Wed May 21 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Wheel of Fortune Shakes Things Up: Friends Compete for Cash and Bragging Rights
**LOS ANGELES, CA** – Wheel of Fortune, America’s beloved game show, is undergoing another significant change, this time focusing on contestant selection. Hosts Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White announced the new format via social media, revealing that for the first time, contestants will be groups of friends who already watch the show together.
“It’s a friendly wheel rivalry all this week as we introduce something new,” Seacrest shared on the show’s official Instagram account. White added, “For the first time, our groups of contestants know each other. They’re all-wheel fans who watch the show together, and they’re playing for cash and prizes, but also for the ultimate victory: bragging rights.”
The change, which began on Monday, May 12th with a group of firefighter friends, is part of a series of updates implemented since Seacrest took over hosting duties from Pat Sajak. Previous changes include a new puzzle board, graphics, and contestant introduction format.
While the show touts the new format as “spicing things up,” fan reactions online have been mixed. Some viewers appreciate the dynamic between friends competing, while others dislike the concept, particularly the revised million-dollar wedge rules, which now require all three contestants to avoid bankruptcy in order to win.
One Reddit user expressed enthusiasm, saying, “I really enjoyed the dynamic of them all being friends, and while I know it shouldn’t be the norm, I’d love to see it more often.” However, another commented, “Not a fan of this concept and making the million dollar wedge a group prize is stupid.”
It remains to be seen whether this change in casting will become a permanent fixture on Wheel of Fortune. The show is actively soliciting feedback from viewers on the new format and what other changes they would like to see.
First Piper 