Wheel of Fortune has always been a staple of American television, but the week of October 20, 2025, delivered a particularly colorful and unforgettable set of episodes that had viewers glued to their screens and social media buzzing. The beloved game show, now co-hosted by Ryan Seacrest and Vanna White, unveiled a dazzling new set and witnessed some of the season’s most dramatic—and historic—moments.
As reported by TV Insider, the show’s studio was transformed into a candy-themed wonderland for the aptly named "Living the Sweet Life" week. The set was nothing short of a confectionary dream: giant gummy bears, swirling lollipops, an ice cream stand, and Twizzlers adorned the stage, while the iconic Wheel of Fortune logo was recreated out of gummy candy and surrounded by Swedish Fish. Vanna White herself seemed delighted, exclaiming, “This is one of the most colorful, fun sets we’ve ever had. Beautiful!” Ryan Seacrest, joining her at center stage, quipped, “It looks delicious, actually.” Fans online echoed their excitement, with one YouTube viewer writing, “I like the candy-themed set!!!” and another adding, “I love this week! All about candy! I could just eat the stage!”
But it wasn’t just the set design that got people talking. The competition itself was fierce, filled with memorable moments and a dash of heartbreak. Wendell Hundall of Aurora, Colorado, kicked off the week in style by nabbing the first toss-up puzzle, solving “I Want Candy” with lightning speed and earning himself $1,000. His quick thinking made him an early favorite among viewers.
However, the spotlight soon shifted to Rob Schwandt, a teacher from Riverside, California. Schwandt’s journey was a rollercoaster—he made a humorous blunder during a toss-up, guessing “Banana Dress” for the puzzle “What Are You Wearing?” The audience roared with laughter, and Reddit users couldn’t help but poke fun. “Banana Dress. I don’t feel too bad about laughing — Rob ended up the big winner anyway,” one fan commented. Schwandt shook off the mistake and came back strong, solving the Prize Puzzle “Wanderlust-Worthy” to win a trip to Spain and $18,598. He then went on a tear, sweeping all three Triple Toss-Ups and finishing the night with a robust $30,298.
Emily Wong, a twin mom from Fresno, rounded out the contestant trio, taking home the standard $1,000 consolation prize. Hundall, despite his strong start, finished with $12,900. But it was Schwandt’s performance in the Bonus Round that would leave fans with a bittersweet taste.
Joined on stage by his wife, mother, and two children, Schwandt selected “Person” as his final category. After the standard letters appeared, he added “H, M, C, and A,” but the puzzle “VISIONARY FILMMAKER” proved elusive. As the seconds ticked away, Schwandt guessed, “Visionary… not commander. Mayor?” But time ran out. The correct answer was revealed, and Schwandt let out a groan as he realized he had just missed out on a brand-new Toyota. Ever the gracious host, Ryan Seacrest gave Schwandt a reassuring tap on the arm and said with a smile, “Hey, you still walk away with over $30,000.”
While Schwandt’s near-miss in the Bonus Round was the talk of the night, the week also featured some record-breaking wins and rapid-fire puzzle solving that kept the excitement levels high. According to ComingSoon.net and TV Insider, Christina Derevjanik made Wheel of Fortune history on September 30, 2025, by winning the $1 million grand prize—an achievement matched by only three other players in the show’s long run. Derevjanik, reflecting on her win, told the production team, “I was trying to manifest this. I was hoping for confetti, but I never thought it would actually happen.” Vanna White was quick to congratulate her, expressing genuine happiness for the milestone. Ryan Seacrest, visibly moved, told her, “Congratulations, you’re my first million-dollar winner. I have a tear in my eye.”
The week was also notable for its challenging and clever puzzles. On October 20, 2025, the Bonus Round answer was “MY OLD HAUNTS” in the category Places. The night’s puzzles ranged from “THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL” (On The Map) and “WASH YOUR HANDS!” (Travel Tips) to “ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE” (Opposites Attract) and “THE WILD WILD WEST” (Place). The variety kept contestants and viewers alike on their toes, with the show’s signature blend of wordplay and wit on full display.
Friday, October 17, delivered another standout moment when Jodi Hope, a hairstylist from Chesapeake, Virginia, stunned both the audience and Ryan Seacrest by solving the Bonus Round puzzle with remarkable speed. Hope, who has been working as a hairstylist for nearly three decades, couldn’t resist giving Seacrest’s hair a professional touch—and even brought him a hair dryer as a gift. Competing against Sabrina Hall from Warner Robins, Georgia, and John Meneghini from Woolridge, Illinois, Hope walked away with a total of $75,000 after her lightning-fast finish.
The new seasons of Wheel of Fortune and Celebrity Wheel of Fortune, both hosted by Seacrest and White, are already in full swing. Episodes air weeknights, with next-day streaming available on Peacock, Hulu, and Disney+, making it easier than ever for fans to stay caught up on the latest twists and turns.
For puzzle enthusiasts, October 2025 provided a treasure trove of memorable answers and clever clues. The week of October 20 alone included toss-ups like “I CHANGED MY MIND,” “I HAD A CHANGE OF HEART,” and “I NEED AN OIL CHANGE”—all under the category Phrase. Regular puzzles such as “SLEEPING BAG OF TRICKS” (Before & After) and “CAN YOU FEEL THE LOVE TONIGHTS” (Song Title) showed the show’s knack for blending pop culture with wordplay.
Beyond the game, Wheel of Fortune’s October episodes also featured special sweepstakes, like the Fanday Funday contest, offering prizes from trips to Ireland to gift cards and even a Denago EV Rover Golf Cart. These promotions added an extra layer of excitement for viewers playing along at home.
In a season filled with vibrant sets, heartfelt victories, and a few tough losses, Wheel of Fortune continues to charm audiences both old and new. Whether it’s a record-setting million-dollar win, a candy-coated dreamscape, or a contestant’s hilarious misstep, the show proves that after all these years, it still has plenty of surprises up its sleeve.
