Long-Running Game Show 'Wheel of Fortune' Is Set to Return

Many shows had to shut down production when the first wave of the novel coronavirus disease hit the US. Now after a short hiatus, “Wheel of Fortune” is set to come back.

The game show “Wheel of Fortune” had to shut down its production studios earlier in the year when the novel coronavirus disease hit the US. The long-running show is now back in the studio.

However, several changes needed to be made to keep it COVID-19-friendly. The new episodes are set to start airing on September 14, 2020, at 7 p.m. EST.

Vanna White and Pat Sajak at the "Wheel of Fortune: 35 Years as America's Game" on November 15, 2017, in New York City | Photo: Jim Spellman/WireImage/Getty Images

NEW SEASON & CHANGING THINGS

This will be the 38th season of the series. At the end of July 2020, the show revealed it was changing things up to ensure the health and safety of its crew and contestants.

The wheel has been upgraded, according to “Deadline.” The platform surrounding the wheel has also been redesigned to accommodate six feet of space between the host Pat Sajak and the contestants.

HOW THE WHEEL WILL SPIN

A new curved monitor has also been created that surrounds the wheel. All contestants will also have their own spinning caps.

The caps fit over the spoke of the wheel so contestants can spin the wheel without touching it. The new minimum amount that can be won on the bonus wheel is now $38,000, in celebration of the show’s 38th season.

KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE

“Wheel of Fortune’s” production will also follow the local government’s safety guidelines. Testing protocols have also been put in place.

RESUMING PRODUCTION

In early August 2020, the game show resumed production. Fans had to do with reruns throughout most of the summer.

HOSTING THE SHOW

Sajak has been hosting the game show with the assistance of letter-turner Vanna White. The show had 6,000 episodes in April 2014, and White never wears the same dress for each episode.

SAJAK & WHITE MATCH

Sadly, she also doesn't get to keep any of the formal wear she’s seen with. The show that debuted in 1975 also has Sajak matching his tie to White’s dresses on every episode.

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