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[02/17/09 - 11:32 AM]
Wheel of Fortune Celebrates 5,000 Episodes on February 27
"This may be the show that's never canceled," said Pat Sajak. "We intended to do a little game and have a little fun, but we have become a part of people's lives." |
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| [via press release from CBS Television Distribution] |
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WHEEL OF FORTUNE CELEBRATES 5,000 EPISODES ON FEBRUARY 27
Culver City, CA (February 17, 2009) -- Wheel of Fortune, an iconic part of American culture for 26 years, hits a new milestone on February 27, 2009 when it celebrates 5,000 shows, an achievement few shows have accomplished.
Today, Wheel of Fortune is one the most successful syndicated programs in television history, garnering over 34 million viewers a week. Over the course of 5,000 episodes, Wheel of Fortune has welcomed more than 15,000 contestants, awarded nearly $200 million in cash and prizes and traveled and taped on location 56 times in front of live audiences totaling more than 350,000 fans.
"This may be the show that's never canceled," said Pat Sajak. "We intended to do a little game and have a little fun, but we have become a part of people's lives."
While the setting may have changed over the years, morphing into today's high-tech HD set, the core of the show remains the same, which is exactly what viewers will see during the 5,000th episode. Each night viewers tune in to hear Pat Sajak's witty remarks, see what Vanna White is wearing and watch contestants' sometimes outrageous antics when they celebrate their big money wins. Some have been known to jump into Pat's arms, kiss his shoes and even sneak a hug from Vanna.
"Our goal is always to keep the shows as fresh and exciting as possible while staying true to the original concept," said Harry Friedman, executive producer of Wheel of Fortune.
Since the show debuted in syndication in1983, over 200 other game shows have come and gone, while Wheel of Fortune still retains its #1 ranking in the ratings. Wheel of Fortune is produced by Sony Pictures Television, a Sony Pictures Entertainment Company. It is distributed domestically by CBS Television Distribution and internationally by CBS Paramount International Television, both units of CBS Corp.
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[03/03/26 - 11:01 AM]
Here Come the VIPs: Celebrities Are Entering the World of "Squid Game"
With more on the line than ever before, players and celebrity VIPs enter the "Squid Game: The VIP Challenge" for the chance at winning it all.
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[03/03/26 - 11:01 AM]
Lacey Chabert and Scott Michael Foster Star in "Paris Is Always a Good Idea" A New, Limited Series Premiering Later This Year Exclusively on Hallmark+
Based on the bestselling romance novel of the same name by Jenn McKinlay, the six-episode limited series is shooting on location in Paris and Spain.
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[03/03/26 - 10:42 AM]
"Foul Play with Anthony Davis" Star Studded Lineup Including LeBron James, Jordan Chiles, Tara Lipinski, Howie Mandel, Cooper Flagg, Puka Nacua and More Ignite the Ultimate Prank Wars
Hosted by 10-time NBA All-Star and Washington Wizards' Anthony Davis, the series will premiere on Monday, April 6 following the NCAA Championship Game and will simulcast across TBS,?TNT?and truTV.
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[03/03/26 - 10:16 AM]
NBC Renews Innovative Reality Travel Competition Series "Destination X" for Season Two
Produced by Twofour and Universal Television Alternative Studio, a division of Universal Studio Group, production on "Destination X" will begin later this year.
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[03/03/26 - 10:02 AM]
HBO Original Documentary Series "Born to Bowl" Debuts March 16
The series takes viewers inside the colorful world of professional bowling, chronicling five stars of the sport - Kyle Troup, Anthony Simonsen, EJ Tackett, Cameron Crowe, and Jason Belmonte - as they chase glory, respect, and much-needed prize money on the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA) Tour.
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[03/03/26 - 10:01 AM]
"Little House on the Prairie" Renewed for Season 2 Ahead of Series Premiere
Netflix's upcoming adaptation of Laura Ingalls Wilder's enduring, almost 100-year-old book series about growing up in the American West in the 1800s, will premiere on July 9, 2026 - and it's already coming back for more.
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[03/03/26 - 09:43 AM]
OWN Celebrates Women's History Month with a Special OWN Spotlight Honoring the Life and Legacy of Roberta Flack
"OWN Spotlight: Roberta" airs Thursday, March 12 at 9pm ET/PT on OWN.
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[03/03/26 - 09:09 AM]
TNT Sports Announces Multi-Year Extensions with Jimmy Rollins and Jeff Francoeur
MLB Tuesday on TBS will open its 2026 regular season coverage on Tuesday, March 31, with a matchup of baseball's home run leaders from the past two seasons: 2025 Home Run Champion Cal Raleigh and the Seattle Mariners will host 2024 Home Run Champion Aaron Judge and the New York Yankees at 9:30 p.m. ET.
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[03/03/26 - 09:06 AM]
Meet Your Max and Chloe in the Upcoming "Life Is Strange" Series on Prime Video
Tatum Grace Hopkins and Maisy Stella have been cast as Max Caulfield and Chloe Price, respectively.
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[03/03/26 - 09:01 AM]
The History Channel Announces Global Rollout of Landmark Series "World War II with Tom Hanks" Launching This Memorial Day
The landmark 20-episode documentary series reexamines World War II through the lens of a new century, offering a deeply human portrait of how the modern world was forged in the fires of global conflict.
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[03/03/26 - 08:54 AM]
Intense, Action-Packed Ukrainian Series "Double Stakes" Makes Exclusive U.S. Debut Thursday, March 19, 2026 on European Streamer Viaplay
Arriving at a cultural moment when American audiences are hungry for authentic stories from Ukraine, this eight-part series blends the moody atmospherics of Nordic Noir with the gritty realism of a modern Ukraine.
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[03/03/26 - 08:31 AM]
Roku Adds Apple TV to Premium Subscriptions
Using their Roku account, customers can now subscribe to Apple TV through Premium Subscriptions on The Roku Channel to access Apple TV's premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries, live sports, and kids and family entertainment in one seamless experience.
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[03/03/26 - 08:31 AM]
Video: "Untold: The Death & Life of Lamar Odom" - Official Trailer - Netflix
This documentary traces the life of Lamar Odom, from his rise to NBA fame and marriage to Khloé Kardashian to his near-fatal overdose in a Nevada brothel.
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[03/03/26 - 08:03 AM]
HGTV Star Designers Team Up with Celebrities for the Ultimate Las Vegas Gamble in a New Season of Blockbuster Hit "Rock the Block"
HGTV's highest-rated series, which attracted over 16.6 million viewers across linear and streaming to its last run, will return for seven fresh episodes hosted by popular carpenter, craftsman and design expert Ty Pennington and take the ultimate gamble on four unexpected duos.
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[03/03/26 - 08:01 AM]
The Whispers Are True... Prime Video Reveals Premiere Date for "The Legend of Vox Machina" Season Four
Season four will have a three episode weekly rollout on Prime Video beginning June 3, 2026.
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