of the five most common ones.
Round 5 inexplicably goes to Speed-Up with only one consonant remaining (the W in the above puzzle).
Contestant Jenny's Prize is accidentally left on the railing during the score recap.
The Preview Puzzle, Puzzler (Round 2), and Round 5 are Place.
The bonus puzzle GIFT TAG uses only one line.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On October 13:
The Preview Puzzle GOOFY is a tie for the shortest answer to be used in that segment.
Round 3 and the Bonus Round are On the Map.
No vowels are bought in Round 5.
Contestant Joe solves the bonus puzzle BOLIVIA with only the O and L showing.
All of the puzzles are very short, with Rounds 2 (a Fill In the Blank of ? BREAK ? SHOP ? TABLE [Coffee]) and 3 (PEORIA ILLINOIS) tied for the longest at only 14 letters. Even more unusually, both Rounds 1 and 4 (SEAMSTRESS and CYBERSPACE) are only one word.
On October 14:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 cash and designer handbags from Dooney & Bourke.
Contestant Kevin's Round 1 total is still on the scoreboard during the first spin of Round 2.
Kevin's podium is still flashing after he solves Round 2.
The Round 3 Prize is a Greek cruise worth $10,390.
There is an $8,300 Jackpot win. As it is the only money won in that round, contestant Lora becomes the first of only two known contestants whose winnings come entirely from the Jackpot.
The Puzzler (Round 1) is Things, while Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
The bonus puzzle BIG TOE uses only one line.
Pat has considerable difficulty opening the Bonus Round envelope, causing Charlie to laugh before Kevin helps him open it.
In reference to the Round 3 puzzle RUBIK'S CUBE, Pat and Vanna try solving one during the post-game chat.
On October 15:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV, and the footage of the Prize includes a person playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
In Round 2, contestant Scott calls a repeated N, but when asked by Pat to repeat, calls a K instead. Pat rules it as a repeated N, and against normal practice, the buzzer sounds despite the puzzle having an N in it.
The Round 3 Prize is a Fred Joaillier gift certificate.
Contestant Sandra gives wrong answers to Rounds 1, 2, and 3, although she ends up later solving Round 2 anyway.
October 18 is Orient Escape.
On October 18:
The Round 2 Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV. The footage of the Prize includes footage of someone playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
The Round 2 puzzle RAINDROPS KEEP FALLIN' ON MY HEAD (The 60's) is followed by trivia question asking for the movie which the song came from. Contestant Mary does not provide the correct answer of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.
Sonya's name tag falls off during Round 4. Pat retrieves it while Mary spins.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On October 19:
The Round 3 Prize is a Broyhill gift certificate.
There is a $9,300 Jackpot win that comes with only vowels remaining.
Before Round 4, Pat shows off his glass of water.
The camera accidentally zooms in too close at the start of the Speed-Up.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Between October 15 and 19, not counting the Preview Puzzle, Thing is not used in gameplay for three consecutive episodes.
On October 20:
The Preview Puzzle, Round 4, and Bonus Round are Thing, while the Puzzler and Round 3 are Phrase.
Joe sweeps the game and wins a trip to Hong Kong and a Honda Prelude in the Bonus Round.
On October 21:
The Round 2 Prize is a TravelSmith kit worth $2,500.
Contestant Sharlyn sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler and the Who Is It? in Round 2) but loses the trip to Shanghai, China and the Acura CL in the Bonus Round.
On October 22:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Nike shopping spree.
Contestant Kim fills in the entire Round 2 puzzle (OSCAR WINNER HELEN HUNT MARRIES) all by herself; however, for the first known time, a "good" turn is accidentally edited out, as the U appears on the board despite her never being seen buying it and her score is off by $250.
Kim's total is mistakenly credited as $22,800 instead of $24,950 after Round 3. Pat acknowledges the error before starting Round 4.
Round 4 (CANOPY BED) is shorter than ten letters.
October 25 is Halloween Week. During this week:
A picture of a scarecrow is projected onto the center of the Wheel.
The Bonus Prize envelopes have a Halloween themed picture inside.
On October 25:
The Round 2 Prize is a TV, DVD player, and collection of DVDs from Universal Studios, with the copy specifically mentioning The Mummy.
Pat forgets to remove the Round 2 Prize from Patty's arrow after contestant Joe solves the Round 4 puzzle.
The bonus puzzle NO JOKE uses only one line.
During the closing chat, Pat opens the visor of a suit of armor onstage and jokes that Chuck Woolery is inside it.
On October 26:
Pat and Vanna enter from a metal gate at stage left.
The Puzzler CAPE & MASK is one of only five instances of an ampersand in a Puzzler.
The Round 3 Prize is a "Halloween bash" courtesy of Tootsie Roll Industries; although the copy does not clarify what this entails, it can be presumed to be cash and candy from the company, given the similar Prize offered on October 26, 1998.
Round 5 (PATCHY FOG) is shorter than ten letters.
The Preview Puzzle and the Puzzler (Round 1) are Things, and Round 5 is Thing.
Contestant Steve solves the bonus puzzle FAMILY TRIP before the timer can start.
Charlie announces the Bonus Round prize, a trip to Transylvania, in a Dracula accent.
On October 27:
For the first of only five times this season, a "bonus" category (Slogan) appears in Round 1.
Rounds 4 and 5 are both shorter than ten letters (CANDY DISH and SCORPIOS respectively).
Contestant Alane sweeps the game (except for the Slogan and Puzzler) but loses $25,000 in the Bonus Round.
In the closing segment, Vanna's daughter Gigi shows off her Halloween costume, which is a fairy.
On October 28:
The Preview Puzzle and Round 5 are Thing, and the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things.
Contestant Joel's first spin in Round 3 seems to have been added in post-production, as the second Bankrupt and Jackpot disappear and the $1,000 can be seen.
There is an $8,100 Jackpot win.
Round 5 (TRAP DOOR) is shorter than ten letters.
On October 29:
The Preview Puzzle VOGUE is a tie for the shortest answer to be used there.
Pat and Vanna enter from a metal gate at stage left.
In a rather rare occurrence, the Round 3 Prize is food: specifically, an antique popcorn popper with a year's supply of Jolly Time popcorn and a BreakMate Coca-Cola dispenser.
Contestant Jennifer's Prize is tossed on the Wheel during the score recap. It stays there for the rest of the episode.
November 1999[]
November 1 is Southern California Week.
On November 1:
The Preview Puzzle is shown loading in with some of the monitors turning blue before revealing their letters; this would suggest that the board animation for the Puzzler was used by mistake.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit toward Local Motion beachwear.
Contestant Steve spins over the Final Spin bells. He is allowed to complete his turn, after which Pat does the Final Spin.
The Puzzler and Round 4 are Proper Name, the first duplication of that category.
During the post-game chat, Pat eats a pepper from Vanna's garden.
On November 2, both Rounds 2 and 3 are completely filled in before being solved.
On November 3:
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Round 4 (HANKY-PANKY) has only one vowel, while Round 5 (SHIRTTAIL) is shorter than ten letters.
The bonus puzzle FIG TREE has RSTLNE revealing more than half of the answer and one of only two known instances of it filling in an entire word.
Darlene solves the above bonus puzzle despite getting no help from her extra letters.
On November 5:
Round 2 is only the second appearance of Who Are They?
Contestant Steve celebrates and compliments Pat after solving THE STRING SECTION. A clip of this has been seen in retrospectives including the 4,000th episode.
In the post-game chat, Pat shows off his hidden ponytails to everyone. This was seen in several retrospectives.
The weeks of November 8 and 15 are taped at Madison Square Garden in New York City. During these weeks:
The opening montage includes several shots of the city including one where Pat, Vanna, and Alex Trebek are seen ringing the opening/closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange.
Most of the Preview Puzzles are revealed in many different places in New York instead of the puzzle board.
November 8 and 17: The Preview Puzzle is presented on the set of Live with Regis & Kathie Lee by that show's staff, who hold up cue cards with the letters on them; Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford also announce the puzzle instead of Vanna.
Regis Philbin and Kathie Lee Gifford showing a Preview Puzzle.
November 9 and 12: The Preview Puzzle is presented at Giants Stadium by the New York Giants who hold up cue cards with the letters on them; interestingly, these cue cards are in Rockwell Condensed, the font used by the trilon puzzle board. Jason Sehorn also announces the puzzle and says "Let's go, Pat, it's game time!" on the 9th and "Welcome to New York, Pat and Vanna!" on the 12th when revealing the answer.
November 10 and 15: The Preview Puzzle is presented on the toy blocks at F.A.O. Schwarz.
November 11, 16 and 18: The Preview Puzzle is shown on the board as usual, with the Rockettes standing to its sides.
November 19: The Preview Puzzle is displayed on the side of a subway car, again using the Rockwell Condensed font.
During Puzzler rounds, the "wrong letter" buzzer is used instead of the "time's up" buzzer from the Bonus Round.
The name tags use a thinner font than usual, and the letters are not outlined.
During the week of November 8, the Bonus Round Prizes comprise four cars and $25,000 cash.
From this point onward, except for Seasons 32 and 33, most vehicles offered in the Bonus Round now feature the manufacturer's logo on the inside of the envelope.
On November 8:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 certificate for FAO Schwarz.
Contestant Romy mispronounces the fifth word of the Round 2 puzzle PETER PIPER PICKED A PECK OF PICKLED PEPPERS as "pack", but her answer is accepted.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 3 are Show Biz, the first of only two known duplications of that category until February 2017.
The $25,000 envelope modeled by Vanna now has flashing numerals.
Romy solves the bonus puzzle FAMILY before the timer can start.
Romy sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) and wins an Audi TT in the Bonus Round.
In the final segment, Pat and Vanna show off the aforementioned electronic envelope.
On November 9:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
Bernadette Peters and Tom Wopat make a cameo after the Round 2 puzzle ANNIE GET YOUR GUN is solved.
The Round 3 Prize is groceries for a year (i.e., a $100 gift certificate every week for 52 weeks) courtesy of A&P, Food Emporium, and Waldbaum's supermarkets.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
Contestant David's arrow accidentally flashes out of turn during the Speed-Up.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
All of the puzzles are very short, with Round 2 being the longest at only 15 letters.
On November 10:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Bliss Spa shopping spree.
The Preview Puzzle and the Puzzler are Thing, while Round 4 is Things.
The Puzzler, Preview Puzzle, and Rounds 1-3 do not have S in them.
During the post-game chat, various clips of Vanna shopping and trying on clothes around New York are shown.
On November 11:
No vowels are bought in Round 2.
In the Speed-Up, contestant Joe calls two repeated letters in a row, neither of which are acknowledged by Pat as such.
Later in the Speed-Up, there is a very well-known incident where Joe guesses A GROUP OF PILL-PUSHERS on the puzzle A GROUP OF WELL-WISHERS. After laughter and applause from the audience, the cameras cut to Pat, who says "Good night, everyone!" and then yells, "This is Wheel of Fortune, Joe!" This clip has been seen on several retrospectives and blooper specials.
Four turns later, David gives an incorrect answer with only vowels remaining. Before Chandra's turn, there is an abrupt cut to Pat telling her that only vowels remain while the "only vowels remain" beeps sound; Chandra then solves without guessing a vowel.
On November 12:
There is a cold opening where a passenger boards a taxi cab driven by Pat, who says that he is off-duty and has to get to a game show.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,800 shopping spree at the Counter Spy Shop.
Round 2 is a Quotation of BE SURE YOUR RESPONSE IS IN THE FORM OF A QUESTION followed by a bonus question asking what game show provides the quotation; contestant Philippa provides the correct response of Jeopardy!
Alex Trebek makes a cameo after the above round to promote the then-upcoming Celebrity Jeopardy! episodes also taped at Madison Square Garden.
The bonus puzzle WOOL CAP uses only one line.
All five Bonus Rounds are won on the week of November 8.
During the week of November 8, four out of five Final Spins land on $5,000.
November 15 is Best Friends Week. During this week except Friday, the Round 2 Prize is a shopping spree: $3,000 to Bed Bath & Beyond on Monday, $2,500 to Ghurka on Tuesday, $3,000 to Festina Watches on Wednesday, $3,000 to Elizabeth Adren on Thursday.
On November 15:
The original Round 3 (SOFT PRETZEL VENDOR) is thrown out due to Pat accidentally crediting a team with a right answer when they said SALT PRETZEL VENDOR.
Two teams call two letters in a row in the Speed-Up.
Round 4 (ROAD MAP) is shorter than ten letters.
Contestants Veronica and Alessandra sweep the game but lose an undersea tour of the Titanic wreckage in the Bonus Round.
On November 16:
The "right letter" ding accidentally sounds once on a pair of letters in Round 2.
The cue for solving a main game puzzle is accidentally used on the Puzzler.
Contestant Ed's name tag falls off as he and contestant Rich celebrate their victory after Round 3. Ed picks it up and puts it back on.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Rich and Ed's Prize wedge is accidentally left on their arrow during the score recap.
During the post-game chat, Pat and Vanna introduce new Wheel of Fortune postcards which are given to contestants who win trips during their gameplay.
On November 17, Around the House makes its first appearance in the Bonus Round.
On November 18:
The cold open is the same one used on the 12th.
Against current practice, the buzzer sounds after the yellow team (Kathleen and April) gives a wrong answer in Round 1.
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
Round 2 is the first instance of Slogan not using its bonus question due to the product name being part of the answer (LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR STATE FARM IS THERE).
Contestants Charlie and Greg's arrow is still flashing after they solve Round 2.
Charlie and Greg (except the Puzzler) sweep the game but lose an electronics package in the Bonus Round.
On November 19:
The Round 2 puzzle LAVERNE DE FAZIO & SHIRLEY FEENEY (Classic TV) is followed by a trivia question asking what is their first job. Contestants Corey and Christine do not provide the correct answer of brewery.
The Round 3 Prize is $7,500 credit to Pizza Hut. Due to the episode taping shortly after the logo change, the footage of the prize includes both the old and new logos, while the wedge itself uses only the new logo.
Don Harty, then-president of the New York City-area Pizza Hut franchise, appears in the closing segment and helps give pizza to the audience during the credits.
November 22 is NBA Week, with basketball star/civilian teams. During this week:
The NBA players are Kym Hampton, Dikembe Mutombo and Marcus Camby on Monday; Alonzo Mourning, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Rebecca Lobo on Tuesday; Kevin Garnett, Hersey Hawkins, and Gary Payton on Wednesday; Robert Horry, John "Hondo" Havlicek and Steve Smith on Thursday; and Tom Gugliotta, Mario Elie and Jason Williams on Friday. This is the first time that members of the WNBA have competed during NBA Week.
Vanna appears in a "window" in the lower right hand corner when announcing the Preview Puzzle; she also adds "...and NBA week" at the end of the usual spiel.
The contestants and NBA stars both wear blue rectangle-shaped nametags with the names in red and an NBA logo on the side.
The floor at center stage is designed to resemble a basketball court.
Instead of walking to center stage, the NBA stars are already positioned at the Wheel with their contestants.
Charlie introduces the NBA stars and contestants before Round 1, the only time the announcer has ever introduced the contestants instead of Pat doing so.
The week's top winner receives a VIP trip to the 2000 NBA All-Star Game.
On November 22:
The Puzzler wipe changes to gold letters on a pink background.
The Preview Puzzle, Round 2, Puzzler (also Round 2), and Bonus Round are Thing. This is the first of only two times between Seasons 13 and 37 that the same category is used four times in one show, and the fourth of only five times that the Puzzler is the same category as the puzzle before it.
The Round 3 Prize is $3,500 credit to NBA.com.
The closeup shot of the Round 3 Prize has it over the $3,500 space.
The $25,000 envelope with the two-row logo on its top flap is used suggesting the next two weeks were taped before the New York episodes.
Contestant Bridget and Marcus Camby's post-game total is not shown on screen.
On November 23:
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
Round 4 (TEAMMATES) is shorter than ten letters, and has only three unique consonants.
Contestant Marcy fakes taking out a letter from the W-H-E-E-L holder. The chime sounds anyway.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's name tag falls off as he and Marcy celebrate their win in the Bonus Round.
On November 24, there is a $12,500 Jackpot win.
On November 25:
No vowels are bought in Round 2.
The bonus puzzle PILGRIMS is a very rare instance of the bonus puzzle being themed to the air date (Thanksgiving day), and an even rarer instance of this happening when the week is not otherwise themed to the air date.
Robert Horry and contestant Annie solve the above bonus puzzle before Vanna can touch the second I.
On November 26:
The Round 2 Prize closeup shows it on $2,500.
There is a $7,350 Jackpot win.
Round 1 is People, while Round 3 is Person.
November 29 (taped August 26) is Winter Sports Week. During this week, the Jackpot sponsor is Kathy Ireland sportswear; in an unusual move, Vanna models this before the round starts.
December 1999[]
On December 1:
After the Preview Puzzle VENICE is revealed, Pat points out that because the N, I, and C were the letters revealed, the answer could have also been MUNICH. Harry Friedman can then be heard saying no, after which Pat asks "How do you spell MUNICH?" and Harry responds, "With an M."
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 IKEA shopping spree.
The Round 2 Puzzle WITH A QUACK QUACK HERE AND A QUACK QUACK THERE (Quotation) is the only known puzzle with four Q's in it.
On December 2:
There are two contestants named Melissa.
Melissa Slawinski spins only once in the entire game, landing on Bankrupt in Round 2.
Round 2's Where Are We? puzzle uses three clues.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
The "only vowels remain" beeps fail to sound in Round 3.
On December 3:
The Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV, and footage of the prize includes two people playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
There is a $9,200 Jackpot win.
On December 2 and 3, for the only the second time, the $25,000 is won more than once in a week.
All five Bonus Rounds are won on the week of November 29.
December 6 is Home for the Holidays.
On December 6:
Contestant Jill's microphone comes loose as she solves the Round 2 puzzle.
The Round 3 Prize is a $7,000 Broyhill gift certificate.
The website promo at the end of the show becomes a "Play Online and Win" promo, with the music now lasting the duration of the chant.
On December 7:
Round 2 and the Bonus Round are On the Map. The former ZION NATIONAL PARK IN UTAH is categorized as that instead of Landmark.
The Bonus Round window does not appear until after contestant Jeff picks his three consonants and a vowel.
On December 8:
Contestant Karolyn screams every time Pat points at her after Round 1 and Pat says "Whoo!" after Round 3. A clip of this was shown on the ceremonial 4,000th episode.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to DKNY, which is modeled by Vanna.
Round 3 and the Bonus Round are On the Map.
On December 9:
Pat puts earplugs in before the start of Round 3 due to contestant Esther screaming after she wins Round 2. A clip of this was also shown on the ceremonial 4,000th episode.
Esther sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) but loses a Ford Explorer in the Bonus Round.
On December 10:
For the second of only five times this season, a "bonus" category (Where Are We?) appears in Round 1.
After the Round 2 puzzle FROSTY THE SNOW MAN WAS A JOLLY HAPPY SOUL, Pat points out that in the lyrics of Frosty the Snowman, "snowman" is two separate words.
The Round 3 Prize is a Fred Joaillier gift certificate.
Contestant Marylou sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) but loses a piano in the Bonus Round.
Between November 24 and December 10, thirteen bonus puzzles in a row are only one word.
December 13 is the last Puerto Rico Week. During this week, the Bonus Round window is rectangular and much larger than usual.
On December 13:
The opening logo is now shown at the top of the show and zooms in to reveal the Preview Puzzle.
The Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV, and footage of the prize includes two people playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
All three contestants hit Bankrupt and Lose a Turn consecutively in Round 2 (one Bankrupt and two Lose a Turns).
The $25,000 envelope with the flashing numerals is used.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On December 14:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Blockbuster gift certificate.
There is an $8,700 Jackpot win.
During the post-game chat, Vanna brings some habaneros from her garden.
On December 15:
The "only vowels remain" beeps fail to sound in Round 2.
Snoopy makes an appearance after the Round 2 puzzle LOVEABLE PEANUTS BEAGLE SNOOPY. It is also not known why this puzzle is categorized as Show Biz instead of Fictional Character.
There is a shot of Snoopy in front of the puzzle board after the closed captioning plug.
The Jackpot amount does not appear when the Round 3 puzzle is revealed.
Contestant Cindy's fiancé Brendan is shown in the audience after she solves the Speed-Up.
On December 16:
Before Round 1, Pat bumps the railing and notices that a screw has fallen out of it. He fixes it with an electric screwdriver before Round 2, causing Charlie to laugh.
The camera is zoomed out too close during the Puzzler, but quickly zooms in before it is solved.
Vanna models the Round 3 Prize, a Meade telescope.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
An overhead shot of contestant Merrie's spins in Round 3 is clearly dubbed in from another episode, as it shows her landing on the orange-yellow $300.
The shot of the puzzle board is zoomed out too far during the Speed-Up.
No letters are revealed until the eighth turn in the Speed-Up puzzle JEWELRY BOX. Twelve wrong letters are called in total.
A shot from behind Pat and the contestant's backs is used when the blanks for the bonus puzzle are revealed.
In reference to the bonus puzzle DOLPHIN, Pat and Vanna read a book about the difference between dolphins and porpoises during the closing chat.
On December 17:
For the only time, a Puzzler is repeated: the answer NORTH POLE was previously used on December 15, 1998.
The scores after Round 4 do not switch off until the Speed-Up begins.
Two turns are lost with only vowels remaining in the Speed-Up. Pat does not acknowledge this until after the first turn is lost.
December 20 is Happy Holidays. During this week, one of the bonus prizes is a "Christmas stocking" which is mentioned being as being over $42,000.
On December 20:
Round 1 (NFL MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL) is categorized as Event instead of Title.
After contestant Teresa lands on the red $600, that amount is not added to the Jackpot.
Contestant Robert wins the Christmas stocking prize, which is a pair of Arbor snowboards, Yakima roof racks, and a Chevrolet Tahoe, all valued at $42,249.
On December 21:
The buzzer sounds on a repeated A in Round 3, even though there is an A in the puzzle.
Although contestant Kenny solves the bonus puzzle WISHBONE with two seconds left, the timer continues to sound until the time's-up buzzer, after which the puzzle-solve cue plays.
On December 22:
Contestant Anna tries to spin the Wheel after Debrah lands on the orange $900 in Round 4.
There are two set of duplicate categories: The Puzzler (Round 1) and Round 3 are People, while Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On December 23, the Preview Puzzle and the Round 4 are Thing, while the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things.
On December 24, there are two set of duplicate categories: The Preview Puzzle and Round 1 are Event, while the Puzzler (Round 1) and the Bonus Round are Thing.
December 27 is the first Retro Week, which pays tribute to the shopping era. Several changes are made for this week only, including:
The Preview Puzzle is a freeze-frame of a trilon-era puzzle. After Vanna walks out, she reveals its answer on the current board.
Monday: IT'S SHOWTIME from the Radio City Music Hall episode of November 22, 1988
Tuesday: MARSHMALLOWS from a Norfolk episode of May 26, 1995
Wednesday: BIG AS LIFE from March 17, 1995
Thursday: RUBBER DUCKY from February 13, 1995
Friday: IN MINT CONDITION from September 21, 1994; at 15 letters, this is also the longest Preview Puzzle
The standard opening includes a retro Bonus Round win: an episode with the diamond contestant backdrops on the 27th, an October 1983 show (Bob/Pearl/Carmen) on the 28th, a ceramic dalmatian on the 29th, two clips from the ceremonial 3,000th episode (contestant Larry wiping his head on October 23, 1986 and Renee winning a Land Rover on October 8, 1998) on the 30th, and the September 4, 1995 show on the 31st.
Following the chant, Charlie's intro is "Look at this studio, full of fabulous prizes, exotic trips, and this classic 1965 restored Mustang convertible, just waiting to be won tonight on Wheel of Fortune! And now, here is your host: Pat Sajak!" A new piece of music accompanies this intro.
As Charlie says "tonight", the intro from a 1983-84 episode appears (with the original "Changing Keys" dubbed over), which continues through Vanna's introduction before wiping to Pat and Vanna discussing the special week. At least one of the historic clips inadvertently leaves in both a reference to Jack Clark and a few seconds of "Changing Keys".
The set has 1970s flower-power decor, a ceramic Dalmatian, and a smaller replica of the 1983-89 turntable.
The contestant video wall shows the 1992-97 backdrops.
A Shopping wedge is used in place of the regular Wheel Prizes, allowing the contestant to "shop" for one of three prizes (each represented by props on the mini-turntable). One of the prizes during the week is a home-entertainment package, the TV of which shows an opening from the early 1990s. The wedge uses a drawing of a ceramic Dalmatian. If a Shopping wedge is picked up, the player is shown in an insert at the top-right corner over the choices, as was the case on at least the 1974 pilots.
Three of the episodes have a puzzle whose category is appended with a decade: 70's Song/Artists [sic] on the 27th, 60's Event on the 28th, and 80's Headline on the 30th. The former two are in Round 1, while the latter is in Round 2. Incidentally, this is also the season's only appearance of Artist/Song, making this the third season in a row in which the category is only used once.
Another classic clip is shown just before Round 3: a sign-off by Pat and Vanna (possibly from daytime, as nighttime rarely used "tomorrow" in the 1980s) as "Ken" and "Barbie" on the 27th, Vanna's entrance from her 1982 audition on the 28th, Pat and Vanna kissing before Merv Griffin interrupts them and Pat and Vanna in the hot tub in Season 10, Pat visiting various areas of the turntables on the 30th, and Various clips of Vanna showing off her wardrobe on the 31st.
If the $25,000 is won, a clip is spliced in of the $25,000 sign lowering.
During the week of December 27, the Jackpot sponsor plug (Chock Full o' Nuts coffee) is pre-recorded.
On December 27:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
All three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 1.
After contestant Brad lands on Bankrupt in Round 3, a clip of the Bankrupt from Round 1 appears, as evidenced by the Prize wedge disappearing.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
Contestant Brad sweeps the game (except for the $3,000 question) and wins a Route 66 trip in the Bonus Round.
On December 28:
A "null" cycle is edited out of the Jackpot round, as referenced by Pat saying "Natalie, try it again" despite it being her first aired turn. Pat also mentions the Jackpot to contestant Gary, but the value is muted likely to avoid any aired inconsistencies. Perhaps in relation, the Jackpot display uses smaller, thinner numbers than usual.
Round 4 (MERYL STREEP) has only one vowel.
Richard Simmons appears in the final segment. He promotes his syndicated series DreamMaker, which is canceled by the time this episode airs.
On December 29, the Preview Puzzle, Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Phrase.
On December 30:
The Round 2 puzzle FIRST FEMALE U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICE APPOINTED is followed by a trivia question asking for the person to whom the puzzle refers; contestant Kathleen does not provide the correct response of Sandra Day O'Connor.
Contestant Kathleen finishes second with $28,766.
Contestant Jeff wins with $30,000, all claimed in the Speed-Up.
On December 31:
Both Rounds 1 and 2 are completely filled in before being solved.
The "only vowels remain" beeps accidentally sound after the Round 2 puzzle is completely filled in.
During the week of December 27, four out of five Final Spins land on $5,000.
January 2000[]
Sometime this year, contestant auditions begin to be held via the Wheelmobile.
January 3 is Hawaii Week. During this week, the Jackpot sponsor is Kathy Ireland Home Collection.
On January 4:
The camera is noticeably crooked and off-center when Vanna reveals the answer to the Preview Puzzle.
There is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining: with only the I's missing from the Round 1 puzzle MINI MARKET, contestant Erik gives a wrong answer.
Vanna models the Round 2 Prize, a Formula 50 LC scooter.
The bonus puzzle AREA RUG uses only one line.
On January 5:
During the contestant interviews, Pat jokingly pulls out a phone when contestant Daniel tells him that his church is supposed to call him on Saturday.
The Puzzler HAY & OATS is one of only five instances of an ampersand in a Puzzler.
Round 4 (FAMOUS AMOS) has only three unique consonants.
Round 1 and the Bonus Round are Place, while the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things and Round 5 is Thing.
Contestant Amy solves the bonus puzzle PLAZA before the timer can start.
On January 6, the Preview Puzzle, and the Bonus Round are Thing, while the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things.
On January 7:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 cash and a pair of sunglasses from Maui Jim.
During the post-game chat, Vanna shows off her new glasses.
January 10 is the first Big Money Week. During this week:
A dollar sign is projected into the Wheel's center.
Cars are not available in the Bonus Round.
On January 10:
For the third of only five times this season, a "bonus" category (Slogan) appears in Round 1.
The Round 3 Prize is a trip to New York City. The Prize copy includes footage of the Radio City Rockettes performing on a November 1988 road show, a very rare instance of the trilon board being shown after its retirement in any other context besides a flashback clip.
On January 11:
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Round 4 (PET OWNERS) is shorter than ten letters.
On January 12:
The Round 2 puzzle FUZZY WUZZY WASN'T FUZZY WAS HE? (Quotation) has six Z's in it, almost certainly a record for that letter.
Round 4 (JIM CARREY) is shorter than ten letters.
The Preview Puzzle and the Bonus Round are Things, while the Puzzler (Round 2) is Thing.
Contestant Gina sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) but loses the $30,000 annuity in the Bonus Round.
Pat and Vanna do the post-game chat in front of an oversized Sacagawea $1 coin on set.
On January 13:
The Puzzler BLAIR is the last Puzzler to be only five letters long.
The winning contestant (Carmel) has only $2,950 before the Bonus Round.
On January 14:
Round 4 (ELMER FUDD) is shorter than ten letters.
The Preview Puzzle, Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
Pat and Vanna do the post-game chat in front of the puzzle board.
January 17 is Ultimate Adventures Week (taped December 9, 1999).
On January 17:
The preview Puzzle and Puzzler (Round 1) are Person, while Round 4 is People.
Contestant Eric fills in the entire Round 2 puzzle HOCKEY HALL OF FAME INDUCTS WAYNE GRETZKY by himself, albeit with a cycle of lost turns and a wrong answer followed by use of Free Spin.
An extra $3,500 is added to the Jackpot mid-round, suggesting that a "null" cycle may have been edited out without adjusting the Jackpot in post-production.
Round 4 (CO-WORKERS) is shorter than ten letters.
Contestant C.C. solves the above puzzle with only the R's showing.
According to a blog entry by contestant Pat, the blanks for the above puzzle are accidentally revealed to the contestants before taping of Round 4 starts. As a result, the stage manager then informs everyone that the puzzle has to be changed. Contestant Pat informs C.C. of this issue and tells her that he thinks he knows the answer. The veracity of this anecdote has not been confirmed.
The Preview Puzzle and the Puzzler (Round 1) are Person, while Round 4 is People.
On January 18:
Round 3 is a Before & After puzzle of BONUS ROUND STEAK.
During the post-game chat, Pat brings in a box of chocolates.
On Janaury 17 and 18, all three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 3.
On January 19:
There is a $9,450 Jackpot win.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
Round 4 (EVEN STEVEN) has only one vowel.
The contestant displays do not turn off until before the first letter is called in Round 5.
Round 5 (POTHOLDER) is shorter than ten letters.
On January 20:
The Round 2 Prize is a Sony entertainment package including WebTV, footage of which shows people playing its interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
One of contestant Kathryn's spins in Round 2 flips over from the orange-yellow $300 to the red $600 at the last second. As a result, $600 is mistakenly added to her score after she finds two C's in the puzzle. In her last spin, another $300 is also added to her score as she finds two M's in the puzzle for another $600. While this is never corrected, it ends up not mattering as she wins anyway.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
There are two set of duplicate categories: The Preview Puzzle and Round 3 are Phrase, while the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things and the Bonus Round is Thing.
On January 21:
Contestant Paulmi spins only once for the entire game, landing on Bankrupt in Round 3.
During the post-game chat, Pat gives Vanna a Hostess Ding Dong from his pocket. Pat then asks if Ding Dongs are the same as Ho Hos, and an offstage voice can be heard saying they are different.
January 24 is NFL Players Week. During this week:
The NFL players are: Kevin Greene, Chris Claiborne and Jessie Armstead on Monday; Kurt Warner, Marvin Harrison, and Tony Brackens on Tuesday; Champ Bailey, Antonio Freeman, and Fred Slade on Wednesday; Dick Butkus, Raghib Ismail and Jon Kitna on Thursday; and Terrell Owens, Franco Harris and Jason Elam on Friday.
The highest scoring champion of the week wins a 5-day trip to Atlanta to attend the 989 sports NFL players' party and Super Bowl XXXIV. Also included VIP passes, a selection of valuable player autographed merchandise, Jeff Hamilton custom leather jacket and a Sony PlayStation with a copy of NFL GameDay 2000 and 15 other sports games from 989 Sports.
In some rounds, after a puzzle is solved, the shot zooms out with a "breaking glass" effect to show a CGI graphic of a football player scoring a touchdown.
The floor is designed to resemble a football field.
On January 24:
The "only vowels remain" beeps fail to sound in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a chance to eat dinner with a local football player at his favorite restaurant, valued at $5,350.
Pat forgets to remove contestants June and Chris Claiborne's prize after they hit Bankrupt in Round 2. It suddenly disappears after Lori and Jessie Armstead's first spin.
Dick Butkus appears during Chris Claiborne's interview to do an impression of the award named after him.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 1 are People, while the Bonus Round is Person.
On January 25:
The Preview Puzzle BLITZ is a tie for the shortest answer to be used in that segment.
The Preview Puzzle, Round 1, and the Bonus Round are Event, only the second known time that category has been used three times.
When the blanks for the bonus puzzle RUBDOWN appear, the R and N are already lit up, and both reveal themselves without a ding after Vanna touches only the R. This would suggest that the board animation for the Puzzler was used by mistake.
Kurt Warner and his teammate Stephanie sweep the game but lose the Golfing Adventure Package in the Bonus Round.
On January 26:
The Preview Puzzle CHIPS & DIP is the only one with an ampersand in it.
The 1997-2002 puzzle solve cue is accidentally used on the Puzzler.
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,500 Wheel of Fortune leather jacket.
The Round 3 Prize is a $5,000 Spalding shopping spree.
The Preview Puzzle is Things, while Round 2 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On January 27:
The category strip (People) does not appear on the sixth shot of the board on Round 1.
All three teams hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 2.
Bankrupt is hit five times in Round 2.
Before the Bonus Round is played, the fifth prize is not mentioned.
Jon Kitna and his teammate Brian sweep the game and win a Chevrolet Camaro in the Bonus Round.
On January 28:
Franco Harris and his teammate Dawn solve the Speed-Up puzzle PARTY HEARTY with only the T's showing.
Round 2 and the Bonus Round are Phrase, while the Preview Puzzle, Round 1, and Round 3 are Event. This is the third known time that the latter has been used three times.
In the final segment, Pat and Vanna reveal the highest scoring team of the week (contestant Brian and Jon Kitna).
During the week of January 24, four out of five Final Spins land on $5,000.
January 31 is Las Vegas Week. During this week, set pieces from the 1998 Las Vegas road shows are used.
On January 31:
The second Bankrupt is not used in Round 4, despite it not beginning as a Speed-Up.
The Bonus Round is OPINION; as this was also the Puzzler on November 10, this is the first of only two known times that a puzzle has been used twice in the same season.
During the closing chat, Pat mentions the 25th anniversary of the daytime version having occurred earlier in the month, and specifically mentions both Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford. This is the first known time that she has been mentioned by name on the nighttime version.
February 2000[]
On February 1, the Preview Puzzle WHAT'S THE SCOOP? is the only one to have a question mark.
On February 2:
The Round 3 Prize is a shopping spree at The Forum Shops at Caesars.
The Jackpot graphics change fonts before the last letter is called, likely suggesting a "null" cycle.
On February 3:
The video wall begins showing the Season 17 logo until Round 1.
There is a rare instance of a "bonus" category (Slogan) being used in Round 1; however, it does not feature the bonus question due to the product being part of the answer (HEY CULLIGAN MAN). Likely because of this, it is also one of only two times that a "bonus" category is followed by a Puzzler.
The Round 2 Prize is Rhino Records collection, and a Fisher home theater system with a TV, said TV displays various road shows from the past as Charlie describes it.
On February 4:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is 100 limited edition Las Vegas silver coins.
The $10,000 wedge comes partially loose in Round 2, exposing the orange-yellow $300.
The Round 2 Prize also comes partially loose in Round 2, exposing $350.
The Round 2 Fill In the Blank puzzle ? BANK ? HAND ? AWAY (Right) has only one vowel.
February 7 is Soap City Week, sponsored by Soap City (then the website for soap operas distributed by Sony Pictures).
For the last time, the celebrity interviews are done after each round.
Charlie's intro is modified to "From the Sony Pictures Studios, it's Soap City Week with all your favorite soap stars on..." followed by the chant.
The stars are Patrika Darbo, Shemar Moore, and Kimberlin Brown on Monday; Rebecca Herbst, Jason Cook, and Heather Tom on Tuesday; A Martinez, Brook Kerr, and Deidre Hall on Wednesday; Drake Hogestyn, Katherine Kelly, and Tava Smiley on Thursday; and Sharon Case, Francesco Quinn, and Liza Huber on Friday.
On February 7:
There is a $15,550 Jackpot win.
Patrika Darbo and her teammate Cal's score is accidentally shown as $26,250 after they solve Round 3. It is corrected to $20,900 before the commercial break.
On February 8, Round 4 (THE JET SET) is shorter than ten letters and has only one vowel.
On February 9, the Preview Puzzle and Round 1 are Show Biz, the last known duplication of that category until 2013.
On February 10, the Round 4 puzzle is PARTING GIFTS.
The weeks of February 14 and 21 are taped at the Louisiana (now Caesars) Superdome in New Orleans. During these weeks:
The Preview Puzzle is presented at various New Orleans landmarks, except on the 14th and 15th. Each time, there is a wipe of multicolored triangles which cuts from the shot of the landmark to a shot of the puzzle board in-studio.
February 16, 22-24: Vanna announces the puzzle from a balcony on Bourbon Street, and says "From Bourbon Street..." before the usual spiel. The shot pans down to show the puzzle board projected onto a window before the wipe.
February 17, 21, and 25: The puzzle board is shown on a Sony television inside a gourmet restaurant.
February 18: The puzzle board is shown on a Sony television near the French Quarter; incidentally, the answer is FRENCH QUARTER.
The video wall is replaced with a riverboat with the words "NEW ORLEANS" on the upper deck.
The name tags are the same thinner-font style seen on the New York episodes.
During Puzzler rounds, the "wrong letter" buzzer is used instead of the "time's up" buzzer from the Bonus Round.
The "rolling Wheel" category wipe is replaced with a saxophone and trumpet (except for the Preview Puzzles and the Bonus Rounds).
Jazz music plays during the end credits.
During the week of February 14:
Rockin' Dopsie Jr. and the Zydeco Twisters perform as a house band.
Appropriately, the Jackpot sponsor is Zatarain's.
Every episode features clips of an international adaptation except on Thursday: Australia on Monday, Germany on Tuesday, Turkey on Wednesday, Italy on Thursday, and Denmark on Friday. The Round 3 Prize offers a trip to a taping of that version's adaptation and that show's respective hosts are in the audience except Thursday, where the Prize is in Round 2 and the hostess is not in the audience.
On February 14:
The opening montage shows clips of Vanna eating a lot of food. This is been shown in many retrospectives.
Pat and Vanna make their entrance from the Wheelmobile.
For the first time during its existence on the show, no Preview Puzzle is done.
David Hasselhoff makes a guest appearance after his name is the Round 2 puzzle.
There is an $8,750 Jackpot win.
On February 15:
For the only time during this taping session, the Preview Puzzler is shown normally.
Wolfgang Puck makes a guest appearance after the puzzle STOP YOU'RE MAKING ME HUNGRY.
Contestant Kara sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) but loses a Mitsubishi Montero in the Bonus Round.
On February 16:
A shorter clip of the opening montage of Vanna eating a lot of food is shown.
Vanna carries an umbrella during her and Pat's entrance. Later in the credits, she dances with Rockin' Dopsie Jr.
The Jackpot logo on the wedge comes loose.
On February 17:
When contestant Paul lands on the green $500 in Round 2, the overhead shot is clearly taken from Round 4 on the 14th, as $5,000 can be seen.
Martha Stewart makes a guest appearance after the Round 2 puzzle MARTHA STEWART LIVING.
The $10,000 Wedge comes loose, revealing part of the orange-yellow $300 and covering part of the red $600. On contestant Paul's last spin, it covers part of the yellow $300.
Footage of contestant Gretchen jumping after she wins the Bonus Round is later repurposed in the Season 19 intro.
On February 18:
The opening montage shows clips of Vanna eating a lot of food.
Pat forgets to remove contestant Sherry's Prize after she hits Bankrupt in Round 3.
Round 4 (GULF OF MEXICO) has none of the five main consonants.
February 21 is College Week. During this week:
The contestants introduce themselves from the audience, while last one says "..and It's College Week on Wheel of Fortune!"
Grambling University's marching band is present.
On February 21:
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,000 scholarship from The Princeton Review.
All three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 2.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
The chime does not sound when contestant Jessica picks an envelope from the W-H-E-E-L holder.
On February 22:
Round 1 (ROCK CONCERT) is followed by a Puzzler of LOUDSPEAKERS, a rare instance of the Puzzler being longer than the puzzle before it.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 American Eagle Outfitters online shopping spree.
The Round 3 Prize is a JVC home theatre system plus a Blockbuster Video gift certificate.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 1 are Event, while Round 4 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On February 23:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Yahoo! shopping spree.
The category strip does not appear when the Round 2 puzzle is revealed.
Before Round 3, there is a bumper with Vanna and Mark Morial, then-mayor of New Orleans.
Contestant Lacie forgets to pick up the Round 2 Prize after claiming it in Round 3. After she hits Bankrupt on the next turn, Pat points this out and removes it from the Wheel.
On February 24:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Nike shopping spree.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
Charlie dances with the cheerleaders from Southern University during the credits.
On February 25:
All three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,000 scholarship from The Princeton Review.
The Round 3 Prize is a Mercedes-Benz mountain bike.
Contestant Birlie spins only twice in the entire game, landing on Bankrupt in Round 1 and Lose a Turn in Round 2.
Contestant Angelika sweeps the game (except for the Puzzler) and wins a Volkswagen New Beetle in the Bonus Round.
During the weeks of February 21 and 28, the Bonus Round Prizes comprise four cars and $25,000 cash.
February 28 is Fast Cars Week.
On February 28:
Round 1 (TV GUIDE) is shorter than ten letters; it is followed by a Puzzler of CROSSWORD, a rare instance of the Puzzler being longer than the puzzle before it.
The shot of the Round 1 puzzle is different than usual when it is solved: the camera pans over from the contestant area and shows the board at an angle.
Unusually, both Prizes are vehicles: Round 2 is an EBIKE electric bicycle and Round 3 is an Eagle Rider motorcycle.
On February 29:
The red contestant is named Abe Lincoln.
Contestant Donna wins despite failing to claim $24,300 in Round 2.
March 2000[]
On March 1:
Contestant Ray does an auctioneer's call during his interview. A clip of this was seen on the 4,000th episode.
Pat forgets to say the category for the Puzzler until just before time expires. As a result, Ray is given five more seconds, but still does not solve.
The Round 3 Prize is a Prairie 300 all-terrain vehicle.
The Preview Puzzle, Puzzler, and Round 4 are Proper Name, almost certainly the only time that this category is used three times.
On March 2:
After the interviews, Pat notices one of the cameramen standing directly behind contestant Michael. This is followed by a shot from that cameraman's point of view, and then one of the cameraman, before the Round 1 puzzle is revealed.
The Round 2 puzzle THE SHEEP'S IN THE MEADOW THE COW'S IN THE CORN (Quotation) is followed by a trivia question asking for the fictional character of the nursery rhyme. Michael provides the correct answer of Little Boy Blue.
There is a $7,550 Jackpot win.
Rounds 1 and 3 are played entirely by the contestant who began them.
Round 5 (DICED HAM) is shorter than ten letters.
During the post-game chat, Pat and Vanna brings in a box of Nilla wafers.
On March 3, during the post-game chat, Pat makes Vanna guess how much money was given away the week of February 28. She guesses within $10,000 and wins a remote control car which Pat drives around the set.
The week of March 6 is Mexico Week. During this week:
The Prizes are trips to Mexico.
A mariachi-sounding piece of music plays as the post-Round 2 bumper.
On March 6:
Contestant John shouts out a letter in Round 1 causing Pat shout back at him and not hear the buzzer. As a result, the buzzer sounds a second time.
A cycle of three lost turns is edited out of Round 1 despite not being "null"; the first lost turn is an incorrect vowel from contestant Tess, as her scoreboard displays $1,750 instead of $2,000 the next time she is shown on camera.
The Round 1 puzzle HANG GLIDING is followed by a Puzzler of THRILL-SEEKER, a rare instance of the Puzzler being longer than the answer before it. The latter is also improperly hyphenated.
The Round 2 Prize is a Konka TV which displays an opening from the New Orleans episode on February 14th as Pat describes it.
There is a $9,100 Jackpot win.
The Puzzler (Round 1) and the Bonus Round are Person.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
During the post-game chat, Pat brings a cardboard cut-out of himself on stage.
On March 7:
After the description of the Round 2 Prize, Pat sticks the Free Spin on his right hand and spins around with it.
The Preview Puzzle and the Puzzler (Round 2) are Thing, and Round 2 is Things. This is the fifth and final instance of the Puzzler being the same category as the answer before it.
Vanna models the Round 3 Prize, a Dragster scooter.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
On March 8:
Round 1 is THE MATCH GAME (even though "The" was only in the title of the original 1960s series and not the more familiar 1970s incarnations), followed by a Puzzler of GENE RAYBURN. After the round, Pat gives a tribute to Rayburn (who died the previous November) and mentions that the show can be seen on Game Show Network.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 gift certificate to Hammacher Schlemmer.
Before Round 2, Charlie can be heard laughing and "ooh"ing at one of Pat's jokes.
There appears to be an edit at the start of Round 2, as the wide shot dissolves to a slightly different angle before the Wheel comes to a stop.
A clip of Match Game is shown going into the first commercial break.
Round 4 inexplicably goes to Speed-Up with only one consonant remaining (the J in the Before & After puzzle JANET RENO NEVADA).
The Preview Puzzle and Bonus Round are On the Map.
In the closing segment, contestant Jason (who did not win) and senior contestant coordinator Gary O'Brien are present so that Pat can show how similar they look.
On March 9:
The Round 2 puzzle NOTHING BEATS A GREAT PAIR OF L'EGGS is a rare instance of Slogan not using its bonus due to the product name being in the answer.
When contestant Kelly spins $450 in Round 4, the overhead shot is clearly taken from another episode's Round 1, as $1,000 is visible.
Kelly spins over the Final Spin bells. She is allowed to complete her turn, after which Pat does the Final Spin.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
On March 10:
The Preview Puzzle BAMBI is a tie for the shortest answer used in that segment.
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The shot of Round 1 is different than usual when it is solved: the camera pans from the contestant area to the puzzle board.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Trish McEvoy cosmetics gift certificate.
Round 1 and the Puzzler (Round 2) are Proper Name.
Although a repeated E is called in Round 4, it is not acknowledged as such.
March 13 is African Safari. During this week:
The wipe for the Prize copy is a graphic of stampeding animals with an elephant's trumpet sounding.
When Charlie announces the Bonus Round prizes after Round 4, the $25,000 graphic used for Bonus Round wins appears, as opposed to Vanna holding the envelope.
The Bonus Round Honda cars are not onstage; instead, shots of them are added in post-production.
Before the Bonus Round, Charlie announces the consolation prize: a pair of Bausch & Lomb binoculars.
On March 13:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 High Sierra Sport Company travel kit.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Before the Bonus Round, Pat brings out the $25,000 envelope with flashing numerals.
Contestant Jay wins a Honda Passport in the Bonus Round but it is not in the studio so Pat pretends he and his wife Sharon are jumping into it and waving.
On March 14:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 certificate to FAO Schwarz.
The Jackpot graphics use a skinnier font, suggesting that it may have been adjusted in post due to a "null" cycle.
There is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining: with only the A's missing from the Round 3 Before & After puzzle FOUR-BEDROOM HOUSE SALAD, contestant Christopher buys an I.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On March 15:
All three contestants hit Bankrupt consecutively in Round 4.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
On March 16, the Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 Banana Republic shopping spree.
On March 17:
The Puzzler THE SUNSHINE BOYS is both a tie for the longest Puzzler at 15 letters and the only one to use three rows.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 4 are People.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
March 20 is British Isles Week. During this week:
One of the prizes is a Sony entertainment package with a TV; said TV displays the road show scene of the ceremonial 3,000th episode as Charlie describes it.
The $25,000 envelope with the flashing numerals returns.
On March 20:
The Gift Tag debuts on the red $900. The first one is for Sony.com. For the first few weeks of the Gift Tag's existence, there is a zoom-in on it at the start of the round, similar to what was previously done with Prize wedges.
There is now a bumper after Round 3. A shot of the video wall zooms out and transforms into the show's logo as the background dissolves to a graphic relevant to the week's theme.
Rounds 4 and 5 are both shorter than ten letters (WILL & GRACE and MOVING VAN respectively).
The partnership with Staples is no longer included during the credits. This is reinstated in October.
On March 21:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 gift certificate from Bed Bath & Beyond.
Round 2's Where Are We? puzzle uses three clues.
The Jackpot graphic changes fonts before the last letter is called, likely suggesting a "null" cycle.
Pat gives contestant Lisa a Wheel of Fortune pen at the end of the main game.
Pat forgets to remove the Round 3 Prize from the contestant Mary Danna's arrow after contestant Robert solves the Speed-Up.
Robert sweeps the game but loses a Jaguar S-Type in the Bonus Round.
On March 22:
The Preview Puzzle and Round 1 are On the Map.
Pat jokingly faints onto the Wheel after contestant Dora fails to guest the next line for the Round 2 puzzle.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On March 23:
During his interview, contestant Chad mentions that his wife, Julie, was on the show in 1996 and won a Greek cruise on which he proposed to her.
Free Spin comes loose during Round 1. Contestant Tara accidentally picks it up after calling a correct letter due to her looking at the wrong arrow, but this is corrected.
The letters for the Puzzler are already on the board when it is revealed.
Tara solves the Puzzler CRYSTAL on the buzzer, and Pat consults with Harry Friedman before ruling her correct. Likely because of this, the 1997-2002 puzzle solve cue is accidentally used.
Round 4 (SPRING FLING) has only one vowel.
Pat forgets to remove the Round 2 Prize from the Tara's arrow after contestant Larry solves the Speed-Up.
On March 24:
Contestant Mike's Gift Tag value is not added to his score after winning Round 1; this is corrected after Round 2.
The $10,000 Wedge comes partially loose, exposing the orange-yellow $300.
There is a $7,600 Jackpot win.
The first E on the W-H-E-E-L envelope holder is burnt out.
March 27 is Fun in the Sun.
On March 27:
The Preview Puzzle and Puzzler are Proper Name.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 cash and a pair of sunglasses from Maui Jim.
When the $25,000 Prize is announced after the last round, Vanna motions to a $25,000 graphic instead of using the envelope.
Contestant Mike solves the bonus puzzle WILLY WONKA by saying the first word, pausing, and then saying the last word on the buzzer.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
On March 28:
For the fourth of only five times this season, a "bonus" category (Slogan) appears in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a Zenith TV, which displays scenes from the Hawaii shows from 1996.
Contestant Megan sweeps the main game but loses the Volvo C70 convertible in the Bonus Round.
On March 29:
Round 1 (SWISS MISS) is shorter than ten letters, has only three unique consonants, and has only one vowel.
Contestant Tami solves the above Round 1 puzzle with only the S's showing.
Rounds 2 and 3 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
No vowels are bought in Round 5.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 5 are Things, while the Puzzler (Round 1) and Bonus Round are Thing.
On March 30:
The buzzer sounds on a repeated D in Round 1.
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,000 RAVE sports gift certificate.
Contestant Yolanda's total after Round 3 is not shown.
Round 4 and the Bonus Round are On the Map, while the Preview Puzzle is Thing and the Puzzler (Round 1) is Things.
On March 31:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 eBags.com online shopping spree.
The Round 2 puzzle LATE SHOW WITH DAVID LETTERMAN (Show Biz) is a rare instance of the category also being part of the answer.
Contestant Mindi spins over the Final Spin bells in Round 4. She is allowed to complete her turn, after which Pat does the Final Spin.
Round 4 goes to Speed-Up with only one consonant remaining (the K in the Same Name puzzle GUITAR & ICE PICK).
After contestant Jason solves the bonus puzzle, there is a shot from behind his and Pat's backs.
The bonus puzzle is PLAY THE FOOL, a likely reference to April Fool's Day (due to the episode airing a day before).
During the post-game chat, Pat and Vanna promote the upcoming WheelOfFortune.com Sweepstakes in May.
April 2000[]
On April 3 is Spain & Morocco Week. During this week, the Bonus Round window is in a semi-circle shape.
On April 3:
The Preview Puzzle and Round 4 are Proper Name.
There is a rare instance of a "bonus" category (Slogan) being used in Round 1; however, it does not feature the bonus question due to the product being part of the answer (DON'T GET MAD GET GLAD). Likely because of this, it is also one of only two times that a "bonus" category is followed by a Puzzler.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 gear.com online shopping spree.
Rounds 2's Fill In the Blank and Round 3's Slogan are the only time since Season 13 that two "bonus" categories are used in the same game (again, discounting the fact that Round 3 did not actually use its "bonus" question).
Contestant Charette's total is $4,550 after Round 2. Before the start of Round 3, Pat acknowledges that there was an error in her score and says she now has $5,450.
There is a $7,100 Jackpot win.
When Charlie announces the Bonus Round prizes after Round 4, the $25,000 graphic used for Bonus Round wins appears, as opposed to Vanna holding the envelope. The show continues to alternate between the two for the rest of the season.
On April 4:
The Round 1 puzzle DODGER STADIUM is categorized as Place instead of Landmark.
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 TiVo gift certificate with a TV; said TV displays a clip from the New York shows from November 1999 as Charlie describes it.
No vowels are bought in Rounds 3 or 5.
Six rounds are played.
The second Bankrupt and both Prizes are removed as Round 6 goes right into a Speed-Up Round.
There is a rare instance of a contestant losing their turn with only vowels remaining in the Speed-Up. This is mainly due to Pat not acknowledging this until the turn is lost.
On April 5:
A "null" cycle is edited out of Round 1, as evidenced by Pat saying "Okay Donna Jo, try it again!" on her first aired turn.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to MAC Cosmetics.
Pat erroneously says "We have to take it right back" after contestant Arthur hits Lose a Turn in Round 3.
Rhyme Time appears in the Bonus Round for the first of only nine times.
During the post-chat, Pat turns on the fountain on the set by snapping his fingers.
On April 6:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to Ghurka.
The $10,000 wedge comes loose exposing the orange-yellow $300 in Round 2.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
During the post-game chat, Pat shows the transmitter for his microphone.
On April 7:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 art.com online shopping spree.
Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
Six rounds are played.
The second Bankrupt and both Prizes are removed as Round 6 goes right into a Speed-Up Round.
Round 6 (MESSENGER) is shorter than ten letters and has only one vowel.
Pat talks to the winner second, rather than last after the main game.
April 10 is Desert Southwest Week. During this week, at least one shot of the board in Round 1 is done at an angle on every episode.
On April 10:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to TravelSmith.
The second Bankrupt comes partially loose in Round 3, exposing the orange-yellow $300.
A "null" cycle is edited out of Round 4, as evidenced by Pat saying "La da dee!" after contestant Sharon hits Lose a Turn.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
On April 11:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
Contestant Jack wins by $88; overall, there is only a $138 gap between first and third place, the narrowest known range of scores in the show's history.
During the post-game chat, Pat and Vanna promote the upcoming WheelOfFortune.com Sweepstakes in May.
On April 12:
The bonus puzzle FROG is the first bonus puzzle since April 13, 1999 to be only four letters.
The first E on the W-H-E-E-L holder burns out when contestant Crystal's guests come onstage to celebrate her win.
On April 13:
Vanna models the Round 2 Prize, $2,500 toward Kathy Ireland sportswear from Kmart.
Round 2 is a factually incorrect Before & After of ME TARZAN YOU JANE PAULEY (the line "Me Tarzan, you Jane" never occurred in Tarzan or any adaptation thereof).
Contestant Michael leaves off the D when solving the Round 3 puzzle ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL, but this is never noticed.
Harry Friedman appears on camera during the post-game chat.
On April 14:
The Round 2 Prize is a Sony entertainment system including a WebTV, and the footage of the Prize includes two people playing the unit's interactive Wheel of Fortune game.
Just before the post-Round 2 commercial break, a staffer can be seen removing the $10,000 Wedge from the Wheel.
The bonus puzzle JACK RABBIT is misspelled (it should be one word).
After contestant Tony loses the Bonus Round, Pat discusses the prize distribution with the staff and then selects the first E, which contains a Jeep Cherokee.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used in the main game.
April 17 is April in Paris Week. During this week, the Bonus Round window is shaped like the Arc de Triomphe.
On April 17:
The Puzzler is DOLPHINS (categorized as Proper Name, in reference to the Miami football team), despite DOLPHIN (Thing) having been the bonus puzzle on December 16.
In Round 3, contestant Stephanie loses her turn after buying a vowel with only $50. This does not affect the outcome, as she wins anyway.
On April 18:
The Preview Puzzle is Thing and Round 5 is Things, while Round 3 and the Bonus Round are On the Map.
The closeup shots of the Gift Tag and $5,000 both appear to be added in post-production, as Free Spin is not visible in the former and the second Bankrupt is not visible in the latter.
The Round 2 Prize is a Konka TV which displays an opening from one of the New Orleans episodes as Pat describes it.
Pat forgets to remove contestant Patti's Round 3 Prize after she hits Bankrupt in that round.
The score displays switch off as Pat announces the fifth round.
Contestant Nick solves the bonus puzzle TAIWAN before the timer can start.
During the post-game chat, Pat and Vanna promote the upcoming WheelOfFortune.com Sweepstakes in May.
On April 19:
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,000 gift certificate to Cellini Jewelers.
The Round 2 puzzle DOPEY SNEEZY HAPPY GRUMPY DOC BASHFUL AND SLEEPY (Fictional Characters) is followed by a trivia question asking for the dwarf who wears glasses. Contestant Creighton provides the correct answer of Doc.
The bonus puzzle CATCH A POP FLY is inaccurately categorized as Event, as opposed to using "catching" or the category Phrase.
On April 20:
When the answer to the Preview Puzzle FAITH HILL is revealed, the F fills in noticeably later than the other letters.
There is a $12,700 Jackpot win.
The second Bankrupt is not on the wheel when the $5,000 wedge is shown in a closeup shot in Round 4.
The shot of the Round 3 puzzle being revealed is accidentally re-used for the puzzle reveal in Round 4, although the correct category is shown on the strip.
All the puzzles are very short, with Round 3 (a Before & After of LET ME BE FRANK GIFFORD) being the longest at only 19 letters.
The bonus puzzle WORKWEEK is misspelled (it should be two words).
On April 21:
For the fifth of only five times this season, a "bonus" category (Next Line Please) appears in Round 1.
The Jackpot display is in a thinner font, suggesting that a "null" cycle was edited out.
There is a rare instance of contestants losing their turn with only vowels remaining: with only the A's and U missing from the Round 3 puzzle JOHN & JOAN CUSACK, contestants Mike and Thelma both give wrong answers.
Thelma accidentally spins the Wheel with only vowels remaining in the above round.
April 24 is Wheel Across America Week. During this week:
Before Round 3, there is a promo for the then-upcoming wheeloffortune.com sweepstakes. Pat and Vanna announce the theme over clips of the board reading WHEEL OF FORTUNE DOT COM, ONLINE ACCOUNTS, TRIPS, and SPRINT PCS. The prizes are themselves read by an unknown voice.
On Monday and Tuesday, pictures of the Bonus Round prizes slide across the screen as Pat promotes them after the final round.
One of the Bonus Round prizes is a restored 1965 Ford Mustang K-Code, which is shown on a turntable.
Another Bonus Round Prize is a Route 66 tour, the graphic of which displays an Interstate highway shield instead of a U.S. highway shield.
The Bonus Round window is in the shape of a diamond road sign marked "$$$ BONUS ROUND AHEAD $$$".
On April 24:
Vanna wears a suit.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 express.com online shopping spree (the defunct DVD vendor, not to be confused with the clothing chain).
The Jackpot display is in a thinner font, suggesting that a "null" cycle was edited out.
In Round 3, contestant Sharlan loses her turn after buying a vowel with only $150.
The bonus puzzle CANDLEWICK is misspelled (it should be two words).
During the post-game chat, Vanna reveals her microphone hidden inside her dress.
On April 25:
The Round 2 puzzle is THAT SOUND MEANS TIME IS RUNNING OUT followed by a Puzzler of FINAL SPIN.
After Round 2, the theme (Wheel Across America) is misspelled "Amercia" on one of the on-screen graphics.
The Round 3 Prize is a GEM golf cart.
During the post-game chat, footage of Pat trying to catch a grasshopper during the commercial break is shown. This is shown again during the credits.
On April 26:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 American Eagle Outfitters online shopping spree.
The Puzzler NICKELS & DIMES is one of only five instances of an ampersand in a Puzzler.
On April 27, during the post-game chat, Pat says he used to work at Dollywood and does a little dance. This clip was shown during the 4000th episode.
On April 28:
The Puzzler PAGODAS is the first known appearance of Landmarks, and the only known until 2014. It is also not known why the puzzle used that category instead of Places.
Contestant Ann's score after Round 1 is still shown during the first spin in Round 2.
Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
After Round 2, the graphic on the video wall once again misspells the week's theme as "Wheel Across Amercia".
The Round 3 Prize is a Mercedes-Benz mountain bike.
One of contestant Alan's spins in Round 3 is clearly dubbed in from another episode, as it shows him landing on the yellow $300 with the $5,000 wedge beside it.
Contestant Ann solves Round 3 with only the Round 2 and 3 Prizes.
During the post-game, Pat and Vanna are in the back seat of the Mustang, and Pat activates the turntable by pressing a button. This clip was shown during the 4000th episode and in 2021.
May 2000[]
The weeks of May 1 and 8 are the WheelOfFortune.com Sweepstakes, sponsored by EarthLink. During these weeks:
Charlie's intro is "From the Sony Pictures Studios, it's your chance to win trips, cash, PCS phones, and shopping sprees in the WheelOfFortune.com Sweepstakes!" The logo for the sweepstakes is a modification of the two-row logo, with ".com" added afterward in the same font and a spinning Wheel for the dot.
The Preview Puzzle and Puzzler are not used.
Round 3 is a "Dot com" puzzle, which may be entered through the show's website for a chance to win prizes sponsored by various websites. Among the prizes are $25,000 cash from USABancShares.com, trips from Marriott's VacationClub.com, and other prizes sponsored by Sprint PCS and The EarthLink Mall. All of the puzzles in this round are themed to computers or the Internet, and the logo for the sweepstakes appears in the upper-left hand corner during this round.
Due to the above, the Jackpot is in Round 2, the Wheel Prizes are in Rounds 1 and 2 instead of Rounds 2 and 3, and $3,500 is used in both Rounds 2 and 3 with $2,500 not being used at all.
The Round 1 Prize is a $3,500 EarthLink online shopping spree.
The Round 2 Prize is a $3,300 trip from Marriott Vacation Club International.
The Jackpot wedge closeup shows it on orange-yellow $300.
The video wall has a giant keyboard and mouse in front of it, and is fashioned to resemble a computer monitor. There are also monitors behind Pat displaying the logos of the companies providing prizes.
The wipe for the Prize description is a computer window displaying a menu bar, with a mouse cursor clicking on the File menu and selecting the option "Load prize".
A similar wipe is used for the post-Round 3 commercial bumper, albeit with "Load Comm1" instead and a progress bar reading "Commercial loading..."
The Bonus Round prizes include $25,000 credits each to Amazon, E-Trade, and USABancShares.com, as well as a Mercedes-Benz and the $25,000. During the second week, the Amazon prize is replaced with a $25,000 Sony Card.
The Bonus Round window is in the shape of a floppy disk.
From this point through the end of the season, at least one shot of a letter reveal in Rounds 1 and/or 2 is different than usual: the camera pans from the contestant area to the board, meaning that it is seen at an angle and the category strip does not appear.
On May 1:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The Round 3 puzzle reveals more slowly than usual, so most of the blanks are not seen before the camera cuts to the Wheel spinning.
The Final Spin bells "stutter", something which Pat comments on before the Final Spin.
Contestant Yos sweeps the game and wins $25,000 credit to Amazon in the Bonus Round.
On May 3:
Contestant Kim forgets to pick up the Free Spin in Round 1. This is corrected by Round 2.
Rounds 1 and 2 are played entirely by the contestants who began them.
Six rounds are played.
The second Bankrupt and both Prizes are removed as Round 6 goes right into a Speed-Up Round.
Rounds 3, 5, 6, and the Bonus Round are Thing. This is the second of only two times between Seasons 13 and 37 that the same category is used four times in one show.
On May 5:
There is an $8,200 Jackpot win.
The Round 3 puzzle FAVORITE WEB SITES is misspelled, as "websites" should be one word.
The bonus puzzle HIGH FIVE uses only one line.
Rounds 3 and 4 are Things, while the Bonus Round is Thing.
On May 9, Rounds 2 and 5 are played entirely by the contestant who began them.
On May 10:
No vowels are bought in Rounds 1 or 4.
The $10,000 Wedge is hit in Round 2 but not added to the Jackpot. This was likely done on purpose to avoid the Jackpot from becoming unrealistically large, as these weeks were the only time the $10,000 Wedge and Jackpot were in the same round.
Free Spin comes loose in Round 2, exposing the "3" on the green $300.
On May 11:
Contestant Kenneth mispronounces the last word in the Round 2 puzzle WINNIE THE POOH AND TIGGER. Against precedent, he is given another chance and pronounces it correctly the second time. After this, Pat chooses to rule it as Kenneth having used his Free Spin, and takes it away from him while recapping his score.
Kenneth finishes with only $4,300.
On May 12:
Rounds 1 and 4 are played entirely by the contestant who began them.
There is a $9,300 Jackpot win.
May 15 is Wheel Goes to the Movies Week. During this week:
All of the Prize descriptions are followed by movie trailers.
A stagehand holds a clapperboard into the opening shot.
One of the Bonus Round Prizes is a Panasonic DVD player and Runco TV which displays the road show scene from the 3000th episode when Charlie describes it.
The $25,000 envelope with the two-row logo on the inside of its top flap is used in the Bonus Round.
On May 15:
The Gift Tag is enlarged.
The Round 2 Prize is a private screening of Battlefield Earth.
The Round 2 puzzle THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL (Quotation) is followed by a trivia question asking for the previous line, starting with the words "better to have"; contestant Tanya says "loved" on the buzzer, and an offstage voice can be heard asking her to give more information, after which she does not give the right answer of "loved and lost". Unusually, the High Rollers chimes do not sound.
The Round 3 Prize is a trip to New York to attend a private screening of Frequency.
The Jackpot graphics change fonts before after the second letter is called, likely suggesting a "null" cycle.
No vowels are bought in Rounds 4 or 5.
Halim Othman, then the host of the Malaysian version of Wheel of Fortune (Roda Impian), joins Pat and Vanna during the closing chat.
On May 16:
The Round 2 Prize is a trip to Grand Bahama Island plus DVD and VHS copies of The World Is Not Enough.
Pat and Vanna carry a giant plastic hot dog during the credits. This was seen in several retrospectives.
On May 17:
The Round 2 Prize $3,000 worth of movie tickets to Loews Theatres.
In reference to the Round 1 puzzle ETCH A SKETCH, Pat plays with one before the start of the Jackpot Round.
The Round 3 Prize is a tour of Sony Picture Studios and private screening of The Patriot.
There is a $10,500 Jackpot win.
Six rounds are played.
Round 6 (A TON OF FUN) is shorter than ten letters and has only three unique consonants.
The Bonus Round (A DEEP SIGH) has a redundant A.
For the first known time since 1988, there are three sets of duplicated categories: the Preview Puzzle and Round 2 are Phrase; Rounds 1 and 6 are Rhyme Time (the first duplication of that category); the Puzzler (Round 1), Round 5, and Bonus Round are Thing(s).
During the post-game chat, Pat draws a picture of Vanna on the Etch A Sketch he played with eariler in the show. The clip was shown in Season 25 and the 7,000th episode week in May 2019.
On May 18:
The Round 2 Prize is a DVD collection, and the copy is followed by a trailer of For the Love of the Game.
The Round 3 Prize is a trip to the National Cartoon Museum in Florida plus four tickets to see The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle.
During the post-game chat, Vanna plays with Pat's Etch A Sketch.
On May 19:
The Round 2 puzzle HAIR ? PAINT ? HIGH ? (Roller) is the last Fill In the Blank to have its question marks at the end instead of the beginning.
The Round 3 Prize is a trip to the Universal Studios Hollywood plus four tickets to the premiere of Chicken Run.
Contestant Marywilla calls a correct G in the Speed-Up but is not credited with $1,600. This ends up not mattering, as she does not solve.
May 22 is Family Week. During this week:
The set is a replica of Universal Studios, interestingly the scene of Family Week earlier in the season.
The $25,000 envelope with the two-row logo on the inside of its top flap is used in the Bonus Round.
On May 22:
No vowels are bought in Round 1.
The Round 1 puzzle TOUR GUIDE is followed by a Puzzler of RIGHT THIS WAY. The former is shorter than ten letters and a rare instance of the Puzzler being longer than the puzzle before it.
The Jackpot graphics change fonts before after the second letter is called, likely suggesting a "null" cycle.
On May 23:
The letters for the Puzzler are already on the board when it is revealed.
The Puzzler CALLING THE SHOTS is a tie for the longest answer to be used in that round, at 15 letters.
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to Spencer Gifts.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 4 are Thing, while the Puzzler (Round 1) and Round 3 are Phrase.
On May 24:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 Yahoo! shopping spree.
The maingame ends without a Speed-Up for the next-to-last time.
Vanna and her daughter Giovanna model a Bushnell telescope as the consolation prize.
On May 25:
Vanna wears the dress seen on the Wheel of Fortune 2nd Edition PC game.
The Preview Puzzle TULSA is a tie for the shortest answer to be used there.
Round 2 is FIGURING OUT A WHEEL OF FORTUNE PUZZLE followed by a Puzzler of CASH & PRIZES. The latter is also one of only five instances of an ampersand in a Puzzler.
The Speed-Up puzzle DRY ICE AGE is shorter than ten letters and a tie for the shortest Before & After.
The Preview Puzzle and Round 3 are On the Map.
Contestant Ben is brought back during the post-game chat to meet Vanna.
On May 26:
There are two contestant named Jody/Jodie (albeit spelled differently and on different teams).
Round 1 (THE STATE OF ILLINOIS) is a rare instance of On the Map including a descriptive term.
A dollar sign is used for the only time in gameplay: specifically, the Round 2 Fill In the Number puzzle DO NOT PASS GO DO NOT COLLECT $### ($200).
Contestants Kelly and Jody solve the bonus puzzle A BRIEF CHAT before the timer can start.
The Bonus Round Prize won is free airfare for a year, valued at $15,000.
Neither Thing nor Phrase is used.
May 29 is Big Money Week. During this week:
A dollar sign is projected into the center of the Wheel.
The set decorations include giant coins and a Brinks truck.
All of the Bonus Round prizes are cash, including $20,000 in then-new Sacagawea $1 coins.
The $25,000 envelope with the two-row logo on the inside of its top flap is used in the Bonus Round.
On May 29:
The Round 2 Prize is a $2,500 MAC Cosmetics gift certificate.
The Round 2 puzzle APRIL SHOWERS BRING MAY FLOWERS is categorized as Phrase instead of Rhyme Time. It is also not left-justified, even though such an arrangement could have fit on the board.
The Puzzler (Round 1), Round 4, and Bonus Round are Thing(s).
In reference to the Round 1 puzzle GIRL SCOUT COOKIE SALE, Vanna talks about when she was a girl scout and Pat uses a piece of cardboard to pretend she is knocking on his door during the post-game chat.
On May 30:
The Round 3 puzzle GREENWICH VILLAGE is categorized as Place instead of On the Map.
Round 4 (RUB-A-DUB-DUB) has only three unique consonants.
No vowels are bought in Round 4.
Contestant Erica solves the bonus puzzle CHICKEN BROTH before the timer can start.
The Puzzler (Round 2) is Things, while Round 5 and the Bonus Round are Thing.
On May 31:
The Round 2 Prize is $2,500 credit to Clava Leather.
The Preview Puzzle, Puzzler (Round 1) and Bonus Round are Thing(s).
During the post-game chat, Pat shows off one of the Sacagawea coins.
June 2000[]
On June 1:
No vowels are bought in Rounds 1, 3, or 4.
Round 1 is TELEVISION ANNOUNCER followed by a Puzzler of BROUGHT TO YOU BY; after the latter is not solved, Pat has Charlie read off the answer.
The Jackpot graphic changes fonts, suggesting that a "null" cycle was edited out.
Contestant Steve accidentally asks for a "zero" in Round 3 instead of a O, but corrects himself causing Pat to laugh.
Contestant Jeannie wins by $50.
The Puzzler, Round 3, and Bonus Round are Phrase.
All the puzzles are very short, with Round 1 being the longest at only 19 letters.
On June 2:
The Preview Puzzler and Puzzler are used for the last time. Their answers are STEAK FRIES and MAID OF HONOR (after Round 2), respectively.
The Round 2 Prize is a rare coin collection valued at $2,500.
No vowels are bought in Round 3.
After winning the game, contestant Pat pulls a Beanie Baby out of her pocket and holds it for the rest of the episode; strangely, this is not commented on.
Contestant Pat accidentally calls an N in the Bonus Round, something which Pat Sajak does not acknowledge until an offstage voice can be heard pointing this out.
Contestant Pat solves the bonus puzzle TOUGH IT OUT before the timer can start.
