Theron Aiken

18November04

And The Wheel Goes Round and Round

            Television, from its earliest days, has lent itself to the game show. These shows have taken many forms, but those that have been successful have shared some of the same characteristics. Recently, “Wheel of Fortune” celebrated its 4000^th episode illustrating that if a game show has certain characteristics, it can last a long time on television. “Wheel of Fortune” has experienced longevity on television because viewers can relate to and are stimulated by all of the components of the show.

            One important component of any game show is the contestants, and “Wheel of Fortune” provides the viewer with contestants with whom he can identify. These contestants are everyday people from many walks of life and represent professions and lifestyles that are identifiable to the audience. Also, for variety, the show will pair contestants with celebrities and sports figures, depending on the locale from which they are filming or the theme of that particular episode. Furthermore, contestants are also paired in a variety of ways such as mothers and daughters, sisters, brothers, fathers and sons and a variety of other ways. This creates additional interest in the viewing audience based on personal identification with the paired contestants who are competing. In addition, contestants are chosen for their enthusiasm and always show grerat excitement when they win as well as encouragement for their fellow contestants. Pat Sadjak can usually expect to be hugged, “high-fived” or patted on the butt when a contestant wins a round. Also, the show is careful to represent different categories of people, male and female, young and old, and a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds so that viewers can relate to and identify with the contestants. By paying attention to the selection of contestants, “Wheel of Fortune” engages its audience and keeps it interested in the show from week to week.

            Another important component of any game show is, of course, its host. “Wheel of Fortune” has the advantage of having two hosts, Vanna White and Pat Sadjak. While Vanna does not speak much, she is visible on screen every time the puzzle board is shown to the audience. Also, Vanna is a beautiful woman who dresses very glamorously. Women in the viewing audience are anxious to see how Vanna will be dressed, and, of course, men in the audience are anxious to see her too. Pat, on the other hand, does most of the talking, and that plays into his strength as a host. Pat is very personable, makes contestants feel at ease and entertains the audience without stealing the show. Pat and Vanna have been “Wheel of Fortune’s” hosts since the beginning, but they both age very gracefully, continuing to provide the show with youthful appearance and enthusiasm throughout the years. The hosts of any game shows are important contributors to the shows’ success, and “Wheel of Fortune” has hit on two hosts who have helped build an audience for the show and who have kept the show entertaining for years.

            Finally, the wheel and puzzle board of “Wheel of Fortune” provide visual stimulation to the audience, keeping them glued to the screen throughout the show. The wheel is like any arcade, casino or carnival wheel in that there are good things that can happen with each spin of the wheel as well as bad. Often, only one click of the pointer marks the difference between a jackpot and bankrupt. As a result, contestants are never out of the running because the wheel can change the fortunes of contestants rapidly. In addition, the wheel contains special prizes ranging from vacation trips to new cars that contestants can win. Furthermore, all of the contestants get to take home all of their winnings even if they are not the overall winner for that episode, making every spin of the wheel important right up to the last. Likewise, the puzzle board, containing everyday titles, phrases and objects, provides constant visual and intellectual stimulation for the viewer. The audience will try to guess the puzzles as well as the contestants, and, in fact, viewers will find themselves trying to beat the contestant in solving the puzzle or criticizing the contestant for his letter selections. Both the wheel and the puzzle board provide visual stimulation, drama and excitement throughout each episode of “Wheel of Fortune.”

            All of these components of “Wheel of Fortune” involve and stimulate the viewing audience. Game shows will probably continue to be a part of television’s offerings for the light hearted entertainment that they provide. Future game show producers would be wise to study “Wheel of Fortune’s” components and to try to incorporate these same proven elements in new game shows.