Channel 11 goes behind the scenes of ‘Wheel of Fortune’

Wheel of Fortune has been airing in homes for 50 years, giving you something to look forward to every evening!

The show starts with an iconic reveal to your hosts and stars of the show, Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White.

What you won’t see on your screen when you play along on Channel 11 is the warm, personable interaction and interplay the hosts have with the audience- and each other- during breaks in the taping.

Ryan and Vanna sat down with Channel 11 Anchor Jennifer Tomazic before a packed day of taping.

Vanna is a constant, a fan favorite, and a really nice person!

“It’s just who we really are. We’re not playing a role,” Ryan said. “I would not be a good actor.”

“That’s right, we are who we are,” Vanna said.

Ryan stepped into the hosting role in September, after Pat Sajak retired after four decades.

“It’s been seamless working with Vanna. She’s as everyone would expect her to be, lovely in every moment of the day. I think having known her for a long time made it more comfortable for me to come in,” Ryan said.

Contestants get a chance to practice before it’s time to tape. Then, the well-oiled machine that is Wheel of Fortune takes off.

The hosts are invested in the game, rooting for each contestant. And showing their disappointment when they make mistakes.

It’s as fast-paced in the studio as it is at home.

They crank out six shows, back-to-back, with about 15 minutes in between.

“I’d like 9,” Ryan joked.

Good thing Vanna tries on 20-30 dresses before the taping starts, so she can quickly change into the dress to match the theme. Those change each week, keeping it fresh for viewers.

Also new this season—the video floor in front of the wheel. Set changes over the years are documented on the wall outside the studio along with Vanna’s legendary fashion. But a lot has remained the same since she joined the show 42 years ago.

“People still love it. It’s a half an hour of family fun that anyone of all ages can enjoy and it makes the family come together,” Vanna said.

Because there’s nothing like solving the puzzle before someone else in your house!

“I wish we had cameras placed at some people’s homes to hear what they scream at the TV when contestants don’t solve the puzzle like they’re solving the puzzle at home,” Ryan said.

Being able to play along at home is partly what Vanna and Ryan credit with the success and longevity of Wheel of Fortune.

“If you’re walking by the TV and Wheel of Fortune is on, you are going to solve that puzzle before you move on, “ said Vanna.

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