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The most viral Wheel of Fortune moments since Ryan Seacrest started hosting

Entertainment gossip and news from Newsweek's network of contributors

Wheel of Fortune Fans have witnessed some hilarious and unforgettable moments since Ryan Seacrest took over the role of Pat Sajak in Season 42.

In September 2024, Seacrest began his hosting duties for the long-running game show, joining Vanna White and replacing beloved host Pat Sajak, who had previously been there wheel He was there for 41 years before announcing his retirement in 2024. Although there have been some significant changes to the hit game show between a new host and a new set design, the show still offers all the laughs and funny moments it always has to offer, and Seacrest knows how to inject some humor into it an episode.

Here are some of the most viral moments since Seacrest's reign.

The most viral Wheel of Fortune moments since Ryan Seacrest started hosting
Ryan Seacrest attends the 2024 WWD Honors at Cipriani South Street on October 29, 2024 in New York City. In the 42nd season of the successful game show, some important new films were created – including many …


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Million Dollar Miss

One lucky participant, Vivian Tran, got the opportunity to play for $1 million in September 2024.

Seacrest introduced the bonus round by saying, “My heart is racing. This is a first for me.”

The puzzle category chosen was “What are you doing?” and Tran guessed the letters “C, H, M, I and P.” White updated the puzzle board to read “_ _ _ ERINGS _ ME HELP.” Tran then made a series of guesses and replied, “Are you looking for help? Respond to help? Can you find help? Are you looking for help? Are you asking for help?”

Unfortunately, time ran out before Tran could find the correct answer. Seacrest revealed that the puzzle was supposed to be to “offer some help.” What makes matters worse is that… American Idol The host showed Tran that the envelope was a million dollars.

“You were so close to that million dollars,” Seacrest explained, before reminding Tran that she still went home with $27,300.

Fans were devastated for the contestant who came so close to winning $1 million – a feat no one has achieved in a regular season since 2014. (Melissa Joan Hart made $1 million Celebrity bike of happiness in 2021.)

Jonas Brothers joke

Seacrest couldn't help but poke fun at a certain Jonas brother in a late October 2024 episode.

When getting to know the candidates Kayley and Caitlyn, the former Live with Kelly and Ryan The co-host asked them to talk about how much they enjoy going to concerts together.

“Last summer we went to two concerts. We went to see the Jonas Brothers and Ed Sheeran,” Caitlyn noted. Seacrest asked the girls, “Do you have a favorite Jonas brother?” Kayley replied, “Joe,” and Caitlyn said, “Nick.” Seacrest then scoffed and jokingly quipped, “Kevin is here tonight. Sorry, Kev!”

Even though Kevin Jonas wasn't present for the taping of the show, attendees still found Seacrest's joke hilarious and giggled on stage.

Bonus round flub

After winning an episode in early November 2024 and taking home $19,200, contestant Phoebe Huynh had a chance to win more money in the bonus round.

Huynh chose “food and drink” as the category for the round. She was given a few letters in the two-word puzzle labeled “_ _ N _ _ E _/ _ R _ _ T”, she chose the letters D, P, H and O White then updated the puzzle to “_ _ _ _ _ ED / _ R _ _ T.”

With only ten seconds on the clock, Huynh made three guesses, all of which turned out to be wrong: first she guessed “sun-dried grape,” then “sun-dried bird,” and finally “sun-dried cats.”

After time was up, Seacrest revealed, “It's not a 'sun-dried bird,' it's a 'candied fruit,'” as the contestant responded, “Well, I don't eat candied fruit,” to the On Air with Ryan Seacrest host laughed and asked, “Do you eat sun-dried birds?” Huynh then exclaimed, “No, I’m a vegetarian!”

Sausage situation

Coast Guard veteran Will Jordan appeared on the show's “Veterans Day” special, giving viewers a viral moment.

While answering a riddle, Jordan declared in response, “Give yourself a round of sausage.” Jordan was wrong, as another contestant correctly answered, “Give yourself a round of applause.”

Seacrest later joked, “Although, Will, I kind of liked yours better. That sounds better than just clapping now.”

Jordan later spoke to social media correspondent Maggie Sajak – Pat Sajak's daughter – about his mishap and he seemed to enjoy it.

“I'm telling you, when the lights are on and you know the stars and Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White, I'm just speechless, but when your retired dad watches the show, he might have a beer and laugh.” It was worth it,” Jordan noted.