This week, Wheel of Fortune shook things up by replacing strangers with friends. Three Rhode Island firefighters — Melissa “Missy” Porter, Darrin “Poppa” Gallagher, and Tim Stebenne — competed against each other in a first-of-its-kind episode. With 20+ years of shared service, their playful rivalry added heart and humor.
Fans praised the twist online, calling it “refreshing” and “fun.” The episode also brought back fan-favorite features like the Jackpot round and $1 Million wedge.
Gameplay was tight: Stebenne won a trip to Iceland, Gallagher scored one to Panama and swept the Triple Toss-Ups, and Porter closed with a win of her own. Gallagher ultimately took home $20,150.
But the Bonus Round stung — Gallagher missed “Taking a whiff,” losing out on $40,000. Viewers noted it was the show’s 11th straight Bonus Round loss, sparking both frustration and laughs online.
Despite the miss, the episode’s camaraderie and new dynamic have fans hoping for more like it. Wheel of Fortune may just be spinning into a bold, feel-good new chapter.
