The most viral ‘Wheel of Fortune’ moments since Ryan Seacrest started hosting

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Wheel of Fortune fans have experienced some hilarious and unforgettable moments since Ryan Seacrest took over from Pat Sajak in Season 42.

In September 2024, Seacrest began his hosting duties on the long-running game show, joining Vanna White and replacing beloved host Pat Sajak, who joined Wheel for 41 years before announcing his retirement in 2024. While there have been some major changes to the hit game show between a new host and set design, the show still delivers all the laughs and fun moments it always has, like Seacrest knows how to inject some humor into an episode.

Here are some of the most viral moments since Seacrest’s reign.

Million dollar miss

One lucky participant, Vivian Tran, got the chance to play for $1 million in September 2024.

Seacrest preceded the bonus round by saying, “My heart is racing. This is a first for me.”

The puzzle category chosen was “What are you doing?” and Tran guessed the letters “C, H, M, I and P.” White updated the puzzle board to read “_ _ _ ERINGS _ ME HELP.” Tran then made a series of guesses and responded, “Wondering if you need help?” Do you need help? Have you found help? Looking around for help? Limit for help?’

Unfortunately, time ran out before Tran could give the correct answer. Seacrest revealed that the puzzle was supposed to be “Provide Help.” To make matters worse, the American Idol host showed Tran that the envelope was $1 million.

“You were so close to that million dollars,” Seacrest said before reminding Tran that she still walked away with $27,300.

Fans were devastated for the contestant who came so close to winning the $1 million – a feat no one has accomplished in a regular season since 2014. (Melissa Joan Hart scored $1 million on Celebrity wheel of Fortune in 2021.)

Jonas Brothers joke

Seacrest couldn’t resist poking fun at a certain Jonas brother during a late October 2024 episode.

While getting to know contestants Kayley and Caitlyn, the former Live with Kelly and Ryan co-presenter asked them to talk about how they enjoy going to concerts together.

“Last summer we went to two concerts. We went to see the Jonas Brothers and Ed Sheeran,” Caitlyn noted. Seacrest asked the girls, “Do you have a favorite Jonas brother?” Kayley replied, “Joe,” and Caitlyn said, “Nick.” Seacrest then scoffed and jokingly said, “Kevin is here tonight. Sorry, Kev!’

Even though Kevin Jonas wasn’t actually present at the show’s taping, the contestants still found Seacrest’s joke hilarious, chuckling on stage.

Bonus round Flub

After winning an early November 2024 episode and taking home $19,200, contestant Phoebe Huynh was given the chance to win more money in the bonus round.

Huynh selected “Food and Drink” as the category for the round. She was given a few letters in the two-word puzzle: “_ _ N _ _ E _/ _ R _ _ T”, she chose the letters D, P, H and O — White then updated the puzzle to “_ _ ND _ ED / _ R _ _ T.”

With just ten seconds left on the clock, Huynh made three guesses, all of which turned out to be incorrect: first she guessed ‘Sun Dried Grape’, then ‘Sun Dried Bird’ and finally ‘Sun Dried Cats’.

After the time was up, Seacrest revealed, “It’s not a ‘sun-dried bird,’ it’s a ‘candied fruit.’ When the contestant responded, “Well, I don’t eat candied fruit,” the On Air with Ryan Seacrest The host laughed and asked, “Do you eat sun-dried birds?” Huynh then exclaimed, “No, I’m a vegetarian!”

Worst situation

Coast Guard veteran Will Jordan appeared on the show’s Veterans Day special, offering viewers a viral moment.

While answering a puzzle, Jordan declared, “Treat yourself a round of sausage,” as his answer. Jordan was wrong, as another participant answered correctly: “Give yourself a round of applause.”

Seacrest later joked, “Although, Will, I actually liked yours better.” That sounds better than just clapping now.’

Jordan later spoke to social media correspondent Maggie Sajak – Pat Sajak’s daughter – about his miss and he seemed to enjoy it all.

“I tell you when the lights are on, and you know the stars and Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White, it’s, I just went blank, but if your dad, retired, watches the show, maybe he’ll crack a beer and laugh he , it was worth it,” Jordan noted.