‘Wheel of Fortune’ Grows in Syndication and Streaming as Season 44 Introduces New Gameplay (EXCLUSIVE)

“Wheel of Fortune” introduced some new features for its Season 44, and it appears to be paying off with viewers. The long-running syndicated game show is averaging 8.59 million viewers in linear this year, up 17% from last year, while its household rating is a 4.8, up 16% from last year. Meanwhile, producer Sony Pictures Television also reports that “Wheel of Fortune” on streaming is up 78% with total viewers and up 29% with adults 25-54. (“Wheel of Fortune” streams on Peacock, Hulu and Hulu on Disney+). Sony said the show reaches a total of nearly 37 million total viewers so far this season and says “Wheel” is the No. 1 entertainment program on TV. In Season 44, “Wheel of Fortune” gameplay added a new opening round, dubbed “Fortune Frenzy,” which follows contestants as they’re given 30 seconds to solve as many puzzles as possible. That means more puzzles at the start of the show. Sony said the ratings increase also comes as it assumes marketing, promotions and affiliate relations for “Wheel.” A year ago, CBS Media Ventures and Sony Pictures TV settled their long-running battle over the distribution of “Wheel” and “Jeopardy.” As part of their settlement, Sony took over international distribution of “Wheel” last year, while CBS kept domestic distribution through 2027-2028 (at which point Sony takes it over). CBS continued to handle marketing, promotions and affiliate relations last year, but all of that moved to Sony starting this fall. “We’ve been very deliberate about using audience insights to inform how we evolve ‘Wheel of Fortune,’ introducing meaningful changes that keep the format fresh while protecting what has made the franchise so enduring,” said Sony Pictures TV president of game shows Suzanne Prete in a statement. “At a time when the broader linear landscape is challenged, growing our audience and ranking as the No. 1 entertainment series on television is a strong validation of that approach. We’re particularly proud of the tremendous growth we’re seeing on streaming, which reflects our continued focus on expanding the reach of ‘Wheel’ and meeting audiences wherever and however they choose to watch.” “Wheel” is produced by Sony Pictures TV, distributed by CBS Media Ventures and executive produced by Bellamie Blackstone. Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White are hosts. The show is distributed in syndication, including ABC-owned stations in key markets and streams on Peacock, Hulu, Hulu on Disney+ and Canada’s Crave the day after broadcast.