Note: we are republishing this story which originally made the news in September 2024.

“Wheel of Fortune” viewers have never been shy about voicing their opinions, but now, some longtime fans are saying the game has become too predictable.

While past complaints have focused on puzzles being impossibly obscure, Thursday’s episode (January 30) sparked a new debate—was the Bonus Round just too simple?

 

The episode featured contestants Marilyn Harrod from Louisville, Kentucky, Shaun Terbeest from Waupun, Wisconsin, and Denise Robinson from Lihue, Hawaii. Each player had a solid start, but Robinson quickly took control, dominating key rounds and securing a massive lead. After solving puzzles in both the Mystery and Express rounds, she racked up $31,898 and an Alaskan tour package.

By the time the game reached the final stretch, Robinson had surged even further ahead, bringing her total winnings to a whopping $47,898. With her competitors trailing far behind—Terbeest at $10,250 and Harrod at $3,000—she advanced to the Bonus Round with a clear shot at even bigger winnings.

 

For her final puzzle, Robinson selected the “Place” category and chose the letters H, D, V, and A. That left her with: _ A N _ / V A _ L T

It didn’t take long before she confidently solved it: “Bank Vault.”

Her quick thinking added another $40,000 to her total, bringing her grand winnings to an impressive $87,898.

While it was a great night for Robinson, some fans watching at home weren’t exactly thrilled. Many took to social media to claim the Bonus Round puzzle was far too simple.

“That was literally the easiest final #WheelOfFortune I’ve ever seen in my life,” one X user commented.

 

Another added, “Is it just me, or are these puzzles getting way easier after RSTLNE?”

Several others chimed in:

“I solved it even before her extra letters were revealed.”

“I knew the answer just from RSTLNE—pretty sure they’ve used this one before in the 1980s.”

But the puzzle’s simplicity wasn’t the only thing frustrating viewers. Some were growing tired of the Bonus Round frequently landing on the $40,000 prize.

 

“What’s the purpose of the bonus wheel if it always lands on $40K? OK, maybe not always, but it feels like it happens constantly,” a YouTube commenter griped.

Another user wrote, “When was the last time the top prize was more than $40,000?”

One fan even crunched the numbers, pointing out, “104 shows so far this season… and still no million-dollar winner.”

With viewers calling for more variety in both puzzles and prizes, it remains to be seen if “Wheel of Fortune” will make any changes. But for now, the debate rages on—was Thursday’s Bonus Round too easy? Let us know what you think!