Wheel of Fortune Fans Fume Over Contestant’s Bonus Round Blunder

TRIANGLE, Vt. — A controversial decision during Wednesday night’s episode of “Wheel of Fortune” has sparked outrage among fans, as contestant Tamika Star‘s Bonus Round letter choices left viewers frustrated and questioning her strategy.

Star, a singer from Triangle, Vermont, who works with the armed forces, faced off against Max Nussenbaum of Brooklyn, New York, and Rebecca Levin of San Diego, California. After winning the main game with $16,400, Star advanced to the Bonus Round, where she chose the “What Are You Doing?” category. The puzzle displayed: “_ _ _ _ N _ / _ R _ _ N _.”

Star selected the letters I, G, C, and D, revealing the puzzle as “_ _ _ I N G / _ R _ _ N _.” Fans were quick to criticize her choices, as the “What Are You Doing?” category typically starts with a word ending in -ING, making the selection of I and G redundant. Star failed to solve the puzzle, missing out on an additional $40,000.

Viewers took to social media to express their frustration. “Nothing makes me more angry on this show than someone saying I & G on a ‘What Are You Doing’ final puzzle,” one fan wrote. Another added, “I SCREAMED at the TV tonight. When they pick I and G and lose, I scream, ‘Serves you right!!!'”

Some fans defended Star, pointing out that letters like I and G can appear multiple times in a puzzle. One user noted, “Including today, ‘What Are You Doing?’ has been chosen in syndication 232 times. 73 of them had no additional I or G, which is about 31%.”

The backlash comes amid broader criticism of the show’s recent puzzles and gameplay. With Ryan Seacrest taking over as host for Season 42, some fans have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as “goofy” puzzles and weaker contestants.

Despite the controversy, “Wheel of Fortune” continues to draw strong ratings, proving its enduring popularity among viewers.