La Roue de la Fortune, one of France's most beloved game shows, is set to make its triumphant return to the small screen on M6 starting Monday, January 27, 2025, at 17:30. Originally airing on TF1 between 1987 and 2012, this iconic show has been revitalized with fresh twists and features, promising to delight both old fans and new viewers.
Hosted by the charismatic Éric Antoine, known for his role on another beloved show, Le Juste Prix, the new version of La Roue de la Fortune retains many elements of the beloved original. Each episode employs the classic format where three contestants face off over five rounds to solve word puzzles—participants spin the wheel, earning money for consonants and having to pay for vowels.
And what’s new? The show introduces several exciting twists to keep things interesting. Contestants will have the chance to return as champions to the next episode, allowing them to accumulate winnings over multiple days, reminiscent of popular shows like N’oubliez pas les paroles.
The famed wheel will now feature extra segments, including ‘L’échange’, where contestants can swap their current total with one of their opponents, and ‘Le diviseur’, which allows players to halve their rival’s earnings. Another fun addition is ‘La mini-roue’, which Éric Antoine himself spins, offering various surprises and magical moments to the game. The stakes remain high, with contestants vying for prizes including €20,000 or idyllic vacations.
M6 has taken care to preserve the show’s nostalgic flair with its vibrant color wheel and recognizable theme music, but has also made necessary adaptations for modern audiences. According to Pierre Guillaume Ledan, the channel's deputy program director, "Le retour d’un jeu, c’est un mélange subtil entre les souvenirs des téléspectateurs et un brin de nouveauté. Il faut aussi qu’on s’adapte avec notre temps. Nous avons considéré, avec Éric, qu’avoir une femme pour pousser des lettres, ce n’était plus d’actualité." This reflects the channel's intent to avoid outdated gender roles and provide a fresh take on the game show experience.
The decision not to include a female co-host marks a significant change from the original format. Historically, several well-known personalities, including Christophe Dechavanne and Victoria Silvstedt, have hosted the show alongside female partners. This new direction aims to align with contemporary values and maintain relevance with today’s viewers.
After the show’s last run on TF1 flopped with low ratings leading to its cancellation, M6 seeks to give La Roue de la Fortune the longevity it deserves. With the addition of inventive gameplay mechanics, M6 is betting on the revival of this classic format to capture the hearts of both nostalgic viewers and new fans alike.
Die-hard fans of the original show will likely appreciate familiar elements such as the danger of ‘banqueroute’ (which wipes out all accumulated winnings) and ‘hold-up’ (which allows contestants to steal from each other), alongside the thrill of solving puzzles and spinning the wheel for glory and cash.
This revival follows on the coattails of M6's recent success with other vintage programs, such as Le Juste Prix and Le Bigdil, which have proved popular with viewers yearning for familiar entertainment. Through these nostalgic offerings, the channel looks to carve out its place as the go-to network for iconic game shows.
Anticipation is high as La Roue de la Fortune prepares to grace screens once more, promising laughter, surprises, and plenty of good-natured rivalry. Tune in to M6 on January 27, 2025, to witness the magic the show has to offer under the guidance of the incomparable Éric Antoine. Whether you’re returning with fond memories or joining the fun for the first time, La Roue de la Fortune is set to deliver excitement and nostalgia every weekday afternoon.