“Wheel of Fortune” is a popular American game show conceived by Merv Griffin. Contestants compete by deciphering word puzzles akin to those in Hangman, aiming to win money and prizes determined by spinning a large carnival-style wheel. The original daytime edition aired on NBC from January 6, 1975, to June 30, 1989, then moved to CBS from July 17, 1989, to January 11, 1991, before returning to NBC from January 14 to September 20, 1991, when it was ultimately canceled. The daily syndicated version began on September 19, 1983.

Initially, the daytime show was hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford, with Charlie O’Donnell as the announcer. O’Donnell departed in 1980, followed by Woolery in 1981 and Stafford in 1982, with their roles filled by Jack Clark, Pat Sajak, and Vanna White, respectively. After Clark passed away in 1988, M. G. Kelly briefly took over as announcer until O’Donnell returned in 1989. O’Donnell continued with the daytime show until its cancellation and remained the announcer for the syndicated version until his death in 2010, after which Jim Thornton succeeded him. Sajak left the daytime show in January 1989 to host “The Pat Sajak Show,” a late-night talk show, and was succeeded by Rolf Benirschke. When the daytime show transitioned to CBS, Bob Goen replaced Benirschke and stayed on until the show’s cancellation. The syndicated version has consistently been hosted by Sajak and White since it started.