The bonus puzzle on Tuesday’s Wheel of Fortune episode has faced online criticism, with many claiming it’s not even a thing. Contestant Amy progressed to the final round by amassing an impressive $27,510 in cash for solving the most puzzles on the long-running show. With “Thing” and “Place” as the final categories, Amy opted for “Place.”
Veteran host Pat Sajak escorted her to the puzzle board where a three-word puzzle awaited. Amy opted for an extra “MCHI” to assist her. The board displayed “_I_E EM_T_ _ IEL” and soon after, the 10-second timer began.
Amy made some guesses, proposing the terms “Pile” and “Immense field.” As the timer expired, Sajak chuckled and informed her that she was mistaken. Upon discovering it was “Wide Empty Field,” Amy frowned. Players at home were equally displeased.
‘Wheel of Fortune’ Fans Were Mixed on the Ruling
The puzzle received criticism from viewers on X, previously known as Twitter, with numerous users contending that a “Wide Empty Field” is a nonexistent concept.
“@WheelofFortune There is no such thing as a ‘Wide Empty Field’ I will make a list of what is in a field. 1. Grass (A field has grass) otherwise it is not a field. 2. There is always insects in a field. 3. There [are] always plants ( some flowering) in a field,” one viewer wrote.
Still, other Wheel of Fortune fans defended the ruling. “Actually the term “wide empty field” does exist,” one fan replied. “You’re reaching. Just because you couldn’t think of the answer in 10 seconds doesn’t mean none of us could,” another confident viewer wrote.
However, the disappointment on Amy’s face was fleeting. Although she missed the final $40,000 prize, she had already won a substantial sum on the show and earned a trip to Iceland, courtesy of National Geographic.
The long-running game show is set for big changes after Sajak’s retirement at the end of the 41st season starting in September 2023. Shortly after his announcement, Ryan Seacrest, the host of American Idol, was swiftly appointed as his successor.
In September 2021, Sajak alluded to retiring from Wheel of Fortune. “We’re certainly closer to the end than the beginning,” he told Entertainment Tonight at the time. ” I’d like to leave before people tune in and look at me and say, ‘Ooh, what happened to him?'”