“Wheel of Fortune” to celebrate 6,000th episode

The long-running, classic game show Wheel of Fortune will mark its 6,000th episode during the week of April 28-May 2, with each episode honoring the milestone.

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During what the show is calling “Wheel 6000 Week,” players will find a Wheel $6K wedge on the wheel, replacing the $5K wedge during the final rounds of play. Additionally, each day, two at-home Wheel Watchers Club members whose SPIN IDs are revealed will win $6,000 instead of the standard $5,000, as $5K Every Day becomes “$6K Twice a Day.” Co-hosts Pat Sajak and Vanna White will also be sharing memories of the show’s over-30-year run (it debuted in syndication in 1983).

Fun facts about Wheel of Fortune‘s 6,000 episodes:

* More than 10,000 people try out for the show each year; fewer than 600 are selected to appear on the program

* Inflation may have hit just about everything else, but not vowels on Wheel of Fortune — vowels have remained $250 throughout the show’s run

* Vanna White has worn 6,000 different outfits while at the puzzleboard

* Thirty-one years ago, Wheel of Fortune featured only six puzzle categories; there are now 46

Wheel of Fortune airs weekdays in syndication; check local listings for channel and time in your area.

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Photo credit: Carol Kaelson