Wheel of Fortune Fans Upset Over This Tough Bonus Round Puzzle

“Wheel of Fortune” gave fans something to talk about this week, shaking up the familiar format with a bold and unexpected twist. For the first time in the show’s long history, Monday night’s episode didn’t feature strangers spinning the wheel. Instead, it brought together three close friends and longtime colleagues from a Rhode Island fire department to compete head-to-head. The trio—Melissa “Missy” Porter, Darrin “Poppa” Gallagher, and Tim Stebenne—have worked side by side for more than 20 years, and their chemistry was undeniable.

This wasn’t just about cash prizes. For these contestants, it was about pride, camaraderie, and a shot at being crowned the best “Wheel of Fortune” player among them. Porter kept things lighthearted, joking that she only makes meatballs when the show is on. Gallagher brought a cool confidence honed by years of seniority at the station, and Stebenne, the underdog, likened himself to David going up against a couple of Goliaths.

The episode’s unique dynamic didn’t go unnoticed. Viewers lit up social media with reactions to the new format. “This is so much better than playing in teams,” one fan gushed on Instagram. Another admitted, “I’m confused but obsessed with this dynamic.” The buzz spread quickly across Reddit and Twitter, where fans praised the emotional depth and natural humor that came from watching real-life friends compete instead of strangers.

Familiar elements of the show returned too, like the beloved Jackpot round, which began at zero and grew by $500 with each spin. Whoever solved the puzzle in that round would take the full jackpot—assuming they didn’t land on “Bankrupt.” The famous $1 Million wedge made an appearance as well, with Ryan Seacrest hosting and keeping the energy high as it remained in play into the Bonus Round.

Gameplay was tight from the start. Gallagher and Porter grabbed early momentum by solving the opening toss-up puzzles. Stebenne soon hit his stride, solving “Love-Hate Relationship” to win a trip to Iceland and following it with another round win. Gallagher, not to be outdone, nailed the puzzle “Lush Rainforest of Panama,” scoring his own vacation prize. He really turned up the heat during the Triple Toss-Ups, sweeping all three and banking an additional $10,000.

By the end of the night, Porter wrapped things up with a $6,000 puzzle solve—“Running Neck and Neck”—bringing her total to $7,000. Stebenne finished strong with $12,700, but it was Gallagher who walked away with the title and the top prize: $20,150 in winnings plus the Panama trip.

Then came the Bonus Round, and with it, a dose of heartbreak. Gallagher was given the category “What Are You Doing?” and, after choosing his letters, stared down the incomplete phrase: “TAK_NG A _ _ _ _ _.” He guessed “Taking a…” but couldn’t complete the puzzle. The correct answer? “Taking a whiff.”

Seacrest revealed that Gallagher had missed out on a $40,000 bonus prize. The moment added another notch to the show’s frustrating streak—this marked the 11th consecutive Bonus Round loss. Fans were quick to react online. “At this point, just let someone win already,” one YouTube commenter joked. Another added, “Who even uses the word ‘whiff’ anymore?”

Despite the letdown, viewers were largely impressed with the episode. The format refresh, the natural bond between contestants, and the familiar faces of Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White kept the experience engaging and heartfelt. Fans are hopeful this isn’t a one-time thing. It seems “Wheel of Fortune” may have stumbled onto a winning formula—not just by changing how people play, but by reminding everyone why they watch in the first place: the joy, the tension, and the human stories behind every spin of the wheel.