Currently in its 34rd season in syndication, Wheel of Fortune is America’s Game®. Created by Merv Griffin in 1975 as an NBC daytime show, Wheel of Fortune is based on the popular game “Hangman.” Pat Sajak and Vanna White have hosted the show since its debut in syndication in 1983. Jim Thornton became the show’s announcer in 2011.Three contestants compete by spinning The Wheel and calling out consonants for money or prizes. Once a contestant has earned money by spinning The Wheel and calling out a correct consonant, they are able to buy vowels for $250 each.The contestant who has won the most cash and prizes at the end of the main game is the big winner and plays in the “Bonus Round” for additional prizes. No one leaves Wheel of Fortune empty-handed; each contestant is awarded a minimum of $1,000 cash.